Travel and Food

Our Shtetl San Diego County: American Jewish Committee Praises Mayor Todd Gloria

During these troubling times, Mayor Gloria has been a steadfast friend to the Jewish community of San Diego, having spoken out against Hamas’ deadly terrorist attack against Israel and against antisemitism here at home. We must show the mayor that we deeply appreciate his efforts and stand with him, just as he has stood with us.” [SDJW staff]

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Embracing Time and 59

Tomorrow, March 3rd, I turn 59. It is mostly significant because it is the eve of 60. Now that’s a wow number. Me? 60? But, I’m not there yet. I am grateful for every year around the sun, despite the larger numbers. It is a gift we are not all blessed to receive. And, each year feels increasingly precious as I am equally aware that this gift of aging could be taken from me at any moment. [Shayna Kaufmann]

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Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

An ‘Escape’ to Tel Aviv

But all Israelis, and not just Jewish citizens, feel the pressure that comes from seeing, hearing, and reading about the daily casualties and the damage being done to our society, financially and socially. So, as a diversion, Michal planned a day trip to Tel Aviv to take our minds off of the situation and to enjoy several hours away from tv, newspapers, and social media. [Steve Kramer]

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Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food

Mexico City Jews Not Just Affiliated; they Are Part of a Kehilla

Preserving ethnic traditions from Damascus, Aleppo, Eastern Europe, Turkey and other former centers of Jewish life around the world is at the heart of these distinct communities. “Affiliation” does not do their model justice; you are not just affiliated with a synagogue or a school in Mexico, you are part of a true kehillah, a community – complete with schools, sports, financial support, social infrastructure, and more; one where your parents and grandparents likely belonged as well. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Helpline Established for Families of K-12 Students Facing Antisemitism

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), and StandWithUs, along with four leading law firms, on Thursday announced a new pilot helpline to provide pro bono legal assistance to parents whose children are experiencing anti-Semitism in California’s K-12 schools. The pilot program selected

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Travel and Food

A Word from Your Federation: Benefits of Immersive Travel Demonstrated During Mission to Mexico City

national findings from RootOne suggest immersive travel to Israel and other global Jewish communities often becomes a catalyst for enduring engagement, understanding, and advocacy within the Jewish community back home. These experiences stand as vital instruments against the forces of isolation and antisemitism, nurturing a resilient and active Jewish identity for generations to come. [Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Federation of San Diego]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Ted Arison

Arison moved to New York approximately in 1954. In 1966, he moved to Miami, Florida, where with Knut Kloster he co-founded Norwegian Cruise Lines. The partners split in 1971 and the following year Arison founded Carnival Cruise Lines, which he took public in 1987, one month before a stock market crash that left potential competitors without sources of financing. [SDJW staff]

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Business & Finance, Israel, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Travel and Food, USA

Jerusalem College of Technology Recruits Local Orthodox High Schoolers

The International Program offers English-speaking students from around the world the opportunity to obtain a prestigious academic degree, coupled with immersive Torah study. [Jacob Kamaras]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food, USA

A Visit to Israel’s New National Library

Several art works adorn the library’s walls and spaces, both inside and outside the building, serving to underline the Jewish people’s connections with the Bible and other writings, as well as echoing aspects of the Land of Israel. The library also contains collections of books, manuscripts and other documents bequeathed or donated by Jewish and Israeli intellectuals, as well as unique collections such as Albert Einstein’s letters, Isaac Newton’s contemplation of the Bible, and the unique Gershom Shocken Collecetion of Kabbalah and Hasidism. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

The Matzo Chronicles: Northern Lights, Familial Sights

I knew that even if we didn’t see the lights, I won’t be “too” disappointed. The truth is I had already seen them years ago — through my father’s eyes and words, written eight decades before  in magnificent wonder to my mother from blistering cold southeastern Newfoundland. [Karen Galatz]

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Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, Travel and Food, USA

OpEd: Adam Schiff’s Strategy: Elevate Steve Garvey, Eliminate Katie Porter in the Primary

If Steve Garvey didn’t exist, Adam Schiff would have to invent him – and, indeed, the congressman is busy doing just that. As the recent debate among the candidates for California’s open U.S. Senate seat made clear, Garvey is a precious asset for Schiff. [Jim Newton, CalMatters]

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Travel and Food

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Jewish Community Foundation’s Leadership Transition

Beth Sirull completes her tenure as CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego on March 15, when she will be succeeded by Jeremy Pearl, who currently is the foundation’s chief financial officer. [SDJW Staff]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Israel, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

WJC Condemns European Court’s Decision on Ritual Slaughter Ban in Belgium

Stern remarked, “The court’s ill-advised decision that perpetuates discrimination against Belgian Jews and Muslims is deplorable. This ruling is a backward step, not a matter of animal welfare, but a clear suppression of religious freedom and liberty. We cannot stand idly by as instances of religious persecution unfold.” [World Jewish Congress]

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Antisemitism, International, Jewish Religion, Travel and Food