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

Jewish political briefing: Saturday evening, Jan. 3, 2026

The United States’ surprise capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores early Saturday morning generated both negative and supportive statements from Jewish officeholders around the world. The Maduros were put aboard the amphibius assault ship USS Iwo Jima and then an airplane for a trip to New York where they will face charges of trafficking drugs, especially cocaine and fentanyl, to the United States. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish political briefing: Saturday evening, Jan. 3, 2026 Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Wisdom and resilience of Amy Thurman

Nearly a decade ago, Thurman endured an undiagnosed fracture of her neck and brain stem. Her body eventually collapsed, leaving her paralyzed. She had to relearn every basic skill—walking, reading, speaking, even eating. Each day required starting over. And yet, she persevered. [Michael Adam Cohen]

Wisdom and resilience of Amy Thurman Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Fear of African independence movements behind many protests of Israel’s diplomatic recognition of Somaliland

Post-colonial governance worked out poorly. The regime of Siad Barre in Mogadishu prosecuted horrific wars against Somaliland and, when Barre was deposed in 1991, Somaliland negated the original treaty and declared independence. [Shoshana Bryen]

Fear of African independence movements behind many protests of Israel’s diplomatic recognition of Somaliland Read More »

International, Israel, Opinion, Shoshana Bryen, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego

[A]s the plane took off for Santiago, a young family in the row across from us brought out electric candles and began singing the holiday blessings with their toddlers. We sang along, and everyone wished each other a chag sameach. The mother looked over at me and said, “We all need to do everything we can to bring light into the world today.” I felt a weight lift, and off we went. [Heidi Gantwerk]

A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego Read More »

Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

An excellent New Year’s resolution

Maimonides describes the three steps that lead to behavioral change. First, recognize that what you are doing is wrong. Second, decide to change the behavior to a proper one. Third, begin practicing the new practice and make it a habit that you continue. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

An excellent New Year’s resolution Read More »

Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

OpEd: Our survival is built upon our response

We would be naive to think this is only a Sydney story. This past Yom Kippur, London experienced its own attack. The numerous attacks around the globe this past year can be listed here, but there’s no need- we are all very aware. Our history has taught us that Antisemitism is not confined to one place. The challenge is not identifying the next location, but deciding how we respond wherever we are. [Ilanit Zakowski]

OpEd: Our survival is built upon our response Read More »

Antisemitism, Ilanit Zakowski, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Opinion

Parsha Vayechi: Inner influence, humility and Hashem

We often look outward when we want to fix the world, but the wisdom of the Mussar movement, founded by Rabbi Israel Salanter, teaches us a different path. He famously reflected that as a young man, he set out to change the world, only to realize his reach was too small. {Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parsha Vayechi: Inner influence, humility and Hashem Read More »

Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

David Bocarsly, executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), hailed a ruling in federal court on Wednesday upholding the constitutionality of AB 715, California’s law attempting to end antisemitism in the public schools.  [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Read More »

California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

At the request of the Los Angeles police department, the public will not see immediately the autopsy reports for actor/ director Rob Reiner and his photographer wife Michele Singer Reiner who allegedly were stabbed to death Dec. 14 by their son Nick Reiner. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 Read More »

Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, News Media, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA

OpEd: The Birth Pangs of Freedom in Iran

The streets of Tehran and beyond blaze with righteous fury. On Sunday, December 28, merchants in the Grand Bazaar and major commercial districts shut their shops in protest, marking a historic betrayal by a class once instrumental in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. By Monday and Tuesday, the strikes spread relentlessly: goldsmiths, tech vendors, and wholesalers in areas like Alaeddin Mall, Charsou Commercial Complex, Shush market, and Lalehzar joined the shutdowns. Protesters marched through Jomhuri Street, Naser Khosrow, and Istanbul Intersection, clashing with security forces who unleashed tear gas and batons. Defiant individuals, echoing the iconic “Tank Man” of Tiananmen Square, stood unarmed before armored vehicles and riot police, offering their bodies as living monuments of resistance—often swallowed by the regime’s brutal crackdown. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

OpEd: The Birth Pangs of Freedom in Iran Read More »

International, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Going Forward With Intention: Berry Gordy, Legacy, and the Jewish Art of Living Well

Smokey Robinson spoke with reverence and gratitude, his words shaped by decades of friendship and shared purpose. Stevie Wonder sang directly to Berry, offering Happy Birthday and You Are the Sunshine of My Life, transforming performance into offering. Otis Williams stood nearby, a living thread connecting generations of sound, discipline, and excellence. [Michael Adam Cohen]

Going Forward With Intention: Berry Gordy, Legacy, and the Jewish Art of Living Well Read More »

Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors