Staff and Bylined Contributors

Just wars: Pope ignores Thomas Aquinas, Maimonides

When a religious leader pours the “milk” of unconditional pacifism into the “meat” of a life-and-death military struggle, the result is a curdled moral confusion. This mixture makes it impossible to digest the hard reality of defense, leading to a “forbidden” policy that benefits neither the state nor the soul. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Congressional candidate switches parties to oppose Sara Jacobs on Israel

My positions on Israel are clear and unwavering. I support Israel’s right to defend itself decisively against Hamas, Hezbollah, and any other terrorist groups that seek its destruction. I do not believe a two-state solution is viable or responsible until Hamas, Hezbollah, and all military opponents are completely disarmed and deradicalized. Only then can lasting peace and security be possible for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region. [Stan Caplan]

Congressional candidate switches parties to oppose Sara Jacobs on Israel Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘The Lehman Trilogy’ turns financial history into riveting stage drama

As audiences take their seats at Cygnet Theatre, they’re immediately pulled into a world already in motion: stock prices flicker across the walls, the year 2008 looms, and the collapse that impacted global finance is foreshadowed before a single line is spoken. [Sherrie Rose]

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Business & Finance, Jewish History, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Education and collaboration are crucial in fighting antisemitism

One of the workshops that I attended on media advocacy called for the same courage. Led by two men named Noah, they shared their personal and professional experiences in dealing with antisemitism. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Satire: Divine Donald the Doctor

Trump plans to require this type of scrubs on all the doctors on the staff of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after he renames it the Trump Panacea Hospital and Casino. I pity the hospital laundry tasked with getting the blood and bodily excretion stains out of that fabric. [Laurie Baron]

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Lawrence Baron, Middle East, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Accident or murder on the Isle de France

Something happened… Schneider’s skull was laterally crushed by a heavy object. Though very near their port of destination, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Schneider was hurriedly buried at sea. The body could have been brought to Halifax, only a few days’ sail away. His remains could have been returned to his parents for Jewish burial in the United Kingdom. [Jerry Klinger]

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Antisemitism, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors

American lessons to be drawn from Hungary’s recent election

There are many clear parallels between Hungary under Orbán and the United States under Trump, perhaps intentionally so, given their close alignment. Orbán changed election rules and engaged in “extreme gerrymandering” to expand his party’s hold on power. He systematically attacked and restricted a free press in Hungary, and created a rulebook for “illiberal nationalism” that Trump and Vance openly admire. (Halie Soifer)

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Antisemitism, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Thoughts of butterflies and upcoming Jewish events

Many synagogues held candlelight vigils in honor of the six million Jews who perished, including the 1.5 million children who inspired the locally-based Butterfly Project. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

About half of young Americans can’t name a single Holocaust site, repeating a pattern of ignorance seen in postwar Germany

Many people attributed the rise in antisemitic activity to a lack of education about the Nazi period. They questioned what West German students were learning about their country’s recent past. [Daniela R. P. Weiner]

About half of young Americans can’t name a single Holocaust site, repeating a pattern of ignorance seen in postwar Germany Read More »

Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘The Notebook’ prompts tears and laughter in equal measure

For a quick summary, (Older) Noah (Beau Gravette) is in the assisted living facility allegedly getting therapy for his knee, but really to be with his wife (older) Allie (Sharon Catherine Brown)  who is a patient in the memory care unit. Because she can’t remember him, he reads to her the story of their life together. [Sandi Masori]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Spain must ban its celebratory medieval toast ‘kill Jews’

It is a phrase uttered with a smile, a wink, and the clinking of glasses. Yet, to dismiss this as harmless folklore is to ignore the blood-soaked soil from which such language grew and the moral rot it continues to nourish in the modern era. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food