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

Contemporary Torah, Parsha Shemini: Loss, Grief and Community

This narrative bursting with the anticipation of sacred inauguration, abruptly descends into the chilling silence of loss. The joyous celebration, the culmination of meticulous preparation, is shattered by the sudden, devastating demise of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons –  a consuming fire that leaves Aaron speechless. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Getting Up to Speed with Artificial Intelligence

We were treated to a huge screen and a tiny lecturer who explained to the audience what we were seeing, in a framework of what could be defined as ‘AI for Dummies,’ even though not all those attending should necessarily be described as such. While I don’t regard myself as a dummy, I’m certainly far from understanding what AI is all about. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson[

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology

Immigration Drama Follows Jews from Yemen to Israel

Some Yemeni Jews, quite familiar with the Torah, had memorized Exodus 19:4, which states, “You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings to bring you to Me.” Taking the metaphor literally, they expected giant eagles to carry them to Israel, not airplanes, with which they were wholly unfamiliar. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Vayikra: Hashem’s Loving Call to Us

With the opening words of this week’s Torah reading, Vayikra, we hear something profound: “And He called to Moshe, and Hashem spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying: Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: When a person from among you brings a korban to Hashem, from animals—from cattle or from the flock—you shall bring your offering.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘First Date’ Portrays a Couple’s Motivations, Inhibitions

Director, set designer, actor and choreographer (is there nothing this woman can’t do?) Kara Tuckfield, has gifted us with this funny, edgy and uplifting romantic comedy. Written by Austin Winsberg with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, this Broadway show opened in 2012. With nineteen songs and a run time of 90 minutes, the show hones in on the pleasures and pitfalls of the dating game. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Satire: X Voting Machines

When MAGA voters pull the levers on the machines, the tumblers will roll.  If a voter picks a straight MAGA ticket, he or she (there is no “they” in MAGA world), will view three pictures of Teslas, and the voter will be issued a coupon for a free Tesla.  To be sure, this will mean Musk will give away millions of Teslas, but that’s not a problem since for some reason the inventory of unsold Teslas at dealers keeps growing. [Laurie Baron]

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

Children’s Book in Simple Language Explains the War for Ukraine

Boiling down a conflict that could flare into World War 3 is no easy task, particularly when the intended audience comprises preschoolers to 3rd graders. Marshall focuses on Ukraine’s repression by Russia prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union, its early experiences as an independent nation, and Zelensky’s rise from a television comedian, who played the role of Ukraine’s president, to being elected as that nation’s actual president. [Donald H. Harrison]

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

Shadal’s Rational Views on Leviticus

Samuel David Luzzatto (1800-1865), known as Shadal based on the initials of his name, was brilliant. Many people enjoyed his common-sense interpretations of the Torah. However, human nature is what it is; some people dislike and criticize his writing. Some even said he was not religious. I disagree. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: Crude Language and Political Stunts Mar Both Sides of Middle East Debate

Republican in central Florida appeared to threaten Democratic members of Congress, one of whom tried to single out Israel in congressional legislation. In a separate episode, an Arab leader in Australia distorted Israel’s role in its current conflict with Hamas. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, International, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Nick Severs is an American Detective Minted by a Russian Immigrant

One plot concerns a woman whose terrified voice on a 30-second recording leads Severs to investigate a high-tech communications company where she worked prior to her death.  A subplot involves a female hacker who is stalking the detective because she thinks she may or may not have a score to settle with him. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Words of Survivors Will Live on, Though Survivors Will Pass

Although Mary grew up with a secular upbringing in Budapest, she responded “in the camps I prayed. I prayed and I knew God was listening. My mother, a non-religious woman, told me that this is the story of our people- we suffer but have lived through it and have gotten this far- we will continue to survive and live a beautiful life when we’re out of here.” [Ilanit Zakowski]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, Ilanit Zakowski, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors