We studied Jewish text designed to guide us in thinking through our responsibilities in relation to Israel, what is happening in Gaza, and the rising threats to the Jewish people. [Heidi Gantwerk]
It’s a Jewish Time for Soul-Searching Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
After Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state,” Amb. Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, released the following statement from his office in New York. [Press Release]
International Jewish News: August 15, 2025 Edition Read More »
International, Israel, Press Release, USA
This book is more complex than the typical board book. Instead of telling one story, it has three objectives. [Donald H. Harrison]
Multiple Depictions in a Baby Book of a Jewish Family through the Generations Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Edna Ferber (August 15, 1885 – April 16, 1968) was an American novelist, short story writer and playwright. Her novels include the Pulitzer Prize-winning So Big (1924), Show Boat (1926; made into the celebrated 1927 musical), Cimarron (1930; adapted into the 1931 film which won the Academy Award for Best Picture), Giant (1952; made into the 1956 film of the same name) and Ice Palace (1958), which also received a film adaptation in 1960. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Edna Ferber Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Thursday’s UN designation validates the substantial evidence that Hamas used rape and sexual violence systematically as part of a coordinated attack intended to dehumanize and destroy Israelis, both on Oct. 7, 2023, and against hostages thereafter. [Press Release]
AJC Praises U.N. Secretary-General for Blacklisting Hamas for Use of Sexual Violence Read More »
International, Israel, Press Release
If you like corny humor, then Shucked is the perfect show for you! It’s the latest musical to hit the Broadway San Diego stage and while it’s got everything a Broadway musical needs to have, it’s real power is in its zingy one-liners- some of which you’ll get right away, and some of which might come to you later that night as you reminisce about the show. [Sandi Masori]
‘Corn’ Musical Replete with Corny Jokes Read More »
San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
If the person is older, I count the years they outlived me and cheer their longevity. I read their obituary avidly for insights, hints, and clues about how they made it to such a long life. Good for them! If they can do it, I “reason,” so can I! [Karen Galatz]
The Matzo Chronicles: By the Numbers Read More »
Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The difficulties we encounter aren’t signs of abandonment. They’re spiritual training. Like a coach who pushes athletes beyond their comfort zones, Hashem invites us to grow past where we thought our limits were. Without that friction, our souls would stay soft, our values underdeveloped. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Eikev: Growing Through Love and Limits Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Herzl Rosenblum (August 14, 1903 – February 1, 1991), was an Israeli journalist and politician. A signatory of the Israeli declaration of independence, he worked as editor of Yedioth Ahronoth for more than 35 years. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthay: Herzl Rosenblum Read More »
Israel, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, adopted three new policy statements: 1) Strengthening Security to Confront and Protect Against Antisemitic Violence; 2) Championing Pluralism Within the Zionist Movement and 3) America at 250: A Call to Celebrate and Strengthen Our Democracy. [Press Release]
Hadassah Promulgates 3 New Policy Statements Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Press Release, USA
Assistant conductor Robert Zelickman led the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra (TICO) in a crisp, nuanced and energetic reading of Saint-Saens’ March Militaire Francais to start off the matinee Pops Concert in the Synagogue’s Cohen Social Hall. [Eileen Wingard]
Varied TICO Concert Features Light Classical and Pop Selections Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Two Torahs saved from the Holocaust were obtained, one from the Czech Republic; the other from Hungary. A congregant whose hobby is woodworking built the Holy Ark within which to keep them. Another congregant created a rustic chuppah. Jewish books were donated to the congregational library. Temple Sukkat Shalom (Shelter of Peace) is small, yet compact. [Donald H. Harrison]
Alaskan Synagogue Depends on Volunteers Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Do you know the expression: 2 Jews and 3 opinions? Both sides of an argument are valued in Judaism, even to the point of recording the majority and minority viewpoints in the Talmud (the written commentary of the oral Jewish laws describing customs, ethics, and history). [Steve Kramer]
Bert Lahr (August 13, 1895 – December 4, 1967), was an American actor and comedian. He was best known for his role as the Cowardly Lion, as well as his counterpart Kansas farmworker “Zeke”, in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer adaptation of The Wizard of Oz (1939). [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Bert Lahr Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia