News Sources

Parasha Vayakhel-Shekalim: Teaching One Another in Unity

The name “Betzalel” means “being in God’s shadow,” suggesting that he had attained the level of tzadik and achieved yihud with Hashem. But simply possessing chochmah, t’vunah and daat, simply sharing a unity with Hashem, are not enough. It’s what you do with your education and knowledge to help others, that matters. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parasha Vayakhel-Shekalim: Teaching One Another in Unity Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Children’s Literature: A Job for an Out-of-Work Monster

Do you remember Puff, the Magic Dragon, about whom Peter, Paul & Mary sang?  Eventually, “painted wings and giant things” gave “way to other toys.” And so it was too with the monster that used to live in Sophie’s closet; Sophie just outgrows him in this tale written for 4-to-8-year-olds by Sandy Asher and illustrated by Alexandra Colombo. [Donald H. Harrison]

Children’s Literature: A Job for an Out-of-Work Monster Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Children’s Story Tells of the Animals Who Helped Noah

This fictional story for children between the ages of three and seven imagines that such animals as beavers, woodpeckers, and alligators helped Noah to build the Ark.  Furthermore, two hedgehogs who were marvelous event planners had matters well in hand, although Noah did not recognize their talents. [Donald H. Harrison]

Children’s Story Tells of the Animals Who Helped Noah Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors

University of Haifa, Salk Institute Researchers Find Parkinson’s Disease Linkage to Extracellular Matrix in the Brain

“In order to gain a deeper understanding of Parkinson’s disease and make progress in efforts to find a cure for the disease, we need to examine the changes that occur in the extracellular matrix. Until now, most of the studies concerning Parkinson’s have focused on the cells and on synaptic connections….”

University of Haifa, Salk Institute Researchers Find Parkinson’s Disease Linkage to Extracellular Matrix in the Brain Read More »

Israel, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Charlene Seidle Becomes President and CEO of Leichtag Foundation

Farley said: “This step reflects the overall strategy of the Foundation as we plan for our future as a limited-life foundation and our phased transition to three independent successor organizations, two based in San Diego and one in Israel: Coastal Roots Farm; Impact Cubed, which will assume ownership of Leichtag Commons; and Jerusalem Philanthropy Initiatives.” [SDJW Staff]

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Charlene Seidle Becomes President and CEO of Leichtag Foundation Read More »

Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: John Garfield

Following the war, Garfield starred with Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice; and with Joan Crawford in Humoresque.  He took a supporting role in Gentlemen’s Agreement because he wanted to participate in that film’s exposé of antisemitism.  He was nominated for an Academy Award in 1947 for his leading role in Body and Soul. [SDJW staff]

Today’s Jewish Birthday: John Garfield Read More »

California, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA

Jewish Biography: David Friedländer’s ‘Corrected’ Judaism

A year after moving to Berlin, the 21-year-old Friedländer met Mendelssohn and became his pupil and friend. His marriage to the daughter of banker Daniel Itzig, one of Frederick II’s favorites, brought him into the circle of wealthy and influential families of court Jews. In 1778 Friedländer was among the founders of the Jewish public free school Education for Young Men, where Haskalah’s ideals were carried out. [Alex Gordon]

Jewish Biography: David Friedländer’s ‘Corrected’ Judaism Read More »

Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

U.S.-Israel-Gaza Roundup: Sunday, March 3, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate 6-week ceasefire in Gaza during an appearance in Selma, Alabama, on Sunday.  In Tucson, Arizona, protesters interrupted a speech by First Lady Jill Biden during a stop on her “Women for Biden-Harris” tour.  Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, arrived in Washington for meetings on Monday with Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. [SDJW Roundup]

U.S.-Israel-Gaza Roundup: Sunday, March 3, 2024 Read More »

California, Israel, Middle East, Nordot, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

UC San Diego Warns Personnel about Anti-Israel Demonstration Planned for Wednesday

“We are writing to inform you that a student organization has announced that a demonstration will take place on UC San Diego’s campus on Wednesday afternoon, March 6, near the areas of Sun God Lawn and Library Walk.” [UC San Diego advisory]

UC San Diego Warns Personnel about Anti-Israel Demonstration Planned for Wednesday Read More »

Israel, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

‘How I Learned To Drive’ at Backyard Renaissance Theater 

The show is heavy, though there are moments of comic relief and levity.  Throughout the performance driving instructions are used to break up the play and introduce different periods in Li’l Bit’s life.  For example, before a flashback sequence the “Greek chorus” opens the sequence by talking about throwing it into reverse. [Sandi Masori]

‘How I Learned To Drive’ at Backyard Renaissance Theater  Read More »

San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Aesop’s Fables Through a Jewish Lens

Dr. Samuel, the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California, translates the fables in a very readable manner that captures our interest and curiosity. He highlights the messages in each Tale and includes the parallel teachings in Jewish wisdom, including quotes from a vast collection of Jewish and non-Jewish thinkers, ancient and modern. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

Aesop’s Fables Through a Jewish Lens Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors