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Current war, domestic politics dampen Israel’s celebration of Independence Day

In the past I would happily watch the broadcast of the official ceremony on television, enjoying the sense of unity and national pride. This year, however, like many other people, I preferred other fare and found a funny movie to watch instead. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Violently attacked Jewish groups lobby Congress for protection

ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) on Wednesday brought together Jewish leaders from four communities directly impacted by violent antisemitic hate crimes to urge members of Congress to act on critical legislative priorities in the face of an unprecedented wave of attacks against Jewish institutions. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Today’s Jewish birthday: Charlotte Rae

Charlotte Rae (April 22, 1926 – August 5, 2018) was an American comedic actress and singer whose career spanned 66 years. Rae was known for her portrayal of Edna Garrett in the sitcoms Diff’rent Strokes and its spin-off, The Facts of Life (in which she had the starring role from 1979 to 1986). [Wikipedia]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Who is more meritorious? An angel in heaven or a human struggling with conscience?

This Midrash beautifully underscores the Jewish preference for the wrestler over the effortless saint. Angels may be flawless, but they cannot truly fulfill mitzvot that demand overcoming desire. Only flesh-and-blood people, locked in Sartre’s No Exit with their own cravings, can achieve the profound moral heroism the Torah celebrates. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Multiple celebrations in San Diego County of Israel’s Independence Day

Yom Ha’Atzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day, which began in 1948, when Israel was declared a state. On the Hebrew calendar, it lands on the 5th of Iyar, which this year begins at sundown on Tuesday, April 21, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, April 22. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Tove came late to the party, but still found a seat on the dais

We are often impressed when we read of a child prodigy or a wunderkind who achieves notoriety at a young age. Perhaps the same could be said when we meet someone who achieves his dream after keeping it on the backburner for the bulk of his life.  Meet writer-producer Mike Tove. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Innovative exhibit teaches children and neighbors about Judaism

Guests sampled a variety of traditional foods tied to Jewish holidays. Passover offerings included matzo ball soup, charoset, matzo, and gefilte fish. Chanukah favorites featured latkes served with sour cream and applesauce, along with hummus. Rosh Hashanah treats included apples with honey, while a classic Jewish brunch spread offered bagels with cream cheese and lox. Beverages included Dr. Brown’s sodas and tea served with sugar cubes. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Spelling Bee’ puts Lamplighters’ audience members to the test

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee showcases a host of multi-talented local actors, a great musical score and fantastic choreography.  It even introduces budding thespians to the stage as some audience members are selected to participate in the bee! (Eva Trieger)

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

Just wars: Pope ignores Thomas Aquinas, Maimonides

When a religious leader pours the “milk” of unconditional pacifism into the “meat” of a life-and-death military struggle, the result is a curdled moral confusion. This mixture makes it impossible to digest the hard reality of defense, leading to a “forbidden” policy that benefits neither the state nor the soul. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Congressional candidate switches parties to oppose Sara Jacobs on Israel

My positions on Israel are clear and unwavering. I support Israel’s right to defend itself decisively against Hamas, Hezbollah, and any other terrorist groups that seek its destruction. I do not believe a two-state solution is viable or responsible until Hamas, Hezbollah, and all military opponents are completely disarmed and deradicalized. Only then can lasting peace and security be possible for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region. [Stan Caplan]

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Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA