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

East County Chabad Celebrates Opening of its Permanent Headquarters

The sounding of the Shofar during the month of Elul, a ribbon cutting, a shot of whiskey to wish everyone l’chaim, and the placing of a mezuzah on the door of 7189 Navajo Road were some of the ceremonies attending the grand opening of Chabad of East County’s permanent home on Sunday, Sept. 7. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

A Tribute to Bill Goldschneider, z”l

One of the book club meetings was hosted at the Goldschneider residence, and afterwards, Bill showed me his wood-carved works around the house and showed me his workstation in the garage. I have no idea how long I stayed marveling at his work, but we connected speaking the language of art. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Pomegranates and Nine Jewish Facts About Them As Rosh Hashanah Approaches

As I am keeping an eye on a neighbor’s pomegranate tree, I wonder each year if they will be ripe and ready before Rosh Hashanah. For many years, we picked buckets full, and for a few years, it’s been just a couple. Every year, I leave a note in their mailbox asking when or if my kids can come and pick from their trees. I always sign the note, from your friendly neighborhood Jew. Giggle.

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego Calendar, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food

700 Days Too Many which Hostages Have Suffered

Rona Epstein [is] the daughter of the current Sha’ar HaNegev mayor Ori Epstein and the niece of the previous mayor, Ofir Libstein (z”l). She is 20 years old, and a lifelong resident of the kibbutz. She led us on a tour of the worst day of her life, with stops at the spots where two of her uncles, her grandmother, her cousin, and her brother died that day. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Sharon Katz: A Life of Music and Service

South African musician Sharon Katz learned about the importance of giving back to others. This is something her mother instilled in her. In addition, growing up during the period of Apartheid, Katz also learned about racism and social inequalities. [Mimi Pollack]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Mimi Pollack, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Contemporary Torah: Ethics Apply Even in Battle

The battlefield is not an ethical vacuum. The Torah commands us to maintain our humanity and our sense of justice even when confronted with the darkest parts of human nature or the most heated arguments. Even when you fight your enemy, you must do the right thing. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Rembrandt Loved Bible Stories and the Jews Who Populated Them

Written for children 5 through 9, Rembrandt’s Blessing tells the story of the Dutch Master’s love affair with Bible stories and by extension with Amsterdam Jews, whom he had pose for him. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Meaning of Teshuvah

Sometimes, I would forget and respond that the person asking for forgiveness could never do anything to hurt me on purpose. Then I am reminded that it is that time of year when we apologize, and when I say they are forgiven, I usually get a huge hug, which is a good start for the new year. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Travel and Food

Parsha Ki Teitzei: Lessons for Inner Healing and Emotional Growth

It’s no accident that Ki Teitzei contains more mitzvot than any other parsha, 74 by the Rambam’s count. These are not just legalistic details; they are a spiritual training regimen. Each mitzvah challenges us to rise above raw instinct, to refine our character, and to live in greater alignment with empathy, integrity, and responsibility. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Milena and Margarete’ Recounts Prisoners’ Love Affair in a Nazi Concentration Camp for Women

This is an incisive history of the Ravensbrück Concentration Camp from the perspective of two female prisoners who defied their Nazi captors and became lovers. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Satire: The Feds Will Not Replace Us

. Is it coincidence that the cities subjected to military occupations have large minority populations and Democratic mayors in states with Democratic governors? Why not Memphis, Nashville, and Houston whose violent crime rates rank them among the top ten worst American cities? Oh, I forgot, they are in red states that voted for Trump and have Republican governors! [Laurie Baron]

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Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA