Gilbert Seldes (January 3, 1893 – September 29, 1970) was an American writer and cultural critic. Seldes served as the editor and drama critic of the seminal modernist magazine The Dial and hosted the NBC television program The Subject is Jazz (1958). [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Gilbert Seldes Read More »
News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The United States’ surprise capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores early Saturday morning generated both negative and supportive statements from Jewish officeholders around the world. The Maduros were put aboard the amphibius assault ship USS Iwo Jima and then an airplane for a trip to New York where they will face charges of trafficking drugs, especially cocaine and fentanyl, to the United States. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish political briefing: Saturday evening, Jan. 3, 2026 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Nearly a decade ago, Thurman endured an undiagnosed fracture of her neck and brain stem. Her body eventually collapsed, leaving her paralyzed. She had to relearn every basic skill—walking, reading, speaking, even eating. Each day required starting over. And yet, she persevered. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Wisdom and resilience of Amy Thurman Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Prominent Jewish individuals and organizations, including New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican, criticized on social media the first-day actions of Muslim Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who cancelled all the executive orders issued after September 2024 by his predecessor at City Hall, Eric Adams. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish political briefing: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
It is the second day of 2026, and the gym is busier than usual with new faces, new clothes, and shoes, as people dedicate themselves to a healthier lifestyle. [Cailin Acosta]
Keeping healthy in 2026 is a matter of keeping that resolution Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Post-colonial governance worked out poorly. The regime of Siad Barre in Mogadishu prosecuted horrific wars against Somaliland and, when Barre was deposed in 1991, Somaliland negated the original treaty and declared independence. [Shoshana Bryen]
Washington pulled back. Funding was cut. Programs people rely on were suddenly at risk. And for a moment, it would have been easy to feel like so much was out of our control. But that’s not what San Diego did. Instead, neighbors stepped up. Volunteers showed up. Community organizations leaned in. And together, we made a different choice – one rooted in care, fairness, and responsibility for one another. [Terra Lawson-Remer]
San Diego County residents stepped up in response to shrinking federal assistance Read More »
Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
[A]s the plane took off for Santiago, a young family in the row across from us brought out electric candles and began singing the holiday blessings with their toddlers. We sang along, and everyone wished each other a chag sameach. The mother looked over at me and said, “We all need to do everything we can to bring light into the world today.” I felt a weight lift, and off we went. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Joyce Wadler (January 2, 1948) is a journalist and reporter for The New York Times, as well as a writer and humorist. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Joyce Wadler Read More »
News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
A self-described Muslim who told thousands of well-wishers that he grew up “eating bagels and lox every Sunday” was sworn in twice on New Year’s Day 2026 as New York City’s 112th mayor. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Maimonides describes the three steps that lead to behavioral change. First, recognize that what you are doing is wrong. Second, decide to change the behavior to a proper one. Third, begin practicing the new practice and make it a habit that you continue. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
An excellent New Year’s resolution Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
We often look outward when we want to fix the world, but the wisdom of the Mussar movement, founded by Rabbi Israel Salanter, teaches us a different path. He famously reflected that as a young man, he set out to change the world, only to realize his reach was too small. {Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Vayechi: Inner influence, humility and Hashem Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Viktor Ullmann (January 1, 1898 – October 18, 1944) was a Silesia-born Austrian composer, conductor and pianist. Viktor Ullmann was born on 1 January 1898 in Cieszyn (Teschen), which belonged then to Austrian Silesia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Viktor Ullmann Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The six wives of Henry VIII with their commanding voices, humor and high-energy anthems are more than historical casualties. The beheadings, miscarriages, and death in childbirth are woven into each song. In era of struggle between Catholicism and emerging Protestantism in 16th-century England the divide is central to the lives of the queens. [Sherrie Rose]
‘SIX,’ Broadway’s Best Musical in 2022, Back for Limited Run in San Diego Read More »
International, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast