The wilderness was the perfect place precisely because life there was so brutally difficult — and that is often exactly where God chooses to speak. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Bamidbar: Finding God in the Wilderness Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Bessie Hillman (May 15, 1889 – December 23, 1970) was a labor activist and founder of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Bessie Hillman Read More »
Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The emotional range is extraordinary and serves as a splendid message and lesson for readers. One page may have readers smiling at a soldier’s wit; the next may be almost unbearable because of its honesty. No letter romanticizes war. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Last letters of Israeli soldiers poignant, witty, and even joyous Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors
An exciting rendition of Beethoven’s Leonore Overture #3 opened the May 10, matinee concert of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra with Raphael Payare leading his forces with exuberant energy. [Eileen Wingard]
Many shining moments in SDSO’s May 10 matinee Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Every day this unnecessary, reckless war continues is another day that my constituents who are deployed to Iran are in harm’s way and at risk of losing their lives. Our service members deserve better than to be treated as expendable – and so do the American people who are being forced to pay over $1 billion per day for this military adventurism. …” [Press Release]
Sara Jacobs introduces House resolution to end the war in Iran Read More »
Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
Daniel Auerbach (May 14, 1979) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer, best known as the guitarist and vocalist of The Black Keys, an indie rock band from Akron, Ohio. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Dan Auerbach Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
From a psychological standpoint, recognition is one of the most powerful reinforcers of identity. When we believe that we are truly acknowledged, our internal sense of ourselves becomes more stable, more resilient. When we do not feel or think this way, something begins to erode. We can be physically present yet feel emotionally invisible. [Michael Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Bamidbar: People count as individuals and as part of a group Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Every survivor’s story is unique, each one a miraculous testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. Holocaust survivors have spent decades rebuilding their lives in the United States — raising families, starting successful businesses, and daring to celebrate life again after unimaginable loss. [Cailin Acosta]
Santa Clara County judge issued a rare order recusing Rosen and his entire office from retrying the case. Superior Court Judge Kelley Paul sided with defense attorneys who cited a range of concerns, including Rosen’s promotion of the case on a campaign website highlighting his efforts in “fighting antisemitism.” [Bruce S. Ticker]
In the late 1990s, on the 50th anniversary of his 1949 play, Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller confessed to an interviewer that Willy Loman and his family were intended to be Jews. Further, he said, the title character was inspired by one of his uncles and a suicidal colleague of his father’s, both of them salesmen. [Susie Rosenbluth]
A hidden Jewish angle to Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ Read More »
Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Effective June 1, 2026, Kindness Initiative will co-locate its Member Services case management division at the Jewish Family Service Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus in Kearny Mesa (8804 Balboa Avenue, 92123). [Press Release]
Kindness Initiative and JFS team up to provide some services to people in need Read More »
Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County
After greeting the audience Edelman, who grew up Orthodox, opened with a groaner. “What’s the difference between a reform Rabbi and Donald Trump?” He asked. The answer, “Donald Trump has Jewish grandchildren.” As the crowd groaned in unison, he noted that yes, it was a bad joke, and yes, everyone would be repeating it. He wasn’t wrong on either count. [Sandi Masori]
Comedian Alex Edelman jokes about different streams of Judaism at JFEST opener Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Today, the above average financial position of many Jews continues but other aspects of normal life in American are deteriorating. This fact may not affect those who live in gated communities, but what about their grandchildren? Will they want to attend Harvard, Columbia, or NYU? Will they want to live in New York, where a Jew-hating mayor is eroding the position of Jews and their businesses? [Steve Kramer]
Attractiveness of life in U.S., Israel compared Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food, USA
Harvey Keitel (May 13, 1939) is an American actor and producer. Known for his portrayal of morally ambiguous and “tough guy” characters, he rose to prominence during the New Hollywood movement.
Today’s Jewish birthday: Harvey Keitel Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia