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
A Jew, a cosmopolitan, a humanist, a pacifist, a supporter of a united Europe, Zweig did not accept Herzl’s Jewish nationalism. At a request of Herzl to help organize a Zionist movement, Zweig refused: the Jewish theme was too small compared with the problems of Europe. [Alex Gordon]
The Burning Secret of the Great Biographer Read More »
Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History
If Republicans get their act together on Tuesday, when a new term for Congress begins, they will have the opportunity to make themselves useful. Republicans will take over the House then by a difference of four or five seats, giving them power to act against Omar, Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit and other representatives who distort the Israeli situation and/or slander Jews. [Bruce S. Ticker]
GOP House Leadership May Rebuke Omar and Tlaib Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, USA
From the Talmud, we learn that a father is commanded to teach his children to swim. That seems a little random at first glance, but in fact, the message is that a parent must teach his children to survive independently when the time arises. A program outside of Atlanta, Georgia is doing just that and has been since 2001. Reach for Excellence has been providing a supplemental education to underserved middle school-aged children and their families. However, Reach is no ordinary program. [Eva Trieger]
Supplemental Program Helps Middle Schoolers on Road to Success Read More »
Eva Trieger, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
This book, written by a well-known TV personality specializing in economic subjects, aims to present the issues and obstacles the average Israeli encounters in dealing with economic matters and bureaucracy, writing about complex subjects in a way that is accessible to all. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Readable Book Takes the ‘Dismal’ out of the ‘Dismal Science’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Science, Medicine, & Education
Maggid Books just published Days are Coming by Sivan Rahav-Meir, an easy-to-read, enjoyable, and inspiring book translated from Hebrew by Yehoshua Siskin. The book has many insightful ideas from sages, Bible commentators, and others regarding Jewish holidays, days following the holidays, and times when we remember people who taught us significant lessons that can improve our lives and make them enjoyable, such as the biblical matriarch Rachel and the philosopher Maimonides. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
‘Days Are Coming’ Includes Insights from Jewish Sages Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah,
Are things getting better?
Last year our party
Was a super spreader.
Celebrating this year
Covid is still here.
But we have the flu and RSV to fear. .. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah Update Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Gedaliah Borvick JERUSALEM — My company’s Netanya maven, Ruthie Yudin, texted me from Dona Gracia Street in Netanya. Googling the street name, she was blown away by Ms. Gracia’s life, and wrote: “Her story must be told!” Although streets in Tiberias and Haifa are also named in her memory, I was surprised that Dona
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous — and Generous Read More »
Gedaliah Borvick, International, Israel, Jewish HistoryBy Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — As I scanned the menu at a Japanese restaurant on Sunday, I overheard the word “Palestinians.” I turned my head and spotted a few men at the end of a long table jabbering away, about 20 feet from my table. They were with a dozen others who appeared to
Palestinians Dread What They Have Wrought Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, USA
By Jacob Kamaras CHULA VISTA, California — How does it feel to be included? Southern California’s Jewish community experienced precisely that feeling December 19 on the first day of Chanukah at Sesame Place San Diego, which hosted a Chanukah celebration that featured a menorah candle lighting ceremony, a dance party with Chanukah music, dreidel playing
Sesame Place San Diego Makes Chanukah the Centerpiece of a Day at the Theme Park Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion, San Diego CountyBy Alex Gordon HAIFA, Israel — Jews have been criticized many times – by the left for being capitalists, by the right for being socialists. Only once in history has a Jew been both a socialist and a capitalist. It was Alexander Parvus. In Latin, “parvus” is small, the pseudonym under which Israel Gelfand began
Revolution as Business Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Opinion
By Steve Kramer KFAR SABA, Israel — Why “defrocking,” a term usually used in the ecclesiastical sense? Well, The New York Times (NYT) has a quasi-religious following among American liberals, especially Jewish ones. It is “the” authority on most things, and one of those things is the paper’s peculiar relationship with the Jewish state of
Defrocking The New York Times Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Steve Kramer, USA
By Jacob Kamaras After using “Hanukkah” so far this holiday season—as I’ve used throughout my journalistic career, in line with AP style—on Monday I was informed by our founder and editor emeritus, Don Harrison, that we’ve used “Chanukah” over the years.” San Diego Jewish World will now be switching back to Chanukah. But remember, ultimately,
How Do You Spell Chanukah? (Hanukkah?) Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion
By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This week’s parasha, Miketz, comes on Chanukah and on Rosh Chodesh Tevet. Yet, Chanukah isn’t mentioned even once in all of our Torah. Recall that in last week’s parasha, Vayeishev, Joseph was thrown into a pit. Joseph prayed and Hashem answered his prayers. This week, we read
Parashat Miketz and Chanukah: A Story of Resilience and Hope Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
So, about two months ago, Rabbi Labkowski and his wife Tzipora opened Bay Kosher in the front part of the building that also houses their shul, Chabad of Lamorinda. He engaged Mendel Schiffer, a native of Akko, Israel, to manage the store for him. Schiffer, who didn’t care for retirement, had been in sales most of his life, and yearned for something new to do. [Donald H. Harrison]
Chabad Opens Kosher Market in Lafayette Read More »
Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Travel and Food