This isn’t about politics or parades. It’s about personal liberation; the freedom to be fully, unapologetically your most authentic self. [Shayna Kaufmann]
Time for a Declaration of Inner Independence Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Torah introduces this ritual with the words “zot chukat haTorah,” this is the decree of the Torah. Not just any mitzvah, but the chok, the archetype of divine commandments that transcend human logic. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Chukat: The Red Heifer and the Psychology of Sacred Imperfection Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
San Diego County has just opened its first cannabis consumption lounge down in the South Bay. It’s called Sessions by The Bay and whether you partake in cannabis or not, it’s a trip! [Sandi Masori]
A Cannabis Dining Experience at Sessions by the Bay Read More »
Lifestyles, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Today, as I begin as CEO of Jewish Family Service, I find myself reflecting on my very first day at JFS—16 years ago. I came here wanting to make a difference in a place that aligned with my values. [Dana Toppel]
Dana Toppel Expresses Her Thoughts on First Day as JFS CEO Read More »
Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Perhaps one of the most important places where feminism and marriage equality have reshaped traditions is in the ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract. [Samira Mehta, The Conversation via The Moderate Voice]
The Changing Customs of Jewish Marriages Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles
Editor’s Note: On June 1, a terrorist pitched Molotov cocktails at a group of pro-Israel demonstrators advocating release of Israeli hostages from their confinement in Gaza. Mohamed Soliman subsequently was charged in federal court with 12 counts of committing a hate crime. By Jonathan Lev and David Paul BOULDER, Colorado — In times of heartbreak
Boulder Jewish Community Resilient after June 1 Terror Attack Read More »
Antisemitism, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The state’s budget agreement includes an unprecedented investment to support aging Holocaust survivors – along with critical funding to protect Jewish institutions and vulnerable communities across the state! [David Bocarsly]
Ever since Donald Trump entered the American political scene, I have been terrified. It’s not Trump that scares me. Since I live only 30 minutes from the Mexican border, I have worried about being assaulted, kidnapped, killed, or robbed by armed illegal aliens released from insane asylums and prisons to invade the United States at the behest of hostile countries. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: The Reasons I Am Terrified Read More »
International, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
As the City of San Diego is grappling with a significant budget deficit, the Antisemitism Task Force of San Diego at StandWithUs is highlighting the fact that the city has pledged $204,091 to this year’s Pride festival, increasing to $376,564 next year, for an event whose headliner makes the local Jewish community feel threatened, marginalized and unsafe. [Press Release]
StandWithUs Calls for Kehlani’s Removal from Pride Festival Read More »
Antisemitism, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Press Release, San Diego County
Although we are filled with pride in the extraordinary accomplishments by the IDF and Israel’s security forces, we know and feel what our families are going through – living in a war within a war…now for the past 20 months. [Carine Chitayat]
Adopt A Family Foundation Cares for Terror Victims amid Israel-Iran War Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Beautifully illustrated, Chutzpah Girls tells the stories of remarkable Jewish women from biblical times through the present with six continents represented. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Women Around the World Have Demonstrated ‘Chutzpah’ for Millennia Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Israel is at war and I’m far away from the country, in the peaceful depths of rural France. I was born into the Second World War, and as a baby (and later) I suffered as a result of being evacuated to the country, separated from my parents and the environment to which I was accustomed. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Living and Multiplying in Times of War Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors
It is important to stay present, aware, and engaged. Many protests are scheduled this weekend, and I hope they stay peaceful. I am reminded of the La Mesa riots that occurred five years ago and the destruction that happened to many establishments I frequented. There are so many issues that demand our involvement and support. [Cailin Acosta]
Anger Seems to be Evident Everywhere Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
This year it was all about Syria. I found it fascinating, not only to learn about the Jewish communities of Syria but also learning that some people I know from our local Jewish community are of Syrian descent- for example Morah Rachel Tawil Abraham whom I know from Hebrew Day … (Sandi Masori)
Syrian Jewish History, Music and Food Wrapped into One JFest Night Read More »
Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA