Because of every call, every email, every form, and every person who showed up, we achieved a resounding victory: an 8–1 vote in favor. [Liat Cohen-Reeis]
S.D. City Council adopts IHRA definition of antisemitism Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
In his view, the current fighting is not only about neutralizing threats in the present, but about reshaping the future architecture of the Middle East. [Shor M. Masori]
Birds have also been used as symbols of peace, such as in the story of Noah and the Ark, when a dove returned carrying an olive branch to show that land was beginning to emerge after the flood. [Cailin Acosta]
Judaism’s healthy regard for birds Read More »
animals, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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]
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]
Irish Jews remembered ahead of St. Patrick’s Day Read More »
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
The five-day Brahms Festival included the German Requiem, the four symphonies and the violin concerto, all under the direction of the San Diego Symphony’s Music Director, Raphael Payare. [Eileen Wingard]
Brahms Festival features Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos Read More »
Eileen Wingard, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Jewish Federation of San Diego President & CEO Heidi Gantwerk has been invited by Jewish Federations of North America to be featured in a special national briefing tomorrow morning, March 12, on the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. [Press Release]
Heidi Gantwerk to participate in national hookup about Mideast War Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams with matches June 11 to July 19, 2026. Competing in its 13th World Cup, Switzerland will be based in San Diego and will play in the group stage against Qatar in Santa Clara on June 13, a UEFA playoff winner in Los Angeles on June 18, and against co-host nation Canada in Vancouver. [Press Release]
SD Jewish Academy to serve as base camp for Swiss national soccer team Read More »
International, Press Release, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, USA
The SAVE Act would destroy our mail-in ballot system, enact registration requirements that would make it harder for millions of Americans to vote, and initiate massive purges of voter rolls. [Press Release]
Upcoming legislation in Congress and at San Diego City Council Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
Shakespeare and Rabbi Zusya lived more than a century apart and in very different worlds, yet together they illuminate a deeply Jewish idea: tafkid, the belief that each soul enters the world with a particular purpose. [Betzy Lynch]
Shakespeare, Hasidic sage Zusya, shared belief in unique purpose of each human being Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & BroadcastFor two weeks, we were transported into a place more “foreign” than anywhere else I have visited, yet every encounter was positive, welcoming, and gracious. Through our modern Western lens, we kept asking about antisemitism, historically or today. It simply isn’t there, and I cannot express how refreshing that was to hear. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Federation mission to India ‘refreshing’ and broadening Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USADaylight Saving Time is upon us. I don’t mind when we “fall back” in the Fall since we get more sleep. When we “spring forward” in the Spring, it cuts out an hour of sleep, which can be devastating to teenagers who enjoy sleeping in. [Cailin Acosta]
Daylight Savings Time comes this Sunday morning Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
Rabbi Dr. Andrea Weiss passed away on March 3, 2026—the day of Purim—at her home in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, following a year-long battle with cancer. Her passing on a holiday defined by courage and the “reversal of fate” mirrors her own life’s work of transforming the rabbinate. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Rabbi Dr. Andrea Weiss, former Provost of HUC, dies at 60 Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Under the direction of Mario Jativa, the orchestra performed Reverie by John Corigliano, an American contemporary classical and Jewish composer. [Cailin Acosta]
Grossmont Union School District showcases its music programs Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors