Sports & Competitions

Dorothy Levitt – the “Fastest Girl in the world”

In 1905, she established the record for the longest drive achieved by a lady driver by driving a De Dion-Bouton from London to Liverpool and back over two days. The Press nicknamed her the Fastest Girl on Earth, and the Champion Lady Motorist of the World. (Jerry Klinger)

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International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Holiday pumpkins have been well appreciated by Sephardic Jews

Pumpkin has a rich and often overlooked history in Sephardic Jewish cuisine. Introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, it was quickly embraced by Jews, who incorporated the versatile vegetable into dishes across the Mediterranean and beyond. (Cailin Acosta)

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Jewish fiction so improbable it’s likely to have a counterpart in real life

It’s not strange in the “look how clever we are” way. It just keeps sliding between things , a little mystery, a little romance, a synagogue power struggle, a scene that’s straight-up funny, and about a third of the way in I gave up trying to guess where it was going. (Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.)

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Fiction, Michael Mantell, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Do Jews believe in angels?

Do Jews believe in angels? The Hebrew word for angel, mal’ach, means “messenger,” and in biblical sources, angels deliver specific information or carry out particular functions. In the Torah, an angel prevents Abraham from slaughtering his son Isaac. An angel appears to Moses in the burning bush and gives direction to the Israelites during the desert sojourn following the liberation from Egypt. Angels are associated with visions and prophecies. [Cailin Acosta]

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Why every baseball player should look upon ‘Bereishit’ as a favorite Torah portion

The sacrifice bunt is sacred. In what other sport is a player cheered for giving up their own turn at bat, absorbing a statistical out, simply to advance their teammate ninety feet closer to home? That is covenant in action: recognizing that collective purpose eclipses personal ambition. Individual stardom produces box-score glory; shared sacrifice wins the pennant. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)

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The changing meaning of a Jewish holiday

In 70 CE, with the destruction of the Second Temple, Shemini Atzeret was previously devoted to the ritual cleansing of the altar. In the present day, it marks the beginning of the rainy season in Israel, so it includes the year’s first prayer for rain. [Cailin Acosta]

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Birdwatcher’s advice ignored when it comes to humans

Ruth, who most wanted to see a Black-billed Cuckoo misses it and determines that she will spend the night in the park and not leave until she sees one. Her outrage seems out of place and exaggerated until the audience learns what and why it means so much to her. [Sandi Masori]

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animals, Sandi Masori, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Wonderful feelings of togetherness and learning at JCC

We shared moments of joy and celebration. We learned together, moved together, laughed together, and showed up for one another. We gathered around Jewish culture, ideas, music, stories, holidays, and traditions. We watched children grow, friendships deepen, families connect, and people of every age find a place to belong. [Liz Nederlander Coden and Hannah Cohen]

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What kind of year can we help create for someone else?

Here in San Diego County, approximately one in four Jewish households live in or on the edge of poverty. Many struggle quietly. They may even be our neighbors or friends. An illness, job loss, divorce, aging, or one unexpected crisis can suddenly change a family’s life. [Cailin Acosta]

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County Assessor Jordan Z. Marks is a role model for 6-year-old son and for fellow Jews

Then Pittsburgh Pirates player Spencer Horwitz came to bat. I proudly pointed him out to my son: “He’s Jewish.” (Jordan Z. Marks)

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