Our bodies are not just our own; they are entrusted to us by the Divine. Taking care of them is not simply a lifestyle choice, it is a spiritual practice. [Betzy Lynch]
Lifting the heavy weights of wellbeing Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
It is a phrase uttered with a smile, a wink, and the clinking of glasses. Yet, to dismiss this as harmless folklore is to ignore the blood-soaked soil from which such language grew and the moral rot it continues to nourish in the modern era. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Spain must ban its celebratory medieval toast ‘kill Jews’ Read More »
International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
You spoke in a way that disconnected you? Learn to speak differently.
You carried yourself with unexamined certainty? Practice humility.
You became disconnected? Relearn how to re-enter. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parshiot Tazria-Metzora: Path to spiritual renewal Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Roni Breite spotted this one in Fallbrook. “Ruach” is the Hebrew word for spirit. “LV” is anyone’s guess. The driver’s initials? Las Vegas? Love?
It’s that time of year again with the many Yom observances. Jewish Federation of San Diego has a few coming up that are always meaningful. [Cailin Acosta]
‘Tis the time of the Yoms Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
A small square sticker had been placed in the center of the box: “ZIONISM IS FACISM.”
My mind started to spin, my arms moved in slow motion as I tapped my card and walked out of the store. After sitting outside for a few minutes, I went back in, still holding the box, now damp from my tears. I found the manager, a young woman wearing a large gold cross around her neck. I didn’t know exactly what to say, so I just showed her. She gasped and was immediately apologetic …” [Karen Klein]
Anti-Israel protester stickered matzah box at grocery store Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume by Selina Alko; New York: Christy Ottaviano Books, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company; © 2026; ISBN 9780316-570633; 42 pages; $18.99. By Donald H. Harrison in San Diego Children’s author Judy Blume (née Sussman) was born in 1938 and through her 7th
Childhood of Judy Blume reimagined in poetry Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
“Let not the believers take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Whoever does so will have no relationship with Allah – unless you take precautions against them”. (Quran 3:28; 2:173; 2:185; 4:29; 22:78; 40:28.) [Alex Gordon]
Shiite Islam practices taqiyya (deception) when dealing with non-believers Read More »
Alex Gordon, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAs we continue our journey from Passover to Shavuot through the counting of the Omer, Saturday night we arrive at Day 10, which invites us to explore Gevurah within Tiferet (balanced judgment). [Betzy Lynch]
Balanced judgment and other goals before Shavuot Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This is not a religious tract, although kabalistic suggestions for counting the omer are thrown in. I must confess I didn’t find the nexus between what is essentially a story of suburban life and those suggestions for meditations on each day of the 49 between the second day of Passover and the arrival of Shavuot. [Donald H. Harrison]
A suburban tale during the 49 days of counting the Omer Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Cali notes that his photographs are meant to be lived with. They are not asking for interpretation or explanation. Instead, they offer a space to slow your breath, rest your eyes, and feel a sense of connection. In searching for beauty, he is really seeking moments that feel honest and true. [Cailin Acosta]
Finding beauty in nature at the Cardiff Library Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Is it wrong to feel good during hard times, especially when others are suffering?
My answer, arrived at through grief and illness and many years of sitting quietly with this question, is an unequivocal no. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Joy during difficult times: Disrespectful or medicinal? Read More »
Lifestyles, Opinion, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, step forward with their own fire pans, offering “strange fire” (esh zarah) which God had not commanded. Within seconds, they are dead. The music stops. The joy evaporates. In the center of the camp, there is only smoke and a father staring at the bodies of his sons. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Contemporary Torah: The sacred architecture of silence Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & BroadcastIn the USSR, the main character of jokes that mocked the Jews was Rabinovich. This surname came to embody the typical Soviet Jew. [Alex Gordon]
The burden and delight of carrying the name ‘Rabinovich’ Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire