Today, as I begin as CEO of Jewish Family Service, I find myself reflecting on my very first day at JFS—16 years ago. I came here wanting to make a difference in a place that aligned with my values. [Dana Toppel]
Dana Toppel Expresses Her Thoughts on First Day as JFS CEO Read More »
Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Our volunteer for July, Kira Finkenberg is no exception. The energetic Finkenberg is a woman motivated by family, faith, and hard work. She also feels it is her duty to give back to the community, something she learned from her late mother. [Mimi Pollack]
Volunteer of the Month: Kira Finkenberg, Woman of Family and Faith Read More »
Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
I am excited to attend the San Diego County Fair this week with my “super cool teenagers” and check out the animals. My heart will melt if there are any rabbits to pet. However, I will get stared down when we get home from the smell of someone she hasn’t met, and she might ignore me until I change my clothes. [Cailin Acosta]
The Ruler of Her House Just Might Be a Rabbit Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Thank you, Heidi, for being such an amazing CEO for Federation. The Jewish community and Israel, especially Sha’ar HaNegev, are lucky to have you at the helm. We have spent countless hours together and traveled together around the world on behalf of Federation. [David Bark]
Outgoing Federation Board Chair Says His Thank You’s Read More »
Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
From war-torn Israel, some Jewish San Diegans have returned home via a stopover in Jordan. Among those arriving home safely on separate flights Wednesday, June 18, were Linda Bennett, 79, and Nava Weiser, 14. [Donald H. Harrison]
San Diegans Make Their Way Back from War-Torn Israel Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Everything changed with the outbreak of Operation Rising Lion, as Iran retaliated with missile attacks into Israel. Suddenly, the educational experience turned into a real-time lesson in Jewish resilience. [Yisroel Weiser]
San Diego Hebrew Day 8th Graders Experience a War in Israel Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
The scenes of destruction across the country are heartbreaking. The damage inflicted upon the Weizmann Institute and Soroka Hospital is horrific. Every injury and every life lost is devastating, and rebuilding will take years. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Keeping Track of Friends and Relatives in War-Damaged Israel Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food, USAIt is important to stay present, aware, and engaged. Many protests are scheduled this weekend, and I hope they stay peaceful. I am reminded of the La Mesa riots that occurred five years ago and the destruction that happened to many establishments I frequented. There are so many issues that demand our involvement and support. [Cailin Acosta]
Anger Seems to be Evident Everywhere Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
This year it was all about Syria. I found it fascinating, not only to learn about the Jewish communities of Syria but also learning that some people I know from our local Jewish community are of Syrian descent- for example Morah Rachel Tawil Abraham whom I know from Hebrew Day … (Sandi Masori)
Syrian Jewish History, Music and Food Wrapped into One JFest Night Read More »
Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
For her, giving back is an important part of how she practices Tikkun Olam. She continues, “We share our resources with many individuals and organizations through food and financial and time donations, as well as by creating jobs and opportunities for many diverse individuals from all walks of life. …” (Mimi Pollack)
Volunteer of the Month: Olga Worm Brings the Community Together Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
While we are deeply distressed by the rise in violent antisemitic attacks in the United States, and while we appreciate that the administration is trying to mobilize as many levers as it can to counter it, we are concerned that the broad Proclamation issued June 4 seeks to address this alarming issue in a way that lacks a clear connection to the underlying problem and will have an adverse impact on other longstanding immigration and refugee policies. [Press Release]
A bagel shop felt like something my neighborhood, Silver Lake, desperately needed. And the skills needed to run one seemed to suit mine: an interest in business, a passion for food, and a personality that loved to kibbitz. [Jason Maury Kaplan]
Artisanal Bagels Find Their Way to Los Angeles Read More »
California, Lifestyles, Travel and Food, USA
According to the researchers, early humans, who primarily consumed large game, required fire not for cooking, but in order to smoke and dry meat so that it would not rot, thereby preserving it for extended periods and keeping it safe from predators and scavengers. [Press Release]
Tel Aviv Researchers: Early Humans Cooked Meat to Preserve It Read More »
International, Israel, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
ICE agents wearing masks and tactical gear raided an Italian restaurant in San Diego and arrested 19 workers for having counterfeit green cards. San Diegans felt relieved that they can now eat safely at local restaurants without worrying that their chefs and servers are illegal immigrants poisoning their meals. {Laurie Baron}
Satire: Policing the Padres Read More »
Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire