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
Modern anti-Zionism often veers into antisemitism: recycling tropes of Jewish control over media and power, baseless “genocide” accusations, or “Zionist lobby” conspiracies. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
OpEd: Anti-Zionism Indistinguishable from Antisemitism Read More »
Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Sitting at the meeting table at the end of the office, I asked where my representative was, and the staffer told me that Jacobs is only there when she has to vote. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Appointment with Rep. Sara Jacobs Really Means Meeting with Her Staff Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, California, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Tuesday that Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of the slain Hollywood actor and director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner will be charged with their murder. He said, “Their loss is beyond tragic and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Dec. 16 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
Actor/ Director Rob Reiner. 78, and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were stabbed to death on Sunday in their Brentwood, California home. Police booked his son Nick Reiner, 32, on suspicion of murder. Nick, who has struggled with drug addiction, was held without the possibility of bail. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Weaving humor with serious comments, he told us that we need to focus on doing what is right and be vocal about our Jewish values. He closed with answers to a lightning round of Hanukkah questions in which we learned that 1) his favorite Hanukkah gift is not a pair of socks but a copy of the U.S. Constitution 2) his favorite Hanukkah song is Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukkah Song” and 3) when it comes to latkes, he prefers applesauce over sour cream! We differ there. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Prepping to Lobby Senators and Representatives on Issues Important to Reform Judaism Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
It has a beautiful historic center with typical old European streets and an impressive number of museums. It is a delightful area of narrow cobbled streets, small charming squares, and beautiful old buildings. It is a very old city—more than 2,000 years old. It is a green city with many parks. There are 14 churches and cathedrals in this city, although over the years it has become less Christian and more Muslim. [Alex Gordon]
Science in a French City, Which I Shall Not Name Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Travel and Food
I say once again: Jews around the world, and right here in San Diego, have the absolute right to feel safe and to be safe. We should not have to hide our joy, move our celebrations indoors, or “tone it down” to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Law Enforcement Officials Pledge Protection for S.D. Chanukah Events Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
[Brooks] said fighting antisemitism has been weaponized to harm academic institutions and close down academic freedom. It also hampers the ability to engage in discussions among Jewish, Arab and other students, he said. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Reform Judaism Hears from NAACP’s Former President Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAnd yet, as the world watches in horror, one question burns brighter than any menorah: How could this happen in a nation that prides itself on solidarity, fairness, and freedom? The answer is devastatingly clear—the Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, bears direct responsibility. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Two gunmen with automatic weapons opened fire, killing at least 11 people and wounding at least 29 others at a celebration of the first night of Chanukah at the beach in the Bondi neighborhood of Sydney, Australia. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Chanukah Massacre in Australia, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The Trump Administration has halted naturalization ceremonies for people from 19 countries it deems “high risk.” Given that those affected have been vetted and have met the qualifications for citizenship, there can only be one reason why the President Trump has decided to take this step: he realizes that they are more qualified than he is to be an American citizen. [Laurie Baron]
OpEd: Some Immigrants are More Qualified than Trump for U.S. Citizenship Read More »
International, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWe are prepping to do some lobbying on Capitol Hill on Monday on Israel, voting rights, immigration, healthcare and more. We will also learn how to bring effective racial and social justice action steps and training for organizing to our local congregations. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Ms. Holman Leak Goes to Washington Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Senior Hamas commander Ra’ad Sa’ad left the Gaza tunnel in which he was hiding Saturday and soon thereafter the IDF blew up the car in which he was riding. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Saturday evening, Dec. 13, 2025 Read More »
Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous is distributing $380,000 to economically challenged Righteous Gentiles in nine European countries and Australia who risked their lives saving Jews from the Nazis. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA