Staff and Bylined Contributors

Ukrainian, Israeli, and British Leaders’ Different Approaches to Donald Trump

Events seem to be happening at an ever-increasing pace, both in Israel and in the wider world. This may have something to do with the current occupant of the White House, who appears to have set himself the task of stirring up worldwide anxiety and mayhem, probably in order to gain greater control of everything and everyone. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

Ukrainian, Israeli, and British Leaders’ Different Approaches to Donald Trump Read More »

Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Women of the Bible: Esther Was a Courageous Queen

One of my favorite times of the year is coming soon. Each year, I volunteer at the annual Temple Emanu-El of San Diego’s Purim Carnival. I serve my community by handing out tickets and dispensing snacks and drinks to the colorfully costumed and joyful children and their adults. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Community Ally: Iranian-American Dentist Stands with Israel

At a time when advocacy for Israel has become increasingly contentious, Farhoud Rastegar, a dentist with Smile Makeover Center in Mission Valley, has made his position clear: he stands with Israel and its right to defend itself. [Claudia Katsale]

Jewish Community Ally: Iranian-American Dentist Stands with Israel Read More »

Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Agreements and Disagreements with Dennis Prager

He wrote many books, including a series called The Rational Bible. I find much in them interesting, but I differ from him because he takes Bible stories literally and is usually convinced that the events really happened. I see many events as parables and read many statements as metaphors, hyperbole, and poetry. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

New York Visit Inaugurates Children’s International Travel Book Series

Eli has many endearing characteristics. He likes to make people smile. He likes to share, whether that be giving money to people less fortunate than he, or snacking on his favorite treat, mangos, with a new-found friend. He enjoys music and plays the piano admirably. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Jewish Trivia Quiz: The Oscars

Saturday ‍Night ‍Live, ‍which ‍has ‍had ‍no ‍shortage ‍of ‍Jewish-themed ‍sketches, ‍almost ‍ran ‍another ‍Jewish-themed ‍sketch ‍during ‍the ‍Christmas/Hanukkah ‍season ‍last ‍year. ‍The ‍sketch, ‍based ‍on ‍a ‍movie ‍from ‍this ‍past ‍year, ‍was ‍axed ‍following ‍a ‍poor ‍reception ‍during ‍the ‍show’s ‍dress ‍rehearsal. ‍What ‍was ‍the ‍name ‍of ‍that ‍sketch? [Mark D. Zimmerman]

Jewish Trivia Quiz: The Oscars Read More »

Jewish Celebrities, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Jewish Biography: Stanislaw Jerzy Lec, Satirist who Survived the Shoah

Stanisław Jerzy Lec, a prominent Polish satirist of Jewish origin, said: “The tragedy of an epoch is best conveyed by its laughter.” Lec, Yiddish for “jester, clown, mocker,” lived a short life full of suffering, during which he made people laugh. Sholom Aleichem said: “a Jew laughs to keep from crying.” Lec suffered a lot and, in order to endure this suffering with honor, he laughed a lot. He wrote: “When people do not have time to laugh – satire is born.” [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Satire: Dispatches from DC (Donelon’s Czardom)

The news emanating from Washington has been disconcerting. Although Americans narrowly elected Donald Trump, he has biologically merged with his far wealthier twin to emerge as Donelon Trusk. Trusk plans to rename the country the Uninformed Supporters of Authoritarianism. Here’s some news items about his latest efforts to accomplish this goal. [Laurie Baron]

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Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA