In this week’s parsha, Tsav, the Torah pivots from the “how-to” of the offerings to a repeated, severe prohibition: “You shall not eat any blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwelling places” (Leviticus 7:26). [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Parsha Tsav: The vampire in the palace Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Across the pond, hoodlums globalized the intifada when they set fire before 1:45 a.m. Monday to four ambulances operated by the nonprofit service Hatzola parked outside a synagogue in Golders Green, the largest Jewish community in London. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Acts of brazen antisemitism proliferate in North America, Europe Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The ICE Handbook for the TSA Mission: When stationed at an airport, remember TSA stands for tackling suspicious aliens… [Laurie Baron]
Satire: ICE issues handbook for agents supplementing TSA at airports Read More »
International, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
When I get to the plagues, we go out to the backyard. I write out the plagues with bags of items for all of them. Plague 1: Water Turned to Blood; I put a glass of water and a glass of pomegranate juice. Plague 2: Frogs, I have a bag of plastic frogs that we throw into the air. Plague 3: Lice, I have bags of white rice we throw at each other. … [Cailin Acosta]
What does a vegan seder look like? Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
With its vote, the council sent a clear, unequivocal message that it understands the threat antisemitism poses not just to Jews, but to all San Diegans. [Sara E. Brown, Times of San Diego]
Opinion: San Diego adopts antisemitism definition that’s needed more than ever Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Here is a roundup of statements and appeals from recognizable Jewish organizations: {Donald H. Harrison]
March 23, 2026 commentary from recognized Jewish organizations Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
If a Democrat supports Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state and supports the U.S.-Israel security relationship, but may oppose specific arms sales to send a message of disapproval to the Israeli government, are they enemies of Israel or the Jewish people? No! [Halie Soifer]
The case for pro-Israel Democrats Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
When meeting someone, he would demonstratively introduce himself: “Hello, I am Modigliani, a Jew.” His close circle included many people of Jewish descent. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish biography: Amedeo Modigliani, fine artist Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I too, must prepare to embrace my capacity and gratitude for freedom not just for the seven days of Passover but for every day. I hope this poem might inspire you to prepare too. [Betzy Lynch]
Guard against hardening our own hearts Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
At its core, Passover is not about what happened once. It is about what must be recognized again and again. The command at the heart of the holiday is not simply to remember, but to remember as if you yourself had been enslaved. This is not historical education. It is a transformation of perspective. It refuses the distance that allows us to say: that was then; this is now. Instead, it insists: the structure of that experience still concerns you. [Sam Ben-Meir]
Passover and the unfinished work of freedom Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Sam Ben-Meir, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
They got engaged one week before October 7. When the attack began they ran, found a roadside shelter, and held on to each other as terrorists hurled grenades inside. When Gali opened her eyes in the darkness she realized her right leg had been blown off. [Rabbi Shmuly Begun]
Gali and Ben epitomize the saga of the Jewish people Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Dinah Project’s book compiles survivor testimonies, forensic evidence, and legal analysis to establish a clear record of gender-based atrocities committed during the October 7 attacks. It also situates these crimes within the broader context of conflict-related sexual violence, drawing parallels to cases in Rwanda, Bosnia, Ukraine, and among Yazidi communities. [Jacob Kamaras]
Jewish funders salute scholarship of the Dinah Project Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jacob Kamaras, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USABipolar disorder is considered a mood disorder that affects emotions, with an up and down challenge of managing situations. Many suffer from extreme highs of mania for periods of time and extreme lows of depression for periods of time. [Cailin Acosta]
Bipolar affliction affects Jewish community Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
Already 13 U.S. service members have been killed and more than 200 wounded – and the Trump administration can’t even get their messaging straight on whether we’re at war with Iran. [Sara Jacobs]
U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs: ‘We need to end this reckless war now’ Read More »
Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA