Below are the names of writers who are currently active. For others, living and deceased, please type their name into the search box above the masthead on our home page, www.sdjewishworld.com
The Torah teaches that although the Divine voice was powerful, it was Moses who truly received it. This is not because he had special ears, but because he cultivated inner humility and spiritual awareness. He made space within himself to listen. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Vayikra: God’s invitation to draw close Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Whenever I read the Book of Leviticus, I find myself asking: What is the purpose of sacrifices—especially for people living in the 21st century? Leviticus may not have the excitement of Genesis or Exodus, but I do believe there is much we can learn from its lessons and laws. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Sacrifice’ in Judaism not transactional; it’s transformational Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Times article flirts with his negative views of Israel as a Jewish state, but it fell short of quoting some of his more hostile statements that should antagonize any pro-Israel person. {Bruce S. Ticker}
Mayor Mamdani’s dad participated in a teach-in at an illegal Columbia encampment Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
It started with the Playing Together Project, bringing together African American and American Jewish neighbors over Shabbat dinners to heal communal divides, and evolved into pitching a Jewish Solidarity Tent at the local Juneteenth Freedom Festival in San Diego. These moments were my “Small Alephs”—quiet calls to serve. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Thoughts at the conclusion of a district convention of Women of Reform Judaism Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Here is a summary of upcoming Jewish community events. Other pending events, previously reported in this column, may be found in our Jewish community calendar. [Cailin Acosta]
Calendar of Upcoming Jewish Events Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
To accompany these stacks of books, I’ve got reading glasses, highlighters, and lately, in a charming, stylish touch, reading lamps that I plop on my head to illuminate the pages. On the rare occasion I lift my head to engage in conversation, I blind my husband from the glare of the light. [Karen Galatz, The Matzo Chronicles]
The Matzo Chronicles: I be bookish Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
In his view, the current fighting is not only about neutralizing threats in the present, but about reshaping the future architecture of the Middle East. [Shor M. Masori]
But about a month later, my (former) oncologist sat across from us and told me, very matter-of-factly, that my prognosis was “about a year.” Google is one thing but hearing this from someone who was looking at my scans and labs was another. I remember watching my husband’s entire body slump and his mouth slightly open in disbelief, as if words eluded him. [Shayna Kaufmann]
The birthday I wasn’t sure I’d have: What hope taught me Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors
We start to get an inkling that things are going to take a dark turn when the angel voiced youth singer Lavinia Kendrick comes out to sing a song. At the end of the song, she turns her body so the audience sees the previously hidden Nazi armband. [Sandi Masori]
‘Cabaret’ production in Temecula has a startling reveal Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Opinion, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
On January 31, 1950, with President Truman’s permission, Teller was given carte blanche to develop the hydrogen bomb. It was detonated on one of the Marshall Islands on November 1, 1952 – the mushroom cloud rose to a height of 37 kilometers, and the diameter of the “cap” exceeded 160 kilometers. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish biography: Edward Teller, nuclear physicist Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Birds have also been used as symbols of peace, such as in the story of Noah and the Ark, when a dove returned carrying an olive branch to show that land was beginning to emerge after the flood. [Cailin Acosta]
Judaism’s healthy regard for birds Read More »
animals, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Just days after the attack on Temple Israel in suburban Detroit, guests arriving at Congregation Beth Israel for Talking San Diego’s conversation with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro were met with bag checks, wanding, and a visibly increased police and security presence. [Shor M. Masori]
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up. It is not a Jewish observance, but there are many Irish Jews in history. Rabbi Isaac Herzog was the first chief rabbi of Ireland from 1921 to 1936. He was Ashkenazi and born in Poland but moved to Ireland. When Abraham Kook, Chief Rabbi of Israel died, Herzog was elected and moved to Jerusalem. [Cailin Acosta]
Irish Jews remembered ahead of St. Patrick’s Day Read More »
Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Recently, with the generous help of the Travancore Royal Family of Travancore, India, and the State of Travancore, a new Jewish Indian Heritage Trail marker was dedicated in a grand ceremony at the Puthenmalika Palace. [Jerry Klinger]
Celebrating the Jewish history of Travancore, India Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jerry Klinger, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA