By David Jelenko and Steve Hofstetter Dear [People on My Facebook Page/Friends], With [two days off of work/Rosh Hashanah] over, it’s time to look forward to Yom Kippur. And as always, that means [apologizing for stuff that isn’t my fault/penance], because [God says I have to/it’s always good to take stock of where things stand
Yom Kippur Mass Apology Form Read More »
Jewish Religion
Itamar Makes Friends: A Children’s Story of Jewish Brotherhood by Josh Hasten, illustrated by S. Kim Glassman, Geffen Kidz, Jerusalem, 2011, ISBN 978-965-229-567-5. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – This is a simple morality tale, but as is true with this genre, it raises some important questions, possibly even controversy. In brief, the story
He ain’t no country bumpkin; he’s my brother Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish ReligionSAN DIEGO (Press Release)–“Music and Resistance” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26, will be an evening of music sung and played during some of the darkest days of the Holocaust, according to San Diego State University’s Jewish Studies Program which is sponsoring the on-campus event at Rhapsody Hall. Sung by Jews and Roma, these are
SDSU organizes Oct. 26 ‘Music and Resistance’ concert Read More »
Jewish Religion
By Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — Religion is on the front-burner for many, particularly in the Jewish community, as we celebrate the birthday of creation through Rosh Hashanah, and then the more severe interlude of introspection and soul-cleansing of Yom Kippur. Religion doesn’t always work, but these days it is definitely working. And people
Which of the 10 Commandments is the most important? Read More »
Jewish Religion
SAN DIEGO — We’re always pleased when we see Hebrew names on personalized license plates. Recently our license-plate-spotter-in-chief, Melanie Rubin, noticed two on California plates: Aryeh 1 and Avivaa. The latter also incorporates a heart.
Two travelling Hebrew names Read More »
Jewish Religion, Melanie Rubin
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO—At a recent ceremony marking the beginning of a year-long celebration of Congregation Beth Israel’s sesquicentennial, Rob Levi shared with me a copy of his book about his great-grandfather, Adolph Levi, one of the founders of the Reform congregation. Although he researched and published the book primarily for family use—and
The Levis’ personal Jewish history of San Diego Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History
By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — Every day since we entered the Hebrew month of Elul we have sounded the Shofar during morning minyan. The Shofar reminds us of the upcoming Holy Days, and that we should begin to spend more time directing our hearts and minds toward heaven. One of the central themes
Keeping ourselves from spiritual harm Read More »
Jewish Religion
By Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO — Reb Yisroel Salanter, one of the greatest Rabbis of his generation, was set to say mourners kaddish in shul. At that shul, in those times, the custom was for only one mourner to say kaddish at each service. Reb Yisroel was designated for that particular service. Saying kaddish
Memorable acts of kindness by a rebbe and a bar mitzvah boy Read More »
Jewish ReligionCompiled by San Diego Jewish World staff Report From Israel Southwestern Jewish Press, August 24, 1956, Pages 1, 4. By Albert A. Hutler Executive Director of United Jewish Fund of San Diego TIRAH, Israel – This is a sleepy little Arab village. Down its cobbled, twisting, narrow lanes go camels, donkeys, berobed men, women balancing
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, August 24,1956, Part 1 Read More »
Adventures in SD History, Jewish HistoryBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — There is an old story told about a small yeshiva’s rowing team that never won a match. They finally decided to send an observer over to another school to see how they could improve their performance. The volunteer returned and was excited to share his observations. “I know
Leadership not as important as leader’s direction Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — One of the most powerful men in history once told his people that they really ought to fill up a basket with their best fruit and bring it to the priest. In fact, this is what Moses instructed the Hebrews to do when they settled in the land that
Gathering the first fruit Read More »
Jewish Religion
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO—Congregation Beth Israel returned on Thursday night, Sept. 15, to its original home to install the president and board of directors who will preside over the Reform congregation’s sesquicentennial celebrations in the forthcoming year of the Hebrew calendar. Like the congregation, the building to which Beth Israel’s board members and
Installation of officers inaugurates Beth Israel’s sesquicentennial Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish HistoryBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — When I was a counselor at Camp Ramah in Ojai, California, the director was Dr. Walter Ackerman, a well-known and formidable educator. He was not the easiest man to approach and the staff was in awe of him. He seemed second only to God in stature and authority.
Finding and caring for lost property Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO–Yosef Greenwald* was hired to work as an Information Technology Professional for Bond-Oppenheim Ltd. While working there, Bond-Oppenheim announced that they were eliminating their IT department. They were going to contract with Infosol Ltd. to provide their IT needs. About half of the IT professionals lost their jobs. The rest
An unexpected benefit of High Holy Days observance Read More »
Jewish Religion