Staff and Bylined Contributors

A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego

[A]s the plane took off for Santiago, a young family in the row across from us brought out electric candles and began singing the holiday blessings with their toddlers. We sang along, and everyone wished each other a chag sameach. The mother looked over at me and said, “We all need to do everything we can to bring light into the world today.” I felt a weight lift, and off we went. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

An excellent New Year’s resolution

Maimonides describes the three steps that lead to behavioral change. First, recognize that what you are doing is wrong. Second, decide to change the behavior to a proper one. Third, begin practicing the new practice and make it a habit that you continue. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Parsha Vayechi: Inner influence, humility and Hashem

We often look outward when we want to fix the world, but the wisdom of the Mussar movement, founded by Rabbi Israel Salanter, teaches us a different path. He famously reflected that as a young man, he set out to change the world, only to realize his reach was too small. {Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘SIX,’ Broadway’s Best Musical in 2022, Back for Limited Run in San Diego

The six wives of Henry VIII with their commanding voices, humor and high-energy anthems are more than historical casualties. The beheadings, miscarriages, and death in childbirth are woven into each song. In era of struggle between Catholicism and emerging Protestantism in 16th-century England the divide is central to the lives of the queens. [Sherrie Rose]

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

Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

David Bocarsly, executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), hailed a ruling in federal court on Wednesday upholding the constitutionality of AB 715, California’s law attempting to end antisemitism in the public schools.  [Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

At the request of the Los Angeles police department, the public will not see immediately the autopsy reports for actor/ director Rob Reiner and his photographer wife Michele Singer Reiner who allegedly were stabbed to death Dec. 14 by their son Nick Reiner. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, News Media, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA

OpEd: The Birth Pangs of Freedom in Iran

The streets of Tehran and beyond blaze with righteous fury. On Sunday, December 28, merchants in the Grand Bazaar and major commercial districts shut their shops in protest, marking a historic betrayal by a class once instrumental in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. By Monday and Tuesday, the strikes spread relentlessly: goldsmiths, tech vendors, and wholesalers in areas like Alaeddin Mall, Charsou Commercial Complex, Shush market, and Lalehzar joined the shutdowns. Protesters marched through Jomhuri Street, Naser Khosrow, and Istanbul Intersection, clashing with security forces who unleashed tear gas and batons. Defiant individuals, echoing the iconic “Tank Man” of Tiananmen Square, stood unarmed before armored vehicles and riot police, offering their bodies as living monuments of resistance—often swallowed by the regime’s brutal crackdown. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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International, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Going Forward With Intention: Berry Gordy, Legacy, and the Jewish Art of Living Well

Smokey Robinson spoke with reverence and gratitude, his words shaped by decades of friendship and shared purpose. Stevie Wonder sang directly to Berry, offering Happy Birthday and You Are the Sunshine of My Life, transforming performance into offering. Otis Williams stood nearby, a living thread connecting generations of sound, discipline, and excellence. [Michael Adam Cohen]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

New Year’s Wish and Events Planned for 2026

2025’s chapter is ending, and 2026’s new chapter is about to start. Did anyone have a good year, or are we looking for more positive and less dramatic, healthy vibes? [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Michael Rabkin: ‘We Jews Refuse to Disappear’

I had the honor of speaking at San Diego City Council following a proclamation recognizing Chanukah earlier this month. During my remarks, I offered a message that seemed to resonate with the councilmembers: our tradition marks the moments when we Jews refuse to disappear. [Michael Rabkin]

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Antisemitism, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Trump Meets with Netanyahu about Gaza, West Bank, Iran and Other Trouble Spots

That two Jewish leaders – Zelenskyy and Netanyahu – had back-to-back meetings with President Trump, selected Cabinet officials and White House aides, and with U.S. peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Trump’s  son-in-law Jared Kushner were remarkable occasions, sure to be mentioned in Jewish history books of the future. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA