Milana instructed the teens and survivors to come to the tables where the challah dough was already made and had them start with an ice breaker game to get to know each other. [Cailin Acosta]
Teens and Holocaust Survivors Make Challah Together at JFS Event Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Whole-brain MRI scans were performed before and after the 18-month trial to track changes in brain health. Using advanced brain-age prediction models based on brain MRI data, researchers estimated each participant’s brain age before and after the dietary intervention. [Press Release]
What You Eat May Affect How Your Brain Ages Read More »
Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food
This journey was part of a program created nearly five years ago by the San Diego Jewish Federation to strengthen our nearly 25-year relationship with our sister region in Israel, Sha’ar HaNegev. Federation’s CEO, Heidi Gantwerk, had the vision to ensure this sacred partnership wasn’t held by Federation alone, but shared and nurtured across all our Jewish organizations. Out of that vision, the Gesher Project, “gesher” meaning bridge in Hebrew, was born. [Betzy Lynch]
Sha’ar HaNegev and San Diego Crossing a Metaphoric Bridge Together Read More »
Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
his past weekend was opening day of apple picking in Julian, located in the picturesque Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County. Although it was a very warm afternoon in the mountains and not much wind was blowing, we picked our crop of varieties of apples, ranging from Jonathan’s, Empire, Gala, and Golden Delicious from Volcan Valley Apple Farm. They do not need any honey since they are just so wonderful by themselves. [Cailin Acosta]
Apples for Rosh Hashana Grown Locally Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food
Jewish-interest license plates are everywhere, including this one in Kentucky proudly proclaiming the driver is a grandpa. (Photo: Harry Jacobson-Beyer)
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]
A Tour of the Machpelah and the Jewish Section of Hebron Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food
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]
StandWithUs Urges Travel Boycott to Spain; Cancels its own Trip There Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Press Release, Travel and Food
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]
Smoked Fish Taste Test: 2 Kinds of Lox, Whitefish, and Creamed Herring Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
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]
Halakhah Challenged by Space Travel, Documentary Explains Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
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.]
Adat Yeshurun’s Blue & White Zone: Where Torah and Longevity Meet Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
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]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Zabar’s Read More »
Business & Finance, Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
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]
Children’s Book Omits Key Details in Story of Interreligious Harmony Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAAs 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.
Pomegranates and Nine Jewish Facts About Them As Rosh Hashanah Approaches Read More »
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 Food
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]
Sharon Katz: A Life of Music and Service Read More »
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, USA