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

The Hidden Passion and Joy of Psalms Described by Two Rabbis

Most identify the Book of Psalms as a collection of Jewish hymns, prayers, and poems mostly focusing on praising and adoring God. Rabbis Jack Riemer and Elie Spitz, co-authors of Duet on Psalms, with their long careers as pulpit rabbis recognize for too many, reciting psalms is a perfunctory exercise, spoken without passion and devoid of their intrinsic meaning. [Fred Reiss, Ed.D]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish Religion

Terry Wunder: Rejoicing in a Jewish Identity

Growing up, Wunder had a mixed set of experiences – a family that loved him and was very protective of him versus schoolmates and authority figures who singled him out because he was Asian. “It was anything from kids making fun of your eyes to the food that you eat, or assuming you speak another language and making fun of it, even if you don’t,” recalled Wunder, who works today as Director of Community Engagement for Temple Solel in Encinitas. Wunder is also one of 15 persons across the nation chosen in 2022 for a Wexner Field Fellowship. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, Jewish Religion, San Diego County

Audience Delights in Familiar Songs of ‘Mamma Mia’

It’s been a hard month not only for all of us in the Jewish community, but for the entire San Diego community.  With all of the unrest and strife happening, the audience at Broadway In San Diego’s Mamma Mia was ready to let loose and revel in the joyous ABBA songs that make up the backbone of this whimsical show at the Civic Theatre. [Sandi Masori]

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San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Casus Belli

By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — When England declared war on Germany in 1914 and again in 1939 it had not been invaded, its frontiers crossed or its citizens murdered. The basis for the outbreak of hostilities in both instances was simply a mutual defense agreement with other countries. War is a terrible thing.

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Opinion

‘Celebration of Life’ Ceremony Scheduled Nov. 18 for Former Assemblyman Howard Wayne

A “celebration of life” for the late former Assemblyman Howard Wayne (D-San Diego) has been scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, at Elijah’s Restaurant, 7061 Clairemont Mesa, according to his wife Mary Lundberg. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County

San Diego County Vigil Held Online for Hostages Taken by Hamas

Hundreds of San Diegans who viewed a “Bring Them Home” webinar to rescue the estimated 240 hostages abducted from Israel to the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, were urged on Tuesday evening, Nov. 7, to take five steps to help bring about the hostages’ release from the Hamas terror organization. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County

The Melody of Zionism

Like my father, I was presented as a traitor to the homeland and an enemy of the USSR. Although my immigration to Israel was legal, I was honored with the title of “traitor to the homeland.” My father was labeled a “traitor to the homeland” in 1949, although he loved the USSR and socialism. I was labeled a “traitor to the fatherland” 30 years later. In that country, any Jew could be a traitor – one who loved the homeland, as my father did, and one who did not love it, as I did. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History

Putin’s New Man in Washington Games Israel

By Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — The headline that Mike Johnson hoped for on Friday: “Democrats betray Israel.” Instead he got this New York Times headline: “House Passes Bill Tying Israel Aid to Spending Cuts With Nothing for Ukraine.” More to the point, let’s try: “Putin wins first round against Ukraine with help from GOP

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Bruce Ticker, International, Israel, Opinion, USA

Science, Art, Religion Mix at Temple Emanu-El’s Artisans Festival

It was coincidence that two artisans who exhibited their work at Temple Emanu-El’s artisans festival on Sunday, Nov. 5, both had scientific backgrounds. Jonathan Rosenberg had worked prior to retirement as an immunologist at PharmaGen and at Becton, Dickinson (BD) during 16 years of his career. Anita Hettena was a biology professor, specializing in the teaching of anatomy, at San Diego City College. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County