Hadassah is her true soul’s name, a desert bloom,
But “Esther” is the mask for her mission she must assume.
Mordechai stands watchful at the gate,
While Haman weaves a shroud of silvered hate. … [Barrett Holman Leak]
A Hidden Star – A Poetic Megillah Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Beyond the surface-level parody, the Spiel functions as a sophisticated tool for the mastery of terror. By transforming a genocidal antagonist—whether the biblical Haman or his modern iterations—into a buffoonish, pitiable caricature, the community performs a collective “reclamation of power.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
The Purim Spiel: An explanation and an example Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Harry Golombek (March 1, 1911 – January 7, 1995) was a British chess player, chess author, and wartime codebreaker. He was the British chess champion three times, in 1947, 1949, and 1955, and finished second in 1948. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Harry Golombek Read More »
Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
While there is no local threat, global events can have ripple effects. As Purim celebrations and other gatherings approach, we encourage you to participate fully, and to practice heightened situational awareness and adherence to all security protocols. [Press Release)
Jewish Federation urges ‘situational awareness’ at Purim events Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
I woke up this morning feeling more like it was Groundhog Day than nearly Purim. My phone rang out with red alert sirens announcing missiles sent across Israel and the region from Iran. It felt painfully familiar, as if the past were not past at all, but alive in our present. [Betzy Lynch]
War with Iran resembles a spiral in time Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Here, alphabetized by sender, are some of the Jewish reactions sent to San Diego Jewish World following the bombing of Iran and the killing of its top leaders by the United States and Israel: [Donald H. Harrison]
Reactions to joint Israel-U.S. bombing of Iran, killing of the ayatollah Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Dorit Beinisch (February 28, 1942) is a retired Israeli jurist. She was the 9th president of the Supreme Court of Israel. Appointed on September 14, 2006, after the retirement of Aharon Barak, she served in this position until February 28, 2012. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Dorit Beinisch Read More »
Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Purim is celebrated by exchanging mishloach manot, donating to charity, eating a festive meal, and listening to the reading of the Megillah. Other traditions include wearing costumes, parades, drinking wine, and eating hamantaschen. So many fun ways to celebrate as a community that our ancestors survived. [Cailin Acosta]
‘Tis the season for hamantaschen, megillah readings, and mishloach manot Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAThe episode’s most profound utility lay not in what it celebrated, but in the mirrors it held up to our own communal failures. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Review and reaction: Black and Jewish America, Part 4 Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Extending negotiations is not the way. When the Iranians face hard decisions, they demur and turn to continued negotiation. This is a time-wasting procedure which allows Iran to boost its offensive and defensive capabilities. [Steve Kramer]
Opinion: U.S. should stop dithering with Iran Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer
She boards the plane like anyone else, and suddenly she’s in the middle of a nightmare. Now, as a retired cultural anthropologist and professor emerita from the University of Arizona, she brings this incredible mix of lived experience and scholarly eye to the story. She doesn’t just recount what happened—she digs into how it messed with her head and heart for decades. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Hostage’ is a first-hand account of a hijacking Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Irwin Shaw (February 27, 1913 – May 16, 1984) was an American playwright, screenwriter, novelist, and short-story author whose written works have sold more than 14 million copies. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Irwin Shaw Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Following the “Four Interludes” from Peter Grimes was Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major featuring the British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. [Eileen Wingard]
Britten, Ravel, Tchaikovsky works featured at SDSO concert Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
“Unto Every Person There is a Name” was created to remind us the victims of the murderous Nazi machine were not just a number. Every individual had a name, an identity and a life. [Press Release]
Names of Holocaust victims to be read aloud April 13-14 Read More »
Holocaust, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, USA