Staff and Bylined Contributors

The birthday I wasn’t sure I’d have: What hope taught me

But about a month later, my (former) oncologist sat across from us and told me, very matter-of-factly, that my prognosis was “about a year.” Google is one thing but hearing this from someone who was looking at my scans and labs was another. I remember watching my husband’s entire body slump and his mouth slightly open in disbelief, as if words eluded him. [Shayna Kaufmann]

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Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Cabaret’ production in Temecula has a startling reveal

We start to get an inkling that things are going to take a dark turn when the angel voiced youth singer Lavinia Kendrick comes out to sing a song.  At the end of the song, she turns her body so the audience sees the previously hidden Nazi armband.  [Sandi Masori]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Opinion, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Jewish biography: Edward Teller, nuclear physicist

On January 31, 1950, with President Truman’s permission, Teller was given carte blanche to develop the hydrogen bomb. It was detonated on one of the Marshall Islands on November 1, 1952 – the mushroom cloud rose to a height of 37 kilometers, and the diameter of the “cap” exceeded 160 kilometers. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro at Beth Israel discusses listening, faith, and Jewish leadership

Just days after the attack on Temple Israel in suburban Detroit, guests arriving at Congregation Beth Israel for Talking San Diego’s conversation with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro were met with bag checks, wanding, and a visibly increased police and security presence. [Shor M. Masori]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, San Diego County, Shor M. Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Irish Jews remembered ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up. It is not a Jewish observance, but there are many Irish Jews in history. Rabbi Isaac Herzog was the first chief rabbi of Ireland from 1921 to 1936. He was Ashkenazi and born in Poland but moved to Ireland. When Abraham Kook, Chief Rabbi of Israel died, Herzog was elected and moved to Jerusalem. [Cailin Acosta]

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Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Appreciation for the people and institutions of the Jewish community, especially in times of stress

Last night, after a very long and stressful day, I had the honor of leading a Rosh Chodesh session at my synagogue, one of several events happening across our Jewish community last night. There were nearly 50 women there to set intentions for the month ahead, explore themes of renewal and of hope, and to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Opinion: United Jewish community needs to call for full funding of National Security Grant Program

Clearly, we all must be as well-prepared as Temple Israel was for such an attack, which is why we encourage everyone to call on Congress to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides essential security grants for synagogues and Jewish institutions. [Halie Soifer]

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Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Celebrating the Jewish history of Travancore, India

Recently, with the generous help of the Travancore Royal Family of Travancore, India, and the State of Travancore, a new Jewish Indian Heritage Trail marker was dedicated in a grand ceremony at the Puthenmalika Palace. [Jerry Klinger]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jerry Klinger, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Jewish reactions to attack on Michigan synagogue

An armed assailant rammed his truck on Thursday into Temple Israel, a large Reform congregation in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield.  He was subsequently killed in a firefight, according to officials. Here are some comments by recognizable Jewish individuals and organizations. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA