We knew this moment would come, but that does not make it any less agonizing. The images of caskets being paraded in Gaza are searing proof of Hamas’ brutality and the depths of its inhumanity. [Ronald S. Lauder]
WJC: Hamas Death Cult Threatens Peaceful Future for Middle East Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Opinion, World Jewish Congress
Kemp provided a fascinating historical perspective, revealing that both Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas were KGB agents, each assigned ID numbers and code names. He explained how the concept of ‘Palestinians’ was a Soviet creation, with Russia acting as the mastermind behind the movement. [Miriam Gershenson]
Kemp: Arafat, Abbas Were KGB Agents Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, International, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The statement “an eye for an eye” is in this week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1–24:18). At first glance, this familiar saying appears to promote revenge. However, by carefully studying related biblical passages, we can understand why Judaism never understood this passage literally. Furthermore, to do so would contradict the Torah directive, “Do not seek revenge among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). [Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz]
Self-Defense versus Turning the Other Cheek Read More »
Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Major Jewish organizations on Thursday, Feb. 20, announced that the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought against the school district for introducing ethnic studies courses that were developed in secret and infected with antisemitism. [Press Release]
Antisemitic Ethnic Studies Classes to Cease in Santa Ana Unified School District Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education
This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, is a profound exploration of law, ethics, and relationships, offering deep psychological insight into emotional well-being. Through a mental health lens examining this section of the Torah, we can extract valuable lessons about trust, mindfulness, and interpersonal dynamics—critical components of mental health and emotional resilience. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Mishpatim: ‘We Will Do and We Will Hear’ Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Miles Teller (February 20, 1987) is an American actor. He made his feature film debut with the independent drama Rabbit Hole (2010), and gained wider recognition for his roles in the coming-of-age film The Spectacular Now (2013) and the Divergent film trilogy (2014–2016). His breakthrough role came in the drama Whiplash (2014) which earned him critical acclaim. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Miles Teller Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Today, our hearts shatter for the Bibas family. As a nation, we grieve. But we must also remember: this is not the first time such an atrocity has been committed by these same perpetrators. [Miriam Gershenson]
The Bibas Family–Mother and Two Young Children–Slain in Hamas Captivity Read More »
Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This critical legislation will establish the Holocaust and Genocide Education Grant Program to provide direct allocations to districts to help them establish relevant courses and professional development opportunities around Holocaust and Genocide Education (HGE). [Press Release]
Holocaust Education Fund Proposed by State Senator Stern Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education
The words of the poet John Milton in his epic poem ‘Samson Agonistes,’ which I studied in my dim and distant schooldays (A level English) came back to me. (Dorothea Shefer-Vanson)
Echoes of the Poet John Milton in Gaza Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Gil Shaham (February 19, 1971) is an American violinist. His accolades include a Grammy Award in 1999, and he has performed as a soloist with such orchestras as the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Russian National Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestre de Paris. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Gil Shaham Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Pro-Palestinian voters succeeded in punishing Democrats so gloriously for supporting Israel that Palestinians may soon be able to boast that they are from “the Riviera of the Middle East” in Gaza – even if they can never live there again. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Trump and Pro-Palestinian Voters: Who’s Sorry Now? Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The weekly biblical portion of Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18) contains many common-sense rules demonstrating how the Torah humanized ancient laws in other cultures. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Common Sense Laws in Mishpatim Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Welcome back Melanie Rubin, who was on lengthy hiatus from her volunteer role as San Diego Jewish World’s chief license plate maven. This plate, which she spotted recently, can be interpreted in multiple ways. [SDJW staff]
A little boy has styled himself “the Mitzvah Fairy,” and does six good deeds in a long, rewarding day. He brings chicken soup to his grandmother, who has the sniffles. He waters the plants for his neighbor, Mr. Gordon, whose leg is in a cast. He also fills up Mr. Gordon’s bird feeder. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Literature: A ‘Mitzvah Fairy’ Performs Six Good Deeds in a Single Day Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors