Muslim immigrants living in the West are engaged in a complex, but not hopeless, endeavor – turning the West into the East. More and more districts in Western cities are falling under the control of people from the East. [Alex Gordon]
Opinion: Europe accommodates Islam but not vice versa Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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]
Musicians from afar lessen Israelis’ sense of isolation Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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]
Jews in the news: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Wikipedia
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]
Rebbetzin Brooke Reich: Painful experiences can transform us Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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]
Jewish Federation offers tips for standing up to antisemitism Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
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]
‘Mama’s Boys’ podcast explores Jewish masculinity Read More »
Eric George Tauber, Jewish History, Lifestyles, News Media, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Achrayut is often translated as “responsibility,” but it means more than that. At its core is the idea that once you become aware of a problem, you can no longer look away. Awareness creates obligation. [Betzy Lynch]
When something feels wrong, Judaism teaches it’s time to repair it Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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]
New Programs at JFS: Nourish San Diego and Center for Jewish Wellbeing Read More »
Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodI called the non-emergency line and described what I saw, and police arrived in minutes to search the teens and confiscate their items and the BB gun they threw over the fence. It seemed that they were all instructed to leave, as no one was arrested. [Cailin Acosta]
‘If you see something, say something.’ I did Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
A bush that burns without being consumed symbolizes human resilience, our capacity to endure fear and strain without losing our core identity. Adversity may ignite anxiety within us, but it need not define or destroy us. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Shemot: From struggle to strength Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Shifra and Puah looked at a royal murder command and decided: Human life > Pharaoh’s ego. Righteous Gentiles, version 1.0. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Torah tells of the original civil disobedience Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis idea connects loosely to the value of kavod hatzibbur (respect for the community). Our personal choices matter not only because they shape who we become, but because they affect the dignity, strength, and wholeness of the collective. [Betzy Lynch]
There’s an empty chair at the Lawrence Family JCC Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Nearly a decade ago, Thurman endured an undiagnosed fracture of her neck and brain stem. Her body eventually collapsed, leaving her paralyzed. She had to relearn every basic skill—walking, reading, speaking, even eating. Each day required starting over. And yet, she persevered. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Wisdom and resilience of Amy Thurman Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Staff and Bylined Contributors
[A]s the plane took off for Santiago, a young family in the row across from us brought out electric candles and began singing the holiday blessings with their toddlers. We sang along, and everyone wished each other a chag sameach. The mother looked over at me and said, “We all need to do everything we can to bring light into the world today.” I felt a weight lift, and off we went. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food