Illustrated by Lily Almeida, this paperback chronicles Levy’s remarkable five-decade career as a Levantine archaeologist, weaving a rich narrative that blends autobiography with groundbreaking discoveries in the ancient Near East. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Wow! We really started off our new San Diego Center for Jewish Culture season with a Blockbuster! Jeffrey Seller, Producer of the most iconic Broadway show, the legendary Hamilton, and Producer of other groundbreaking shows such as Rent, Avenue Q, and In the Heights, really swept our audience off their feet! Winner of 22 Tony Awards, Producer of two Pulitzer Prize winning shows and drawing audiences exceeding 43 million around the globe, Jeffrey shared his personal stories with laughter, candor and humility in a one-on-one conversation with the talented and insightful Barry Edelstein, artistic Director of the Old Globe. [Liz Nederlander Coden]
LFJCC Board Chair Highlights Past and Future Programs Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
For those who grew up in the Sephardic tradition, this board book intended for children aged 4 and under may be a simple primer about Rosh Hashanah. But for those Jews who grew up in the Ashkenazic culture, it is an introduction to the way Sephardic Jews celebrate a familiar holiday. [Donald H. Harrison]
Ladino Words, Customs Highlighted in Board Book for Rosh Hashanah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The prayer acknowledges that there is something bigger than us and that G-d gave us life and can easily take it away. It is a time to acknowledge that one day we will not live to see another day and to be grateful for the day we were blessed with. [Cailin Acosta]
‘Modeh Ani’: A Good Way to Start Your Morning Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Travel and Food
According to a recent article in The San Diego Union-Tribune, “From May to July, San Diegans probably felt the most pain in their wallets at the grocery store, doctor or car lot.” [Dana Toppel]
Helping the Economically Vulnerable Cope with Inflation Read More »
Business & Finance, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
This book captures 26 years of correspondence, from 1945 to 1971, between two Holocaust survivors who both wrote trilogies about their experiences of Lodz, Poland before, during, and after World War II. [Donald H. Harrison]
Up Close and Personal Correspondence Between 2 Holocaust Survivors, Authors Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
NEW YORK (Press Release) – In the first half of the year, Israel continued enhancing its tourism offerings with a series of new hotels and attractions designed to inspire and delight visitors. With the reintroduction of flights from legacy airlines including Delta and United, new, and moving art installations, the return of prominent festivals and
Tourism in Israel Rebounds with New Flights, Hotels, Experiences Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Press Release, Travel and Food, USA
In 1976, the Lawsons settled in San Diego, where Marty became the then-assistant rabbi of Temple Emanu-El. As a rabbi’s wife, Anita was an essential part of temple life-raising her children while actively participating in Sisterhood and countless programs. [Family-provided obituary]
Anita Satlof Lawson (Oct. 31, 1947-Aug. 8, 2025) Read More »
Israel, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County, Travel and Food, USA
As the war in Ukraine continues to displace thousands and disrupt daily life, Chabad of Poland has remained a lifeline to Jewish communities throughout the region. Since 2022, they have provided emergency housing, kosher meals, medical assistance, legal support, education, childcare and spiritual services to tens of thousands of Ukrainian Jews. The summer retreat is a key part of this effort. [Press Release]
Beleaguered Ukrainian Jews Enjoy Weeks of Respite in Poland Read More »
International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Press Release, Travel and FoodRed string bracelets have been worn to protect against the evil eye and keep bad luck away. Madonna made these bracelets popular, and they were being sold at the Kabbalah Centre. [Cailin Acosta]
Red String Bracelets Used as Amulets Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Two Torahs saved from the Holocaust were obtained, one from the Czech Republic; the other from Hungary. A congregant whose hobby is woodworking built the Holy Ark within which to keep them. Another congregant created a rustic chuppah. Jewish books were donated to the congregational library. Temple Sukkat Shalom (Shelter of Peace) is small, yet compact. [Donald H. Harrison]
Alaskan Synagogue Depends on Volunteers Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAHenna is seen to ward off the evil eye and increase fertility. In recent generations, more Jews with Sephardic roots are incorporating this practice into their nuptials. [Cailin Acosta]
Henna Rituals Growing in Popularity Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
There are few times in my life where I have been rendered speechless, where reflecting on a profound experience I’ve had cannot do my feelings justice. My recent visit to Israel, the first time back post-October 7, was one of them. [Kayla Globerson]
My Top 5 Takeaways from Traveling Back to Israel Post-October 7 Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Clearly, this Philadelphia-raised fellow, who did his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, had been Alaskan-ized during the 30 years since he arrived in Sitka to represent the Tlingit people. [Donald H. Harrison]
Chabadnik is the Chief Judge of the Sitka Tribal Court Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA