Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Sabbath Queen’ Tells of an Orthodox Rabbi Who Became a Drag Queen

Sabbath Queen shown Sunday night at the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival documents the life of Amichai Lau-Lavie, the Rabbi and founding spiritual leader of Lab/Shul in NYC.  The documentary combines archival footage, 21 years of filming and animation to tell the story of Lau-Lavie’s spiritual journey. [Robin Dishman]

‘Sabbath Queen’ Tells of an Orthodox Rabbi Who Became a Drag Queen Read More »

Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

An “Interview” with a Groundhog

“I might add that it is quite a puzzling day for me too. You see, I have a little touch of rheumatism and, like everyone else, I want the warmth of spring to come early, too. So every year at about this time I get my sunglasses and consider putting them on. so I won’t see my shadow or be bothered by the snow. But then I start worrying, especially since I can never remember whether I’m supposed to stay outside or go back into my hole – er, house.” [Bruce F. Lowitt]

An “Interview” with a Groundhog Read More »

Bruce F. Lowitt, Jewish Fiction, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Mishnah Anticipated Scientific Understanding of Whispering, Digestion, Combustion

What particularly fascinates me is how the book reveals the Mishnah’s sophisticated understanding of physical and psychological phenomena that we’ve only recently begun to explain through modern scientific frameworks. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Mishnah Anticipated Scientific Understanding of Whispering, Digestion, Combustion Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Biography Explains the Holocaust to Children Ages 8 to 12

It augments the narrative with supplemental pages explaining such terms and concepts as World War II, antisemitism, ghettos, partisans, the Holocaust, collaborators, the righteous among the nations, the camps, and resistance. [Donald H. Harrison]

Biography Explains the Holocaust to Children Ages 8 to 12 Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Keith, Ofer and Yarden are Back in Israel — Where They Belong

In another emotional moment for Israel and the Jewish people, we witnessed the long-awaited release of Israeli-American Keith Siegel, French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon, and Yarden Bibas after enduring 484 excruciating days in Hamas’ terror dungeons. [Julie Rayman, American Jewish Committee]

Keith, Ofer and Yarden are Back in Israel — Where They Belong Read More »

International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Appropriate’ at Old Globe is Unsettlingly Thought-Provoking

The Old Globe Theater usually gets really talented professional equity actors for its shows.  Tony award winner ‘Appropriate’ is no different.  The all-star cast deliver a compelling performance; every single one of them deserves recognition. [Sandi Masori]

‘Appropriate’ at Old Globe is Unsettlingly Thought-Provoking Read More »

San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Taking in the Movies at the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival

The San Diego International Jewish Film Festival is being held at the Lawrence Family JCC. I love going to the movies but since having twins, those typical date nights with my husband are not very common anymore. [Cailin Acosta]

Taking in the Movies at the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, California, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

OpEd: Donald Trump’s Executive Orders Do Not Bode Well for Jews, Other Minorities

On Monday, the Trump administration announced a freeze of all grants, loans, and other federal assistance, which impacts nearly every American. A judge temporarily halted part of the White House decree because it’s unconstitutional. News of the freeze has already impeded access to Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare benefits, among other essential government funding programs, including the grants that fund security at synagogues, JCCs, and Jewish day schools. [Halie Sofer]

OpEd: Donald Trump’s Executive Orders Do Not Bode Well for Jews, Other Minorities Read More »

Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Ben Midler, Holocaust Survivor, Imparts Unwavering Positivity at Chabad at UCSD Event

More than 60 students gathered in Price Center to hear the extraordinary story of Holocaust survivor Benjamin Midler. The event, organized by Chabad at UCSD, led by my husband Rabbi Shmulie Cunin and me, was co-hosted by AEPi, the Jewish fraternity. [Mushka Cunin]

Ben Midler, Holocaust Survivor, Imparts Unwavering Positivity at Chabad at UCSD Event Read More »

Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: Released Hostages Made to Suffer One Last Time by Hamas Captors

We witnessed the first images: Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari and Romi Gonen’s propaganda-filled transfer- how they were forced to smile, accept a certificate and “goody bag”, appearing as if their time spent as hostages was all fun and games. That image of Doron, a beautiful young woman, in a bright pink sweater surrounded by a swarm of hostile Arabs chanting “Death to the Jews.” [Ilanit Zakowski]

OpEd: Released Hostages Made to Suffer One Last Time by Hamas Captors Read More »

Ilanit Zakowski, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Grace Church Pastors Tell Why They Choose to Stand with Us Jews

I began my intervention by stating that I did not choose to be Jewish, that I was born in Santa Barbara, Chihuahua, to Jewish parents, and that I was not asked for my opinion on religion when I was born, nor was I consulted about being circumcised at 8 days old. So, I suppose it was God’s will that determined my religion and, in part, my destiny. This automatically connected me with the audience because, like all religious people, they believe in God’s will, which allowed them to empathize with me. [José Galicot]

Grace Church Pastors Tell Why They Choose to Stand with Us Jews Read More »

International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Jose Galicot, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA