We at Pride for Israel, a division of StandWithUs, are deeply disturbed by the antisemitic incident at the Bolleras al Vapor (Steamed Buns) event in Barcelona, Spain on May 30, 2026. [Press Release]
Jewish lesbians evicted from Pride event Read More »
International, Lifestyles, Opinion, Press Release, Travel and Food
When the National Education Association, the nation’s largest teachers union with more than 3 million members, is charged with discriminatory practices in violation of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, voters should take notice. [Marsha Sutton]
Before the Baal Shem Tov, Judaism was often centered on texts, scholarship, and institutions. The Baal Shem Tov shifted the focus toward people. He taught that G-d could be found not only in study halls, but also in conversations, melodies, shared meals, acts of kindness, and human connection. [Betzy Lynch]
The Baal Shem Tov and modern-day visitors from Sha’ar HaNegev Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
With Shavuot over, we are in a bit of a lull in “when is the next celebration or observance.” It is a nice time to just focus on Shabbat weekly and just be present in the moment. [Cailin Acosta]
During the summer lull, perhaps you can take Hebrew or Ladino courses Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
I’ve been focused on protecting First 5 San Diego’s Healthy Development Services program, which over nearly two decades has helped more than 352,000 San Diego children and families. It fills a gap too many families know well: your child needs help, but the delay may not be severe enough to qualify for school-based services or other programs. So families are told to wait. But when you’re talking about a child’s brain development, waiting is not neutral. Waiting can mean falling further behind. [Terra Lawson-Remer]
Supervisor Lawson-Remer hails vote to supplement funding for First 5 services Read More »
Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
(I) could not contemplate any journey without having a book to read. But last week I had to endure that half-hour journey without proper reading matter, a predicament I hope never to have to repeat. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Without a book to read, author mulls eight novels she wrote Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
If you are one of the people, like my son, who has never seen either the 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews or the play, which has long been a high-school musical favorite, here’s a quick run-down. [Sandi Masori]
Enjoy ‘The Sound of Music,’ but please don’t break out in song Read More »
International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
The Torah teaches that while actions may look identical outwardly, inwardly they are never the same. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Naso: Compare and despair Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
An exhibition at the northern end of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park reports that, according to legend, William Skidmore discovered the gold-laden quartz ledge in March of 1870 while chasing one of his 36 mules. (Cailin Acosta)
Mining in the Cuyamaca Mountains has a colorful history Read More »
Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAJewish Heritage Month is ending in a few days. I was pleased to see a display on my way out of an event at La Mesa Arts Academy honoring famous Jewish Americans. [Cailin Acosta]
Jewish American Heritage Month nears conclusion Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
From the time Conductor Kostelanetz suggested Zina learn the Hovhaness Concerto and the release of this CD, she recorded 16 other CDs, all gaining critical praise. This Alan Hovhaness CD is also receiving a great deal of media acclaim. [Eileen Wingard]
Zina Schiff demonstrates her violin mastery in Alan Hovhaness CD Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The La Mesa Arts Academy Masters Arts Showcase took over the school library with its end-of-the-year showcase celebrating the promoting eighth graders. [Cailin Acosta]
Life is enriched by detecting hidden Jewish connections Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
On the surface it seems that his family is the “ideal” family. Dad Solomon (Cornell Womack) is a civil rights hero and minister, and his mom is a former lawyer turned homemaker. The photos on the wall show them with all the greats of the Civil Rights movement. [Sandi Masori]
Public lives not matched by family’s private ones in ‘Purpose’ Read More »
San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
Even amid war, tension, and uncertainty, the country’s population reached more than 10 million, growing by 146,000 people over the past year. People are still choosing to make aliyah (immigration to Israel). Young families are planting roots. Communities, both new and established, are expanding to create thriving populations. Not because we have to, but because it’s the place to be a part of the Jewish people. (Russell Robinson)
Israel continues to grow notwithstanding Mideast turbulence Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food