Lifestyles

Eli Sharabi’s ‘Hostage’ recounts his will for survival

I recently read Hostage, written by Eli Sharabi, who survived 491 days as a hostage in Hamas tunnels. This was the first published account by a released Israeli hostage and it appeared while the war raged on. A ceasefire was signed months later and Israel now controls 53% of Gaza. [Steve Kramer]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer

From grief to healing: The Southern California family behind a guide dog training park in Israel

At the entrance to the park, a plaque carries the message Laurie and John wanted the world to know: this was created in memory of their brother, not for publicity, but for purpose. The fact that Paul had no children, the family writes, was “a deep sadness in his life”—one that Laurie and John are determined to transform into something meaningful. [Jacob Kamaras]

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California, Israel, Jacob Kamaras, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Instead of celebrating the 53rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are fighting for women’s right to control their own bodies

It’s sadly predictable that on this day of all days, we’re once again debating anti-choice bills on the House floor brought by MAGA Republicans — bills designed to make pregnancy more dangerous, more expensive, and more terrifying for millions. [Sara Jacobs]

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Lifestyles, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jews in the news: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2026

“By sharing our expertise with U.S. agencies, we help investigators across the United States to better understand the unique customs surrounding Jewish fatalities,” said ZAKA U.S. Executive Director Moshe Rozenberg. “We showcase how Israel has integrated these customs into its emergency and investigative practices and discuss what can be adapted in their own jurisdictions.” [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Tale of an oleh: A satisfying life in two countries

I met the most wonderful girl in San Diego. We were married in June 1968. Together we decided our home would be kept Kosher. Being strictly kosher wasn’t a realistic option on a US Navy ship. Some of you know that I was talking with Madeline and said “We will live in Israel after I leave the Navy. Oh, and by the way, Will you marry me?” She agreed. When she was asked, later, about what brought her to Israel, her reply was always “Not what, but who.” [Aryeh Wetherhorn]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Musicians from afar lessen Israelis’ sense of isolation

The fact that excellent musicians are prepared to come to Israel at a time when each day brings some new crisis or threat provides us with wonderful music as well as serving to raise our spirits and give us renewed hope that the world is not a completely hostile place. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jews in the news: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

Efrat Sopher, head of the World Jewish Congress’s International Task Force on Iran and Islamic Extremism, said Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi may have the experience and the experience of the team around him, as well as widespread support in Iran, to lead the country which overthrew his father, the Shah, in 1979. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Wikipedia

Rebbetzin Brooke Reich: Painful experiences can transform us

Reich began with Sarah Imeinu, whom she described as the matriarch of resilience. Sarah’s life was marked by immense trials. She left her homeland for an unknown land, endured famine, was abducted not once but twice, and suffered years of barrenness. Even after the birth of Yitzchak, she faced the painful situation involving Hagar and Yishmael, which ultimately led to their being sent away. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Federation offers tips for standing up to antisemitism

Jewish Federation of San Diego launched its “Standing Up to Antisemitism Toolkit, an online resource to help individuals respond to antisemitism, report incidents, and empower them to take meaningful action across San Diego. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

‘Mama’s Boys’ podcast explores Jewish masculinity

None of the participants really oozed machismo by discussing sports, firearms or strippers. However, they all admitted to repressing vulnerable emotions to meet society’s expectations of manhood. And yet Kutner related how men making a minyan to say the Mourners’ Kaddish is a profound way for Jewish men to cry. [Eric George Tauber]

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Eric George Tauber, Jewish History, Lifestyles, News Media, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

New Programs at JFS: Nourish San Diego and Center for Jewish Wellbeing

We will launch our Center for Jewish Wellbeing, led by Shira Jacobs; expand support for healthy aging, behavioral health for tweens, teens, and young adults; and promote education that strengthens healthy relationships. We will continue to care for more than 500 Holocaust Survivors, ensuring their access to healthy nutrition, housing, home care, and community. [Dana Toppel]

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Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food