James Franco (April 19, 1978) is an American actor and filmmaker. He has starred in numerous films, including Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007), Milk (2008), Eat Pray Love (2010), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Spring Breakers (2012), and Oz the Great and Powerful (2013). [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: James Franco Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Our bodies are not just our own; they are entrusted to us by the Divine. Taking care of them is not simply a lifestyle choice, it is a spiritual practice. [Betzy Lynch]
Lifting the heavy weights of wellbeing Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Rick Moranis (April 18, 1953) is a Canadian actor, comedian, musician, producer, songwriter, and writer. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Rick Moranis Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
StandWithUs condemns the disturbing actions of Polish Member of Parliament (MP) Konrad Berkowicz, who invoked Nazi imagery and compared Israel to the “Third Reich” in the Polish parliament on April 14, 2026. [Press Release]
StandWithUs strongly condemns the use of Nazi imagery by Polish MP Berkowicz Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Opinion, Press Release, Wikipedia
Trump plans to require this type of scrubs on all the doctors on the staff of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after he renames it the Trump Panacea Hospital and Casino. I pity the hospital laundry tasked with getting the blood and bodily excretion stains out of that fabric. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: Divine Donald the Doctor Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Middle East, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Something happened… Schneider’s skull was laterally crushed by a heavy object. Though very near their port of destination, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Schneider was hurriedly buried at sea. The body could have been brought to Halifax, only a few days’ sail away. His remains could have been returned to his parents for Jewish burial in the United Kingdom. [Jerry Klinger]
Accident or murder on the Isle de France Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors
There are many clear parallels between Hungary under Orbán and the United States under Trump, perhaps intentionally so, given their close alignment. Orbán changed election rules and engaged in “extreme gerrymandering” to expand his party’s hold on power. He systematically attacked and restricted a free press in Hungary, and created a rulebook for “illiberal nationalism” that Trump and Vance openly admire. (Halie Soifer)
American lessons to be drawn from Hungary’s recent election Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Just now, during a “2-week ceasefire”, Iran is restocking its offensive weapons on its own and with help from its totalitarian allies Russia and China. The negotiations between Iran and the US are not conclusive because Iran will do everything it can to avoid knuckling under to US demands. [Steve Kramer]
An unpopular war – except in Israel Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA
Many synagogues held candlelight vigils in honor of the six million Jews who perished, including the 1.5 million children who inspired the locally-based Butterfly Project. [Cailin Acosta]
Thoughts of butterflies and upcoming Jewish events Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Many people attributed the rise in antisemitic activity to a lack of education about the Nazi period. They questioned what West German students were learning about their country’s recent past. [Daniela R. P. Weiner]
For a quick summary, (Older) Noah (Beau Gravette) is in the assisted living facility allegedly getting therapy for his knee, but really to be with his wife (older) Allie (Sharon Catherine Brown) who is a patient in the memory care unit. Because she can’t remember him, he reads to her the story of their life together. [Sandi Masori]
‘The Notebook’ prompts tears and laughter in equal measure Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
It is a phrase uttered with a smile, a wink, and the clinking of glasses. Yet, to dismiss this as harmless folklore is to ignore the blood-soaked soil from which such language grew and the moral rot it continues to nourish in the modern era. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Spain must ban its celebratory medieval toast ‘kill Jews’ Read More »
International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Aharon Yadlin was born in Tel Aviv and grew up in the moshav Ben Shemen and the city of Rehovot during the Mandate era. He was active in the local scouting movement and served as its national coordinator. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Aharon Yadlin Read More »
Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The future of talks with the regime remains unclear, but when the United States gets back to the negotiating table with Iran, the organizations argue that “[t]he United States must send a clear message: the wrongful detention or hostage-taking of Americans will never be tolerated, forgotten, or deprioritized. Our adversaries must understand that harming or holding Americans carries sustained diplomatic consequences, and our citizens must know that their government will relentlessly pursue their return.” [Press Release]
AJC urges Trump to press for release of longstanding American captives held in Iran Read More »
International, Middle East, Press Release, USA