News Sources

Jewish Biography: Wilhelm Steinitz, First World Chess Champion

In 1886, the first match in history for the title of World Chess Champion took place in the USA. Steinitz’s opponent was the strongest player of that time, Johannes Hermann Zukertort. Zukertort was a German and later British chess player, the son of a Prussian Lutheran pastor, a baptized Jew, and a missionary who spread Protestantism among the Jews. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Post-Shavuot Weather and Holiday Report

Since Shavuot is over, finish up that cheesecake before it goes bad, get a haircut/trim, and embrace the upcoming summer months. Here in San Diego, the “June Gloom” is in full force. I do not think I have seen my shadow, meaning no peek-a-boo from the sun in a few days. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share

Volunteer of the Month: Olga Worm Brings the Community Together

For her, giving back is an important part of how she practices Tikkun Olam. She continues, “We share our resources with many individuals and organizations through food and financial and time donations, as well as by creating jobs and opportunities for many diverse individuals from all walks of life. …” (Mimi Pollack)

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Jewish Religion, Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Play Takes Attendees Inside an African-Style Hair Salon in Harlem

Set in modern times, the Tony award winning Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, features a delightful and eclectic mix of African and African-American characters as they go about their daily business either working or patronizing the salon. [Sandi Masori]

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

Mom and 13-Year-Old Son Rock Out with The Black Keys

I secured my tickets for my son and me for the Wednesday, June 4 show at the Open-Air Theatre at San Diego State University. My son started listening to some of The Black Keys’s older albums and asked me what to expect at a live concert. All I could tell him was to brace yourself, it is going to be something I can’t put into words since it will just blow your mind. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Prominent Jews in Pride Organization Quit to Protest Kehlani

In response to San Diego Pride’s decision to keep Kehlani as a headliner despite their repeated promotion of violent, antisemitic rhetoric, all participating Jewish organizations and synagogues — many of which have supported or marched with Pride for years — are withdrawing from the 2025 event due to serious safety concerns. [Debbie L. Sklar, Times of San Diego]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Times of San Diego, USA

Contemporary Torah: The Value of Temporary Separation

One might initially see Naso as solely a parsha of separation: careful Levite duties for Tabernacle sanctity, the removal of the impure, and the Nazirite’s vow of withdrawal. However, I think it is a comprehensive guide for engaging with the world, for living a holy and meaningful life within its realities, rather than in isolation from it. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Celebrating Inspiring Legacies of San Diego’s Women of Valor

San Diego County is home to countless remarkable women whose often quiet dedication enriches our community. This year, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center hosted the 16th Women of Valor celebration by shining a light on six such individuals, recognizing their profound impact. Accompanied by inspiration and images, their individual stories came alive in the Garfield Theatre through the music and spoken words of Ali Viterbi. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Jewish Organizations in San Diego to Boycott LGBTQ Pride Parade

Over the past few weeks, our Jewish community has bounced back and forth at light speed between celebration and mourning, joy and fear, delight and anger. We have had dozens of joyful, festive events that highlight the rich history, strength, and depth of Jewish life in San Diego. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Women’s Group Instructed About the Proper Use and Care of Mezuzahs

“I have a story to share with you all that happened before Passover which gave me the idea to make mezuzah’s a topic to educate you all on,” said Rebbetzin Chaya Andrusier of Chabad of East County at the Torah and Tea event on Thursday, June 5. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors