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The Misunderstood Origin of Chanukah

1 Maccabees is more chronological and focuses on the military fight and initial victory. In contrast, 2 Maccabees addresses the religious aspects. It focuses on martyrdom, divine intervention, and the purification of the temple. Both show that there was more than a fight against the Seleucid Empire. It was also a Civil War—Jews against Jews, Cains against Abels. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Rededicating Ourselves to Judaism in Time for Hanukkah

Although it’s considered a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, it is widely observed, even by Jews who identify more culturally than religiously. Perhaps that’s because there’s no requirement to attend synagogue for Hanukkah. The irony is delicious: a holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple does not require you to step foot in one. [Betzy Lynch]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

An Israeli Afternoon at the Opera

The local pensioners’ club, Magash, which runs a wide range of activities for seniors living in Mevasseret Zion, introduced something new, namely, a bus laid on to take members to and from Friday afternoon performances of operas. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Jewish Political Briefing: Saturday Evening, Nov. 22, 2025

What Greene will do after her resignation takes effect is a matter of speculation. Earlier this year, she ruled out running in statewide contests for Georgia governor and for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Some believe she plans to seek MAGA support to run for the presidency. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Satire: Donald Trump’s Greatest Hits

For the Christmas season Donald Trump has produced an album of his favorite songs sung by his political allies. Since he is certain that it will outsell every album ever released, he plans to substitute gold for vinyl and charge $1000 payable only in $TRUMP cryptocurrency.  Here’s a list of the songs and the singing artists. [Laurie Baron]

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Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

The U.S. Coast Guard appeared to be making a quick turnaround on its previously reported decision to no longer classify swastikas, nooses, and Confederate flags as “hate symbols” but instead to label them as “potentially divisive.” {Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Short Story: ‘The Gatherer’

He took his walks by the river at dawn, when the fishermen were still flicking their lines to taste the mood of the current, and the first fruit sellers were bargaining with sleep. He liked the way mist lifted from the water as if the world were exhaling a secret it had no stake in keeping. [Sam Ben-Meir]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Sam Ben-Meir, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Emphasis of Thanksgiving Should be Giving

When we look closely at the word Thanksgiving, we see that gratitude in America is not only about inviting family and friends to share a meal, but also about giving to those in need and counting our blessings. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food