JPlate: ZAYDE
Jewish-interest license plates are everywhere, including this one in Kentucky proudly proclaiming the driver is a grandpa. (Photo: Harry Jacobson-Beyer)
Travel and Food
A Tour of the Machpelah and the Jewish Section of Hebron
Today the tomb is divided between Jewish and Muslim sectors and is used as a place of worship and gatherings. Inside the Jewish areas are six large memorial markers for the three couples (patriarchs and matriarchs) buried far below. It has special opening hours. “Isaac’s Hall” is normally reserved for Muslim prayer but ten days a year, on Jewish special holidays, it’s reserved for Jewish worship. Wherever there is enough space, there are worshippers saying prayers. [Steve Kramer]
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Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and FoodStandWithUs Urges Travel Boycott to Spain; Cancels its own Trip There
Since 2022, antisemitic incidents in Spain have reportedly risen by 567%. In the aftermath of the October 7th atrocities by Hamas, the Spanish government has fanned the flames of antisemitism by falsely accusing Israelis of genocide, participating in lawfare against Israel, and seeking to impose arms embargoes that would deny the world’s only Jewish state the ability to defend itself. [Press Release]
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Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Press Release, Travel and FoodSmoked Fish Taste Test: 2 Kinds of Lox, Whitefish, and Creamed Herring
We tried the Smoked Nova Salmon, Pastrami Smoked Salmon, the wild-caught Smoked Whitefish salad, and the wild-caught Herring in Cream Sauce. All of them are Kosher. [Sandi Masori]
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Business & Finance, International, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAHalakhah Challenged by Space Travel, Documentary Explains
Before Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon on July 21, 1969, Jewish religious authorities were debating whether Jews were permitted to go to space. Naysayers cited Psalms 115:16 which is rendered by the Stone edition of the Tanach: “As for the heavens, the heavens are Hashem’s, but the earth He has given to mankind.” [Donald H. Harrison]
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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAAdat Yeshurun’s Blue & White Zone: Where Torah and Longevity Meet
Perhaps the most powerful reminder was that healthy living is not only about diet or exercise, but about how we move through life with meaning, relationships, and balance. Communities that thrive emphasize walking, gardening, social connection, stress reduction, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s striking how closely this mirrors the Torah’s blueprint: Shabbat, family, mitzvot, gratitude. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodJewish Trivia Quiz: Zabar’s
Zabar’s just made another cultural connection outside of the food world in conjunction with the U. S. Open Tennis tournament which just ended in Flushing Meadows, New York. The Upper West Side shoe store West NYC is offering for sale a version of the iconic Adidas Rod Laver sneaker with colors matching the color theme of Zabar’s. [Mark D. Zimmerman]
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Business & Finance, Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USAChildren’s Book Omits Key Details in Story of Interreligious Harmony
Tilly’s Jewish family hosts an Iraqi Muslim family for a week while the community readies an apartment for the refugee family to occupy. [Donald H. Harrison]
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAPomegranates and Nine Jewish Facts About Them As Rosh Hashanah Approaches
As I am keeping an eye on a neighbor’s pomegranate tree, I wonder each year if they will be ripe and ready before Rosh Hashanah. For many years, we picked buckets full, and for a few years, it’s been just a couple. Every year, I leave a note in their mailbox asking when or if my kids can come and pick from their trees. I always sign the note, from your friendly neighborhood Jew. Giggle.
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego Calendar, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and FoodSharon Katz: A Life of Music and Service
South African musician Sharon Katz learned about the importance of giving back to others. This is something her mother instilled in her. In addition, growing up during the period of Apartheid, Katz also learned about racism and social inequalities. [Mimi Pollack]
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Mimi Pollack, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAOver 2,500 Israel Supporters to Converge in Florida for JNF-USA’s Global Conference
The multi-day event showcasing the pride and beauty of Zionism will unite philanthropists, congressional leaders, activists, Israelis whose lives have been transformed by decades of support from Jewish National Fund-USA, and individuals who are passionate about celebrating a strong and prosperous future for the Jewish Homeland. [Press Release]
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International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, Travel and Food, USAThe Meaning of Teshuvah
Sometimes, I would forget and respond that the person asking for forgiveness could never do anything to hurt me on purpose. Then I am reminded that it is that time of year when we apologize, and when I say they are forgiven, I usually get a huge hug, which is a good start for the new year. [Cailin Acosta]
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Travel and FoodChimp’s Space Odyssey A Cruel Journey
This novel is an account of the cruelty that a chimpanzee experiences when captured in Cameroon and selected for rigorous training to be the first ape in space. [Donald H. Harrison]
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, Travel and FoodMixed-Media Artist Rose Mizrahi Featured at Point Loma Branch Library
When asked which one of her paintings is her favorite, Mizrahi pointed out one of mountains titled “Summit.” She was on vacation at Mammoth Mountain and got the inspiration to paint when she got home. Mizrahi doesn’t focus on just one genre; if she feels like painting a landscape, then she does, if she feels like painting something in space or cosmos, then she does, which makes her art unique in spanning different genres. [Cailin Acosta]
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Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, Travel and Food