Lifestyles

Jews in the news: Saturday evening, Jan. 31, 2026

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports two Major League Baseball developments with Jewish athletes: Third baseman Alex Bregman has signed a five-year, $175 million pact with the Chicago Cubs, and Alon Leichman, who grew up on Kibbutz Gezer in Israel, will become the head pitching coach for the Colorado Rockies. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Lifestyles, News Media, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

It feels like one big global family as Jews from the Americas and Israel meet in Mexico City

 Throughout the visit, we were constantly struck by the powerful sense of connection and peoplehood we experienced. After speaking with the head of the Maccabi program in Guatemala for just five minutes, we had invited one another to visit our homes, and it already felt like we had known each other for far longer. (Heidi Gantwerk)

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Opinion: Parking fees at Balboa Park work against the attractions

By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California Recently, San Diego’s historic Balboa Park has started charging for parking, which has caused an uproar among many residents who have enjoyed parking for free and spending time at the park’s museums, restaurants, theaters, and gardens. I have a membership at the Mingei International Museum where children under

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

‘Queen of Lucia’ tunes up prior to full production

A married couple, both college English professors, are taking a weekend away in a cabin. This escape is intended to help Elena (Rhiannon McAfee) and Jim (Charles Peters) heal their relationship which has been upended with Elena’s diagnosis of bipolar disorder. (Eva Trieger)

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Eva Trieger, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Thousands of Holocaust Survivors Are Still with Us. Many Are Living in Poverty

Our goal is simple: to help survivors remain safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Services include home care assistance, transportation to medical appointments, access to nutritious food and help navigating complex healthcare systems. Just as important is addressing the emotional and social impacts of aging and trauma. [Dana Toppel]

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California, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Bo: Blindness and Fire

In San Diego right now, we are in a “thick fog.” When letters of “pain and rage” are weaponized, and when the Jewish community’s response ignores the JOC (Jews of Color) in its own pews, we have entered the Ninth Plague. We have stopped seeing our “brothers” and “sisters.” [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Donna Orbits the Moon’ stars Susan Clausen at Scripps Ranch Theatre

Prolific playwright Ian August wrote Donna Orbits the Moon in 2010. The character, Donna, a middle-aged Midwestern housewife had spoken to him in the middle of the night, and he’d scribbled down notes as they came to him. After a few weeks of this nocturnal internal visitor, August began to figure out her story…and write his one-woman play. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

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