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
Prinz’s address is remembered for its contention that in the face of discrimination, “the most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.” [Cailin Acosta]
The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 10:9) asks, “What was the world lacking? It lacked menuchah. When Shabbat came, menuchah came.” This suggests that rest isn’t just the “ending” of work; it is a spiritual entity we must actively invite into our homes. [Barrett Holman Leak]
The concept of ‘menuchah:’ Beyond the absence of work Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Singapore and Gaza present two of the most striking contrasts in urban development and resource management, despite both being small, densely populated coastal territories. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Singapore and Gaza: A tale of two coastal enclaves Read More »
animals, International, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
With the help of a remarkable West Haven, Connecticut, genealogist, John Doe’s unmarked burial site was identified. JASHP’s obligation was clear. The boy deserved a stone of memory. No longer, unintentionally, would feet stand on his grave. [Jerry Klinger]
Plaque donated for grave of mass murderer’s teenage Jewish victim Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Three local poets, Donna Rolfe, David Chait, and Betzy Lynch, will be featured in the final program of the 2025-26 season of Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices, Tuesday, May 19, 7 p.m. in the Astor Judaica Library of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. [Eileen Wingard}
Local poets Rolfe, Chait, and Lynch to be featured at the JCC May 19 Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When three Jews in a troubled, hostile-to-their-people Vienna put on a jester’s cap and write an operetta with a happy ending, one might think they were indulging in wishful thinking or trying to drown their fears, to dissolve their worries in the desired joy. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Emmerich (Imre) Kálmán, operetta composer Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe Hebrew language is gloriously rich in words for “poor person.” We’ve got dal, evyon, oni, rash — a whole thesaurus of poverty. Yet when the Torah lays down the laws about helping the poor, it refuses to use any of them. Instead, it keeps repeating one single word: achicha — “your brother.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Parsha Behar: Schnorrers are unsung MVPs of Jewish history Read More »
Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors
We realized that if we truly wanted to reach students where they are at scale, we needed to rethink the entire model. So, we asked: what if, instead of waiting for students to come to us, we brought the experience directly to them? [Heidi Gantwerk]
Holocaust van will take education to students instead of vice versa Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined ContributorsAJC San Diego has developed a set of mini-lessons about notable Jewish San Diegans throughout the city’s history. Click here to view the lessons, three of which are narrated by this publication’s publisher and editor, Donald H. Harrison. [Cailin Acosta]
AJC San Diego publishes resource for Jewish American History Month Read More »
Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
The strongest part of the production is the four performers who carry the different versions of Michael. Jordan Markus, as MJ, captures the voice, the movement, and the careful way Jackson carried himself between pain and whimsy. [Shor M. Masori]
‘MJ the Musical’ brings Michael Jackson’s music and movement back to San Diego Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Shor M. Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
We live in a world that rarely stops. There’s always another email, another obligation, another goal. Even when we “rest,” we’re often scrolling, consuming, distracting ourselves. Stillness can feel uncomfortable. Slowing down can feel like falling behind. And over time, we begin to internalize a dangerous equation: I am what I produce. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parshiot Behar & Bechukotai: Do you have that shmittah feeling? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Morris explained that optimal hope allows people to continue striving even when success seems unlikely. Rather than being driven only by expectations of fulfillment, optimal hope is fueled by wishes, aspirations and determination. [Cailin Acosta]
Rabbi Leon Morris describes why the Jewish people have always remained hopeful Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
What worries me most touched an adjacent congressional district in Philadelphia and the Senate election in my favorite state, Maine. Two so-called friends of the Palestinians are making both Democratic primaries disgusting – state Rep. Chris Rabb in Philly and Graham Platner in Maine. (Bruce S. Ticker)
War on Jews being fought on many fronts Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, International, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWhat makes this book shine is its consistent structure: sharp questions on the text, insights drawn from Chazal, classical commentaries, and Chassidic thought (especially Chabad), followed by the powerful “Making It Relevant” section. These practical takeaways and reflective exercises are the book’s greatest gift—they transform passive reading into active spiritual growth, helping readers see the big picture of each week’s parsha as a roadmap for their own lives. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Making It Relevant’ aligns Torah with modern life Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors