Lifestyles

Heather Marianna: True to the Spirit of Chanukkah

Chanukkah teaches us that authenticity is not negotiable. The miracle did not come from excess, but from purity. That principle lives at the heart of Marianna’s work with Beauty Kitchen. In an industry often driven by trends and shortcuts, she made the difficult decision to turn down a massive opportunity because the formulation did not align with her non-toxic standards. [Michael Adam Cohen]

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Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Law Enforcement Officials Pledge Protection for S.D. Chanukah Events

I say once again: Jews around the world, and right here in San Diego, have the absolute right to feel safe and to be safe. We should not have to hide our joy, move our celebrations indoors, or “tone it down” to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Symbolism and Challenges of the Eight Candles of Hanukkah

Did you know that Hanukkah candles are not intended to be used for practical benefit? Jewish tradition suggests that their light exists solely for pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle. For this reason, we have been taught that we do not read, work, or otherwise make use of their light. Meditation, however, is permitted when it is understood not as using the light, but as witnessing it. Sitting near the candles in quiet reflection, gratitude, or spiritual awareness allows us to honor the miracle without appropriating the light for our own needs. We do not take from the flame; we allow it to remind us of faith, resilience, and sacred presence. (Betzy Lynch)

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

OpEd: Some Immigrants are More Qualified than Trump for U.S. Citizenship

The Trump Administration has halted naturalization ceremonies for people from 19 countries it deems “high risk.” Given that those affected have been vetted and have met the qualifications for citizenship, there can only be one reason why the President Trump has decided to take this step: he realizes that they are more qualified than he is to be an American citizen. [Laurie Baron]

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International, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Ms. Holman Leak Goes to Washington

We are prepping to do some lobbying on Capitol Hill on Monday on Israel, voting rights, immigration, healthcare and more. We will also learn how to bring effective racial and social justice action steps and training for organizing to our local congregations. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Deep Dive 2025 Speakers Reflected Jewish Wisdom

Entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and growth-driven individuals from across the country convened for a rare and integrated journey designed to align internal identity with external results. Unlike traditional conferences that deliver fragmented insights, DeepDive offered a cohesive, holistic experience grounded in a timeless truth deeply echoed in Jewish wisdom: transformation of the outer world begins with refinement of the inner self. [Michael Adam Cohen]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Merry Jewish Christmas: How Chinese Food and the Movies Became a Time-Honored Tradition for American Jews

As restaurant owners learned that Jews often eschewed pork, some began to offer traditional dishes with chicken instead – allowing more observant Jews to eat “kosher style,” without eating explicitly forbidden food. Today, there is wide variation in Jewish dietary practices, making Chinese food even more accessible for most Jews. (Samira Mehta)

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Our Shtetl: Chanukah Display at Parkway Plaza

As I walked in through the entrance near Five Guys Burgers and Fries, I was greeted by a delightful surprise: a Chanukah display set up at the main intersection, right beside the Five Below store. A representative was carefully adding the finishing touches as I passed by. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Our Shtetl: Alternative Latke Recipes

I make a latke variation with just potatoes, onions, and garlic. I shred potatoes, zucchinis, and carrots. I use powdered onion and garlic powder, faux cheese, and fry in olive oil. It probably still makes the same mess of oil splatters as the traditional latkes. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Our Shtetl: A Jewish Rabbit?

Freckles, my beloved angora-mix rabbit, turned 7 on December 4 — the equivalent of 57 in “rabbit years.” My super-cool 13-year-old twins proudly tell everyone that Freckles is a Jewish rabbit. While certainly not kosher, she was blessed in 2019 by then-Rabbi Josh Dorsch of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. [Cailin Acosta]

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