The December 8 San Diego Symphony Orchestra’s high voltage program under the direction of SDSO Music Director, Raphael Payare, took off with the dazzling opening of Richard Strauss’ tone poem, Don Juan. [Eileen Wingard]
Strauss, Schastakovitch Masterfully Performed by Israeli-Born Pianist Inon Barnatan Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Courtesy of Wikipedia Adam Brody (December 15, 1979) is an American actor. His breakout role was as Seth Cohen on the Fox television series The O.C. (2003–2007). Brody appeared in films including Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Thank You for Smoking (2005), In the Land of Women (2007), and Jennifer’s Body (2009). In the 2010s, Brody had supporting roles in comedies including Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Adam Brody Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) delivered a farewell address in the U.S. Senate, in which he has served for 18 years, which included his current role as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He said tikkun olam and tzedakah collectively have been his North Star of public service. [SDJW staff]
Cardin, in Farewell Senate Speech, Recalls His Campaign for Soviet Jews Read More »
International, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Nathan Ebner (December 14, 1988) is an American former professional football player who was a safety and special teamer in the National Football League (NFL). He was a rugby sevens player for the United States national rugby sevens team. [Wikipedia]
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Sports & Competitions, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
This can be a stressful time of the year financially and emotionally for many people. Wishing someone a “Happy Holiday” usually sparks a smile of relief and if that person corrects you with the holiday they celebrate, it is okay. Wishing someone a “Happy” something is better than not saying anything in my experience. [Cailin Acosta]
Holiday Greetings! What’s Appropriate to Say? Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodSeventy-seven Congressional Democrats, including nine Jewish members, wrote to Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, respectively Secretary of State and Defense Secretary, stating that “administrative action must be taken to ensure Israel upholds the assurances it provided in March 2024 to facilitate, and not directly or indirectly obstruct U.S. humanitarian assistance. We remain committed to a negotiated solution that can bring an end to the fighting, free the remaining hostages, surge humanitarian aid, and lay the groundwork to rebuild Gaza with a legitimate Palestinian governing body.” [SDJW staff compilation]
Uncertainty over the Fates of Gaza and Syria Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Israel, Middle East, News Media, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Jamie Raskin (December 13, 1962) is an American attorney, law professor, and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Maryland’s 8th congressional district since 2017. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Jamie Raskin Read More »
Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Not so very long ago
I can still remember when presidents
Upheld the law. … [Laurie Baron]
Satire: UnAmerican Pie Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
ollege students and youth in their 20’s contributed 31 essays to this anthology. Some essays are descriptive like that of Stanford University student Julia Steinberg’s “Home, Transcendence, and the Land,” in which she describes the feelings of belonging and of being home on her first visit to Israel. Others were proscriptive such as Ashira Boxman’s “To Stand United, We Must Respect Our Different Paths,” and Kivi Franks’ “Stop Overfocusing on Antisemitism.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Young, Committed Jews Offer Their Thoughts on the Future of Our People Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
We arrived at the airport and went straight to the event where I was to deliver my speech. I was on the bus with my suitcases, and of course, I didn’t know Hebrew. On the way, I wrote part of my speech. When I sat at the head table, I was trembling with nerves, and suddenly, I felt someone hug me warmly. To my surprise, it was Golda Meir, the legendary Prime Minister of Israel. Her embrace deeply moved me. [José Galicot]
The Life Journey of a Mexican Jewish Zionist Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Jose Galicot, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Among the physicians preparing to migrate to Israel are husband and wife Drs. Garrett and Noa Sterling. He is an emergency medicine physician, and she is a retired obstetrician/ gynecologist who now runs an online membership group that counsels individuals about pregnancy and post-partum issues. Noa, speaking for herself and her husband, said, “We feel a spiritual calling to live in Israel. The future of the Jewish people is in Israel, and we want to contribute to that future.” [Press Release]
Israel Recruits Medical Doctors at MedEx LA Read More »
Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USA
This week’s Torah reading, Vayishlach, brings us a powerful message of hope, resilience, and transformation. It begins with Jacob’s long-awaited return to the Land of Israel, a journey that marks not just a physical homecoming, but a profound spiritual rebirth. Along the way, Jacob demonstrates courage, wisdom, and foresight—preparing gifts for his brother Esau and thoughtfully dividing his camp, showing his care for his loved ones. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Vayishlach: Jacob’s Intentional Kindness Offers a Lesson for Today Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Courtesy of Wikipedia Mayim Bialik (December 12, 1975) is an American actress, author and former game show host. From 1991 to 1995, she played the title character of the NBC sitcom Blossom. From 2010 to 2019, she played neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, for which she was nominated four times for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Mayim Bialik Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
When the police chief came to investigate, he concluded that it was done by the same group of neo-Nazis who had been harassing African Americans. Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and gays and lesbians. Previously, a swastika signboard had been nailed to the Beth Aaron Synagogue, and Jewish tombstones had been pushed over in the cemetery. [Donald H. Harrison]