Elliott Abrams (January 24, 1948) is an American politician and lawyer who has served in foreign policy positions for presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. Abrams is considered to be a neoconservative. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Elliott Abrams Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
For most of my life, if you had asked me to describe myself, I would have said I was a glass-half-empty kind of gal. That story took shape early (of course it did). Like many of us, I had a fun adolescence on the outside and a restless inner world on the inside. I sensed there was more to life than partying, jogging, and getting good grades, but I didn’t know what I was searching for or how to find it. Frankly, I was confused and lonely. [Shayna Kaufmann]
The story my mind forgot to update Read More »
Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I am always so humbled and honored to be asked and trusted to carry such a sacred possession through the aisles as people kiss their siddurim (prayer books) or tallits (prayer shawls) and touch them to the Torah. [Cailin Acosta]
Feeling pride as I parade the Torah through my congregation Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
It’s sadly predictable that on this day of all days, we’re once again debating anti-choice bills on the House floor brought by MAGA Republicans — bills designed to make pregnancy more dangerous, more expensive, and more terrifying for millions. [Sara Jacobs]
What sets Christian Zionism 101 apart is its vitality: short, punchy chapters, bold headings, scripture sidebars, and over 200 footnotes for depth. At 206 pages, it’s ideal for individuals, study groups, or newcomers. Early feedback, including Amazon’s 4.5-star average, praises its humble, bridge-building tone. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
10 Reasons for Christians to be Zionists Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Lisa Berman Hernandez, president of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, shed some light on what led up to her congregation’s American-Israeli Rabbi Hanan Leberman being disinvited to deliver the benediction at an “All Peoples” breakfast on Monday honoring the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the News: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA
Later that day, as I was setting up for a Shine a Light Shabbat at Immaculate Conception Church in Old Town, I began to imagine what it might be like to sit at a Shabbat table with Rabbi Salanter and Dr. King. [Betzy Lynch]
An imaginary meeting between MLK and Rabbi Salanter Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Within a month after passage, a complaint seeking to halt the Jan. 1 implementation of the bill was filed against Newsom, Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The complaint claimed the law restricts teachers’ free speech rights, is vague and ambiguous, and denies students full learning opportunities. [Marsha Sutton, Times of San Diego]
AB 715, abolishing antisemitism in K-12 classrooms, ruled constitutional Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, Israel, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Efrat Sopher, head of the World Jewish Congress’s International Task Force on Iran and Islamic Extremism, said Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi may have the experience and the experience of the team around him, as well as widespread support in Iran, to lead the country which overthrew his father, the Shah, in 1979. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Wikipedia
Reich began with Sarah Imeinu, whom she described as the matriarch of resilience. Sarah’s life was marked by immense trials. She left her homeland for an unknown land, endured famine, was abducted not once but twice, and suffered years of barrenness. Even after the birth of Yitzchak, she faced the painful situation involving Hagar and Yishmael, which ultimately led to their being sent away. [Cailin Acosta]
Rebbetzin Brooke Reich: Painful experiences can transform us Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded innocent in the New York federal court of Judge Alvin Hellerstein to charges of drug and arms trafficking. Attorney Barry Pollack represented Maduro at the arraignment. The next court date was set for March 17. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political briefing: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
I wrote following the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk, our kids are watching, and current events transpire more quickly than we can sufficiently explain them to our children. In this case, having seen images of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela on television, my tween boys concluded it’s like “Conquer the World,” which is a game on Roblox. [Halie Soifer]
What’s going on? Our children want to know! Read More »
International, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Washington pulled back. Funding was cut. Programs people rely on were suddenly at risk. And for a moment, it would have been easy to feel like so much was out of our control. But that’s not what San Diego did. Instead, neighbors stepped up. Volunteers showed up. Community organizations leaned in. And together, we made a different choice – one rooted in care, fairness, and responsibility for one another. [Terra Lawson-Remer]
San Diego County residents stepped up in response to shrinking federal assistance Read More »
Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
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]
An excellent New Year’s resolution Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food