Parsha Matot opens with a deceptively simple law: “If a person vows a vow…he shall not desecrate his word. He must do whatever he said.” (Bamidbar 30:3). From a psychological perspective, this is not just a halacha about speech. It’s about self-trust.
[Michael R. Mantell]
Parshiot Matot-Massei: Honor Your Vows Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Dispatch’s David Drucker published an article highlighting the Republican Jewish Coalition’s creation and remarkable growth over the last 40 years. The piece details the RJC’s evolution from a small advocacy group into the political powerhouse it is today.
Below is a short preview of the article. The piece can be read in its entirety here. (Press Release)
Republican Jewish Coalition Gains Clout in Washington D.C. Read More »
Jewish History, News Media, Press Release, USA
“Whether we approach this story as believers or skeptics, as historians or theologians, as archaeologists or from other fields of science,” he continued, “we encounter fundamental questions about freedom, community and hope that remain as urgent today as they were over 3,000 years ago.” [Mika Elizabeth Ono]
UC San Diego Conference Explores the Exodus Through Multiple Perspectives Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Holocaust Museum LA will close Aug. 4, 2025, as the museum ramps up construction on the expansion of its landmark Pan Pacific Park campus. [Press Release]
Holocaust Museum LA to Undergo Extensive Upgrade Read More »
California, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education
Many nations used military chaplains before and after the time of Moses. Military chaplains provided spiritual and moral support to soldiers. The US Chaplain Corps was established on 29 July 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized one ordained Chaplain, serving at the rank of Captain, for each regular regiment of the Continental Army. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Military Chaplains Date from Biblical Times Read More »
International, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The dedication of the 12th marker in the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project, Loch Sheldrake, was unveiled with regalement, nostalgia and historical significance July 17, 2025. North of 100 people attended. [Jerry Klinger]
Jewish History in the Catskills Memorialized Read More »
Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
Moises transcribed and translated an oral history taped in Spanish and Yiddish by his mother. Sherry blended Hinda’s account with historic research and fictional characters whom she extrapolated from Hinda’s remembrance into a rich and suspenseful novel. [Donald H. Harrison]
A man dressed as Elmo solicited tips and yelled antisemitic rants, earning the name Bad Elmo. The real Elmo, on the other hand, has a much better history of involvement with the Jewish community, including which of the following? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Elmo Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Anton and his younger brother Nikolai owed their musical talents and love for music to their mother. She came from the Prussian city of Breslau, which at that time was one of the centers of European culture and education, accessible even to Jews, for whom admission to educational institutions in Russia was very limited. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Anton Rubinstein, Musician Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s Back-to-School Backpack Drive is in full swing. This mitzvah helps families prepare for school and sends students off on the right track with everything they need in a backpack. JFS’s goal is to provide 500 kids with bags filled with school supplies. [Cailin Acosta]
School Days! Believe It or Not, They’re Coming Soon Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
“Federation is where memory meets mission, and where we honor the past while building for the future. ” [Jeff Schindler]
Jeff Schindler Tells His Priorities as New Chair of Jewish Federation of San Diego Read More »
Holocaust, Jewish History, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This week, we mourn the devastating violence against Druze civilians in Syria and stand in solidarity with our Israeli Druze brothers and sisters as they respond with courage and heartbreak. The escalation along the Israeli-Syrian border underscores the deep interconnection of our communities and the urgency of global attention. [Press Release]
Jewish Federation’s Summary of Israeli Wartime Developments Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County
– Art historian Jonathan Lackman and graphic artist Zachary J. Pinson have subtitled their collaboration “Maria Lani & the Greatest Art Heist That Never Was” and that formulation requires a bit of explanation. [Donald H. Harrison]
‘The Woman With 50 Faces’ Documents a Stunning Art World Con Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Middle Eastern political and military construct has changed dramatically after Iran’s and its proxies’ defeat. [Steve Kramer]
Israel’s Strength May Result in Expansion of Abraham Accords Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA