Cailin Acosta

House of Israel Serves Up Latkes During December Nights

The family and I attended the “December Nights” event in Balboa Park on Friday, Dec. 6 in historic Balboa Park. Through the crowds of hungry and thirsty attendees, we made our way to the House of Israel. We were greeted by a security guard at the front door and there was also another guard at the back of the house. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Miracles of Oil Happened Several Times in Jewish Religious History

There are two miracles in the story of Chanukah, Rebbetzin Chaya Andrusier of Chabad of East County stated during a “Torah and Tea” discussion on Thursday, Dec. 5.  The first was the military victory of the Maccabees who gathered up volunteers to defeat against the Syrian Greeks who wished to impose their Hellenist religion on the Jews. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Chanukah, Hannukah, Hanukah, Hanukka, Hanuka

Chanukah, Hannukah, Hanukah, Hanukka, Hanuka. Hmm, so many ways the holiday is spelled. Personally, I like the spelling of Chanukah. Some of my non-Jewish friends would pronounce the “ch” sound phonetically saying cha-nukah and I would giggle. When my 12-year-old twins were learning to spell and read they would ask why there is a “ch” but is pronounced as a “huh.” [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Interfaith Owners of Art Store Tell Their Chanukah/ Christmas Customs

On the counter was a menorah with the shamash and the first night’s candle placed in their holders. Behind the menorah was a small pine tree with decorations. In an interfaith marriage like mine, the Oserins this year will have both a chanukiah and a Christmas tree at home.  The first night of Chanukah will coincide with Christmas. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jews Divide Along Denominational Lines over Thanksgiving Celebrations

“When can we eat?” Not only do we hear this as we gather for Passover, but I am sure this question was asked in many homes on Thanksgiving. It is always the debate. Do you serve Thanksgiving lunch, something between noon and 6 p.m., or serve as the sun sets for dinner? [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Are There Jewish Miracles? Yes, 8 Days of Chanukah Among Them

Do Jews believe in miracles? An article on myjewishlearning.com sparked my interest. Miracles appear throughout Jewish texts, from the splitting of the Red Sea to the bush that burned but was not consumed. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Discusses Science and Holiday Treats

“Growing up, both of my grandfathers were engineers, and I was always told we needed more women in all areas of STEM,” Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) told 3rd to 8th grade girls who attended the All-Girls STEM Society meeting at the Mission Valley Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 23. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

When Do Jews Wish Each Other a ‘Shabat Shalom?’

Recently I read an interesting article on myjewishlearning.com debating when it’s best to wish someone a good Shabbat.  Immediately thought, “Duh? It is sundown Friday night until sundown Saturday night, right?” Not necessarily, this article gave an interesting perspective acknowledging the middle of the week as the focal point of Shabbat. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Mitzvot and Kindness Mark Visit to a Recycling Center

As I took my bottles and cans to EDCO Recycle this morning, I reflected that the “haul” used to be filled with Diet Coke cans. However, years ago, I switched to SodaStream, an Israeli product that carbonates your water.  I don’t add any syrups.  I simply drink fizzy water.  The volume of my recycling has decreased, but I feel, nevertheless, that I am dong my part for the environment. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Romance Novella Emphasizes Importance of True Communication

Arielle Weiss and Asher Gold are home for the Thanksgiving holiday in Chicago and run into each other at the local neighborhood bar as they reunite with others from their Hebrew School class. They immediately locked eyes on each other and stepped away from the group to talk. Each received mixed signals. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Vegans May Celebrate Thanksgiving with Tofurkey Dinner

I read that November is the “Month of Veganism.” A movement that started a few years ago was “Meat-less Mondays.”  I think I decided to be vegetarian when I was about six or seven years old. My mom was not a good cook. Eating dry/burnt chicken and steaks that tasted like charcoal fueled my decision. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Humane Society Gift Shop Items Provide Double Benefits

When I returned recently from a camping trip at San Elijo State Beach, it was with Chanukah items from the nearby thrift shop of the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. They were gifts not only for us, but also for the critters because all proceeds go to feed and house the animals at the society. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Is Matzah Ball Soup Really a Cure-All?

Matzah ball soup is also known as the “Jewish penicillin.” Whenever I am sick, that is what friends would tell me. “All you need is some matzah ball soup and you will feel so much better.” [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA