The recently produced film Immigrant Songs: Yiddish Theater and the American Jewish Experience depicts one of the most delightful yet often overlooked chapters of American Jewish cultural history. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Documentary on Yiddish Theatre both educational and entertaining Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
I know Passover has passed, but I’m living through a series of personal plagues. They’re not Biblical in proportion, but for mere mortal me, they’re epic and loathsome. Of course, good Jewish wife that I am, I blame my suffering, not on God, but on my spouse. [Karen Galatz, The Matza Chronicle]
The Matzo Chronicles: My personal plagues Read More »
Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
The SACRED Act would create federal penalties for targeted harassment and engaging in conduct intended to intimidate or obstruct people exercising their right to religious worship within 100 feet of a place of worship, while simultaneously protecting the First Amendment rights of those who seek to protest, picket and/or demonstrate. [Press Release]
Bill introduced to ban demonstrations within 100 feet of Houses of Worship Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Press Release, USA
Oscar Zariski (April 24, 1899 – July 4, 1986) was an American mathematician. The Russian-born scientist was one of the most influential algebraic geometers of the 20th century. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Oscar Zariski Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Moledet, an elementary school in Be’er Sheva, was hit by a missile launched from Iran. The school serves approximately 340 students, including around 30 who have hearing impairments, and many students’ families also suffered damage to their homes from the attack. … While their school is being rebuilt and restored, the students were able to continue learning at our Muss South campus, which is providing these children with safe and uninterrupted learning. [Press Release]
This critical support highlighted the importance of our partnership in times of crisis, emphasizing the strength and solidarity unique to the Jewish nation that allows for normalcy in the face of adversity.
Muss will soon welcome its next cohort of North American high school students, continuing our mission of Zionist engagement and creating the next generation of informed Israel supporters.
Learn more about Muss or send us a lead for a student here.
JNF-USA provides alternate Be’er Sheva site for bombed out elementary school Read More »
Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education
California’s candidate statement guidelines (page may be down) are clear: statements must be limited to a candidate’s personal background and qualifications. The statement published by Don J. Grundmann does not meet that standard. Instead, it promotes hateful rhetoric and conspiracy theories unrelated to his background or qualifications. (Press Release)
Anti-Israel screed published in California’s voter pamphlet Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release
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]
Current war, domestic politics dampen Israel’s celebration of Independence Day Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Can you imagine what life would be like if it were truly built on love? … Not sentimental love. Not selective love. But a steady, grounded way of living in which dignity, respect, and care shape how we move through the world. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parshiot Acharei-Mot & Kedoshim: Love, love, love… Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Ivor Montagu (April 23, 1904 – November 5, 1984) was an English filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, film critic, writer, table tennis player, and Communist activist and spy in the 1930s. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Ivor Montagu Read More »
Sports & Competitions, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaADL (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]
Violently attacked Jewish groups lobby Congress for protection Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
The law would expand coverage to more than 130 million Americans, including for those struggling with unexplained infertility and infertility as a result of diseases, such as cancer. [Press Release]
15 Jewish groups support requiring health plans to expand services for infertile couples Read More »
Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
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]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Charlotte Rae Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
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]
Who is more meritorious? An angel in heaven or a human struggling with conscience? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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]
Multiple celebrations in San Diego County of Israel’s Independence Day Read More »
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