AAA-Writers and photographers

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

Samples Published Here of the Poetry of Adam Deutsch, Amelia Glaser, and Herb Brin That Were Recited During a Lawrence Family JCC Program

The poetry of Adam Deutsch, from his newly published book, Every Transmission, opened the January 16 program of Jewish Poets/Jewish Voices.  The youthful looking Grossmont College faculty member had arrived at the JCC using the trolley and his bike. His well-received selections were followed by translations from Yiddish and Ukrainian and original poems by Amelia Glaser, UCSD chair of Judaic Studies. The concluding portion of the first hour of featured poets was the poetry of Herb Brin. [Eileen Wingard]

Samples Published Here of the Poetry of Adam Deutsch, Amelia Glaser, and Herb Brin That Were Recited During a Lawrence Family JCC Program Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Intimate Apparel’ Contrasts Worlds of Dreams and Reality

The title of North Coast Rep Theatre’s newest production bespeaks not simply the item, but the deep connections formed in Intimate Apparel. Lynn Nottage’s 2-time Pulitzer Prize winning play reveals what director Jasmine Bracey describes as a life in two worlds. This play explores the “world of dreams and desire, and a world of reality and compromise.” The common thread weaving this seamstress’ story together is that of wanting to be loved. [Eva Trieger]

‘Intimate Apparel’ Contrasts Worlds of Dreams and Reality Read More »

Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

OpEd: Mindless Embrace of Houthi Terror

Extolling Iranian-armed and trained Houthi terrorists who were firing on American and other shipping, kidnapping crewmen from the ships, and firing missiles at southern Israel, and have now fired on American warships, the minions in the West wave signs proclaiming, “I stand with Yemen.” And “Hands off Yemen.” [Shoshana Bryen]

OpEd: Mindless Embrace of Houthi Terror Read More »

Israel, Middle East, Shoshana Bryen, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Is Reincarnation a Fact, a Lie, or True?

Philo (25 BCE-50 CE) was the first Jewish philosopher to introduce the idea that there is such a thing as a soul that exists separate from the body. It contains the intellect and personality of a person. Platonic theories influenced him. He considered the soul to be eternal. However, he did not have the belief in reincarnation. The soul remained somewhere in limbo until the messianic age when it would be revived. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

Is Reincarnation a Fact, a Lie, or True? Read More »

Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

From ‘Too Many Notes’ to ‘Too Many Lives’

After World War II, the Geneva Convention defined genocide as acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. In the context of Israel and Gaza, accusations have been made against Israel by some international entities. For example, South Africa has attempted to make a case in the International Court against Israel, accusing it of committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. However, it’s important to note that warfare, particularly urban warfare, inherently involves complexities and high risks of civilian casualties. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

From ‘Too Many Notes’ to ‘Too Many Lives’ Read More »

International, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Biography: Gabriel Riesser, Germany’s First Jewish Judge

HAIFA, Israel — In the middle of the nineteenth century a Jew was first appointed a judge in a European state. This happened in Germany, in Hamburg. The appointed judge did little judging, but managed to govern. He was more like a charismatic ruler than a cold-blooded judge. He was more like a bold fighter

Jewish Biography: Gabriel Riesser, Germany’s First Jewish Judge Read More »

Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Kaspare Cohn’s Legacies: Union Bank, Cedars-Sinai Hospital

Cohn was just 20 years old when he arrived in Los Angeles in 1859 from Loebau, Prussia, to work for his uncle Harris Newmark. His introduction to the primitive banking system in 19th century California came when his uncle had him sleep on the floor of the family grocery store as a way of safeguarding the finances of Los Angeles County. [Donald H. Harrison]

Kaspare Cohn’s Legacies: Union Bank, Cedars-Sinai Hospital Read More »

Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

July, September May Be Best Months to See Jewish Baseball Heritage in Action

The San Diego Padres will play five teams at Petco Park in May. Two of them–the Colorado Rockies and the New York Yankees — have Jewish players, Rockies pitcher Jake Bird and Yankees pitcher Scott Effross.  The Padres, who do not have a Jewish player, have designated the middle game of the May 13-15 series with the Rockies as the day to celebrate Jewish heritage at Petco Park.  May is nationally recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month. [Donald H. Harrison]

July, September May Be Best Months to See Jewish Baseball Heritage in Action Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Charlotte’ and ‘My Father’s Secrets’ Animate the Holocaust

The animated feature film Charlotte chronicles the unfolding of her personal and creative development in Berlin between 1933 and 1939 and her temporary haven in France thereafter. While its emphasis remains on her autobiography, the dangers posed by Nazi antisemitism loom in the background with a few paintings depicting a Nazi rally, her expulsion from the Academy of Arts on racial grounds, Kristallnacht, and her father’s return as a physically broken man from being interned at Sachsenhausen after the Nazi rampage in 1938. [Laurie Baron]

‘Charlotte’ and ‘My Father’s Secrets’ Animate the Holocaust Read More »

Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

‘Reclaiming the Sacred’ Shuns Materialism in Favor of Love

The book’s strength lies in its combination of poetic moments and solid policy arguments, reflecting Golden’s diverse background as a professor and nonprofit director. These elements are woven together to form a narrative that is both magical and logical, showcasing Golden’s range as a writer. His varied experiences lend credibility and depth to his insights, making the book not just another spiritual guide, but a substantial piece of literature that offers real, implementable solutions. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

‘Reclaiming the Sacred’ Shuns Materialism in Favor of Love Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: Disrupters Should Be Prosecuted to the Full Extent of the Law

Those who blocked the Brooklyn Bridge would have prevented ambulances getting through to the hospital on an already congested highway. A motorist waiting there could have a heart attack. In Pennsylvania, a suspect could be charged with reckless endangerment.
[Bruce S. Ticker]

OpEd: Disrupters Should Be Prosecuted to the Full Extent of the Law Read More »

Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israeli Families Appeal in La Jolla for Help to Release Hostages

Editor’s Note: Sandi Masori covered the appeal some members of Israeli families made Monday evening, Jan. 15, for the release of their relatives who were taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7.  Their appeal was made in interviews with San Diego media and at a panel discussion that followed at Congregation Adat Yeshurun. [SDJA staff]

Israeli Families Appeal in La Jolla for Help to Release Hostages Read More »

Israel, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA