As we come together the night after Thanksgiving, it’s meaningful to reflect on how beautifully the themes of the holiday align with this week’s parsha, Vayeitzei, and with the essence of Shabbos itself. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
On the Shabbos after Thanksgiving … Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
ABC television news reported that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has questioned Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s legitimacy to hold office as Ukraine’s President. In which case, it would be pointless to sign a peace agreement with him, Putin said. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Thursday (Thanksgiving), Nov. 27, 2025 Read More »
Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
From what I’ve gathered, Julius Katz is a fictional Jewish character inspired by Julius the Cat — an early Walt Disney creation that came before Mickey Mouse. Imagine if Julius had become famous instead… we’d all be flocking to a land of cats and dodging “Goofy” dogs! [Cailin Acosta]
‘Julius Katz’ Displays Chanukah Items at California Adventure Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
When we understand what history is, when it began to be considered, how it changed over time, and what truth is, we will realize that history can’t be entirely accurate. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Do History Books Tell Us the Truth? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAMany of us are fluent in asking through prayer and supplication for clarity, healing, livelihood. But how fluent are we in thanking? [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parasha Vayeitzei: Thanking Hashem Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The band has performed at California Adventure for the past eight seasons. In 2017, I happened to walk past the winery where they were playing and stopped in my tracks, thrilled to hear Yiddish and klezmer jams. Ever since, I’ve made it a point to ensure they’re on the schedule. My teens insist this officially makes me a “groupie.” [Cailin Acosta]
‘Mostly Kosher’ is Such a Nice Band, a Mechayeh! Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAZAKA’s CEO, Dubi Weissenstern, commented “Tonight is more than a milestone; it is a living testament to the holy work our volunteers do every day. Our teams run toward pain so others can find comfort. They bring dignity and light where there is chaos and loss. Our concert honor their courage and the supporters who make it possible.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe Defense Department’s probe into Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) for making a video with five other members of Congress reminding military and intelligence employees it’s their duty to refuse illegal orders drew a rebuke from Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). He said President Trump was “attempting to use the Pentagon as his personal attack dog.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When the show included a nod to Chanukah—dreidels spinning across the mist before a glowing menorah appeared—fireworks burst in perfect time with the music. [Cailin Acosta]
Chanukah Highlighted in Disney’s Fireworks Show Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAVolodymyr Zelenskyy: “Putin wants legal recognition for what he has stolen, to break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty. And that’s the main problem. … “
Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
From November through January, California Adventures transforms into a full-blown celebration of the winter holidays. Not just Christmas, but Diwali, Chanukah, and Navidad as well. The Festival of Holidays brings live performances, specialty food booths, and seasonal drinks. Guests can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to sample a variety of offerings or buy items à la carte. [Cailin Acosta]
California Adventures Celebrates Chanukah with Tchotchkes, Clothing and Food Read More »
Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Two books, with familiar stories for children, have been issued in time for Chanukah.[Donald H. Harrison]
Familiar Stories Timed for Chanukah Consumption Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Many national, regional, and local craft beers will no longer be acceptable after January 1, including Sierra Nevada and Dos Equis. What is one of the ingredients that is occasionally added to some craft beers that would render the drink unkosher if not certified? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Kosher Beer Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA, Wikipedia
Dollinger challenges the standard narrative that Jews were simply “kicked out” of the Civil Rights movement by radical Black activists. Instead, he argues that Jews actively made choices to prioritize their own newfound status and ethnic identity over the continued struggle for racial justice. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Did Jewry Abandon the Fight for Racial Justice? Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA