From the shtetl of Tykocin, to the ashes of Treblinka, to the energy of Tel Aviv, it feels as though I have lived lifetimes over the past two weeks. [Heidi Gantwerk]
From Poland to Israel: March of the Living Saddens, Invigorates Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
This week’s Torah readings bring profound, overwhelming, and weighty lessons for living a healthier, more mindful, genuinely caring, and authentically considerate life. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parshiot Tazria-Metzora: Blueprint for Emotional Healing, Human Dignity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
At the time of the attack (6:30 am) Ronit was walking her dogs far from her home. When she heard nearby firing, she sheltered in the closest house until she could return home. [Steve Kramer]
Touring Southern Israel in the Aftermath of Oct. 7, 2023 Massacres Read More »
Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food
People have asked us why we joined Jewish Federation of San Diego’s March of the Living mission—and why we agreed to co-chair the trip. For each of us, the motivation was different. [Sonia Israel, Shari Schenk, and Jeff Schindler]
March of the Living’s Local Leaders Tell Motivations, Experiences Read More »
Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The days between Passover and Shavout include counting the Omer. The countdown represents the time between our ancestors’ liberation and the time they accepted the responsibility of becoming Torah-observing Jews. [Cailin Acosta]
San Diego Jewish Community Counts the Omer Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
I knew that my mother had been around 14 when the war began and that she had spent most of it in evacuation in Yangiyul, not far from Tashkent. [Yakov Nayerman]
A Son, Commemorating Yom HaShoah, Remembers Promise to His Mother Read More »
Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Yakov Nayerman
The last week has been filled with many words and ten times as much food, with various seders at people’s homes. A very important one took place this year, symbolizing hopes for more liberation through unity. [Barrett Holman Leak]
ADL Seder Highlights Allyship with Other Communities Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
There was an interesting article in the weekend edition of the Jerusalem Post by Jonathan Lieberman, a rabbi and physician living in Netanya, but originally from Manchester, England. He wrote “A time machine of Jewish memory,” describing Seders from past times. [Steve Kramer]
I don’t consider myself religious, but in our family, celebrating Passover is one of the most important events of the year. Every year, we gather around a festive table to repeat the formulaic sequence of storytelling and symbolism (after all, “Seder” means “order”). [Yakov Naverman]
San Diegan Recites His Own Personal Exodus — from Russia! Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA, Yakov Nayerman
Anyone straddling Jewish tradition and pop culture can’t help but notice the striking parallels between Liv-Action Role Playing (LARP) and the rituals of the Passover Seder. [Judith Kagan]
The Passover Seder as Live-Action Role Playing Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
One of the most popular travel destinations in Europe is the Czech Republic. In its beautiful capital city, Prague, the most visited tourist attraction is the former Jewish ghetto in the old city. It was in this Jewish ghetto that Rabbi Jehudah Loew ben Bezalel (The Maharal) wrote the story “The Golem”, which inspired Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” [Yale Strom]
Holocaust survivor and author Dr. Edith Eger won her second Christopher Award for the book “The Ballerina of Auschwitz.” (Cailin Acosta)
Holocaust Survivor Edith Eger Wins 2nd Writing Award Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
Liz, the great-aunt of Abigail, Michael, and Amalia, had released a book titled Saving Abigail, which recounts the harrowing and miraculous story of her family’s experience on October 7, 2023—the day of the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. [Miriam Gershenson]
Author Tells Harrowing Story of 3-Year-Old Israeli Hostage Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
What marijuana product, certified Kosher-for-Passover by Rabbi Yaakov Cohen and Whole Kosher Services, is being offered for the first time in 2025? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Passover Food Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire