Vice President Kamala Harris, in a Pennsylvania Town Hall moderated by Cable News Network’s Anderson Cooper, offered three suggestions Wednesday night for fighting antisemitism. [Donald H. Harrison]
VP Harris on Antisemitism, Israel, Queen Esther and Prayer Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors
These stories, spoken with raw emotion and courage, offered a window into the profound loss and resilience of a community forever changed by the tragedy. As voices broke and tears were shed, the room was united not only in grief but also in the hope that these memories would ensure the lives taken would never be forgotten. [Miriam Gershenson]
Stories of Oct. 7, 2023 Losses and Resilience at San Diego Event Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Simchat Torah is such a joyous time to celebrate with friends and family. It marks the completion of reading the Torah and the anticipation of starting it all over again. [Cailin Acosta]
Suddenly this year, in the midst of the war and tragedy that has befallen us, there was a beam of light. The Israel Barrocada Ensemble, which plays on period instruments and has been giving concerts in Tel Aviv, announced that it was returning to Abu Ghosh, and would start with a performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ The sublime music, using texts taken from Isaiah, Psalms and other books of the Bible, has always inspired me and uplifted my spirit. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ at Historic Church in Abu Ghosh a Welcome Respite from War’s Impact Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined ContributorsDuring hol hamoed it is customary to greet people with a joyous statement of celebration like chag sukkot sameach (happy sukkot holiday), mo’adim l’simcha (times of joy) and chagim u’zanim l’sasson (holidays and times for celebrating). [Cailin Acosta]
The End of Sukkot is Nigh Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
Israel Baal Shem Tov (1700-1760) originated modern Hasidim. Since his death, much like the many diverse Christian Protestant groups, Hasidim today is made up of many different groups with similar and dissimilar ideologies. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The Origin of Hasidim Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
As we approach the one-year anniversary [on the Hebrew calendar] of the devastating attack on Simchat Torah, a day celebrated as one of the most joyous in the Jewish calendar, we are confronted with a profound paradox. Over 1,200 people were murdered, and hundreds more were taken hostage. How can we reconcile such joy with such deep sorrow on this powerful day? [Rabbi Shmuly Begun]
Simchat Torah: Should We Dance or Cry? Read More »
Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Manufacturers and retailers look to expand their business, while not necessarily knowing about the holiday, its rules and its customs. What product is for sale this Sukkot that is getting attention because the product is flawed? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Sukkot Products Read More »
Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
The poet Semyon Nadson (1862 – 1887) lived for 24 years. He is known for being the first poet of Jewish descent to achieve national prominence in the Russian Empire. In 1886, Nadson was awarded the Pushkin Prize of the Academy of Sciences, the most prestigious literary award in pre-revolutionary Russia. [Alex Gordon]
Semyon Nadson, Philosemitic Russian Poet Read More »
Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined ContributorsSAN DIEGO – Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur and is named after the booths or huts in which Jews are supposed to dwell during this week-long celebration. Typically, it is to honor our ancestors who made the 40-year trek of wandering in the desert after escaping slavery from Egypt. These temporary shelters
Camping Out in the Sukkah Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Will the new year be better than the previous horrible one? It’s hard to believe that it won’t be, given the last year’s continuous warfare. At this juncture, Israel has ruptured Hamas in Gaza and killed its leader Yahya Sinwar, leaving the major problems returning our hostages and eliminating the remnants of the Hamas fighting forces. [Steve Kramer]
5785: A good year for the Jews? Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer
Genesis opens with God ceasing His work on the seventh day (Gen. 2:2-3), and then Shabbat never appearing again as day of rest until after the Exodus and the collection of manna (Ex. 16:23). Levenson brings to bear his own insights and knowledge on the subject, together with the thoughts and theories of other scholars endeavoring to understand the ancient meanings and observances of the Jewish Sabbath. [Fred Reiss, Ed.D]
Why Do Weeks Have Seven Days and Why is the Seventh Day Holy? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This year, I’ll be celebrating Sukkot after returning from my third Solidarity Mission to Israel with Jewish Federation of San Diego, following the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023. [David Bark]
The Evolving Moods of Sha’ar Hanegev Since Oct. 7, 2023 Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Courtesy of Wikipedia David Ben-Gurion (October 16, 1886 – December 1, 1973) was the primary national founder of the State of Israel as well as its first prime minister. As head of the Jewish Agency from 1935, and later president of the Jewish Agency Executive, he was the de facto leader of the Jewish community in Palestine, and largely led the movement for an
Today’s Jewish Birthday: David Ben-Gurion Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia