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
By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — In the medieval era, jesters played an important role in the courts of kings. Aside from the comic relief that they provided, they pointed out the asymmetrical aspects that existed within society and the rulers’ inner lives. Jesters, like fools and clowns, had a boldness of […]
Brave Egyptian humorist satirizes Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi
Jews and Words by Amos Oz and Fania Oz-Salzberger, Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, ISBN 978-0-300-15647-8 ©2012, $25.99, p. 204, plus source listing and index By Fred Reiss, Ed.D. WINCHESTER, California — The Hebrew Bible announces that God created the heaven and the earth. How did God form them? Through the spoken word, which
God was the first Lover of words, but Jews were a close second Read More »
Fred Reiss, EdDBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — After over two decades, the fight for women’s participation at the Western Wall has finally received its day in court. The Israeli District Court ruled that the women have the right to gather at the Western Wall and pray there as they wish; this decision opened
Police arrest Haredim for harrassing women at the Kotel Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi
By Laurie Baron SAN DIEGO — Like every song, “Hava Negila” has a history. Roberta Grossman’s fun and informative documentary traces the evolution of the song from the “Ukraine to YouTube.” In the entertaining course of her film, she discredits many shibboleths about this infectious tune: it has not always had lyrics; it was not
The Wandering Review: Hava Negila: The Movie Read More »
Lawrence Baron
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel–Although I was not in Jerusalem for Jerusalem Day this year, having been called away to fulfill grandparental duties, it was very much in my thoughts. I still have a very clear memory of those six days in June, just 46 years ago, when I was only dimly able to
Israel Museum provides Christian tours for volunteers Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle East
By Donald H. Harrison ESCONDIDO, California — When artists Larry and Debby Kline go out to casual dinners, they can’t help playing with the detritus of restaurant meals — the sugar and saccharine packets, napkins, chopstick wrappers, tooth picks, and other disposable items. While they eat, their eyes are locked in concentration on
San Diego’s ‘Artists of the Year’ and Tikkun Olam Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
By Eva Trieger SOLANA BEACH, California– In this affluent coastal community which gained fame in 2003 as the first U.S. mainland city to ban smoking on its public beaches, Steve Blumkin preaches what might be described as environmental tikkun olam. One of his particular interests lies several thousand miles to the south in the rain
Tikkun olam project: Oxygen for the planet Read More »
Eva Trieger, San Diego County
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO–At one point in Zombie Prom, students and a certain undead former student are protesting the commandment from Delilah Strict (Meredith Russo), the principal at Enrico Fermi High School, that no Zombies be permitted at the school prom. “Let my people glow!” urged the Zombie’s picket sign. The 1993
Zombie Prom: How far does tolerance go? Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Russia’s President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Netanyahu during Mr. Netanyahu’s visit to China, surely a diplomatic oddity. (Chinese Premier Li Kegiang answers the hotline in Beijing and says, “Oh, sure. Hey, Bibi, it’s for you.”) President Obama called him there as well, making Netanyahu appear to be the
Anti-Israel violence is ongoing warfare, not ‘retaliation’ Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana BryenBy Donald H. Harrison EL CAJON, California — Moses Maimonides, the 12th century Jewish doctor and philosopher, reportedly instructed his contemporaries that it is so important to give tzedakah (charity), that even a beggar who lives entirely on charity, must himself give it. In An Ordinary Day, which has just opened a run through May
Even in comedy, is suicide prevention an obligation? Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
Tzaki and His Holiday Miracles by Avraham Feder, (illustrated by Lisa Cain, edited by Tzipora Ne’eman), (c) 2012, ISBN 978-1-937887-03-2; 48 pages, $14.99. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — The Middle East is renowned for flying carpets, of course. But have you ever heard of a flying sukkah? A mischievous boy named Tzaki,
Jewish fantasy: A boy and his flying sukkah Read More »
Donald H. HarrisonBy Laurie Baron SAN DIEGO– There’s a new movie venue in San Diego. The Media Arts Center San Diego recently began screening films in its renovated facility at 2921 El Cajon Boulevard between 30th and Kansas Streets. Dedicated to the “inclusion of underrepresented communities in the media arts field and the portrayal of accurate
The Wandering Review: ‘La Rafle’ Read More »
Lawrence Baron
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – When he performs the brit milah ceremony, Dr. Stuart Rubenstein, a pediatrician and mohel, often reflects upon the spiritual importance of Shabbat. His comments on Tuesday, May 7, about the spirituality of Shabbat brought back memories for Rabbi Matthew Earne of another spiritual Shabbat in a far-off
Brit Milah, Shabbat, and the far-flung Jewish people Read More »
Donald H. HarrisonBy Eva Trieger SAN DIEGO — “Vibrant” “Engaged” and “Enchanted” were three adjectives that leapt into my mind when I met the teacher, clarinetist and international performer. Alexander Gourevitch and his wife Anna, welcomed me into their Carmel Valley home Friday morning. I was eager to learn about Gourevitch’s upcoming role in the San
From Russia with klezmer Read More »
Eva Trieger