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

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Arthur Koestler

Arthur Koestler (September 5, 1905 – March 1, 1983) was an Austro-Hungarian-born author and journalist. Koestler was born in Budapest and was educated in Austria, apart from his early school years. In 1931, Koestler joined the Communist Party of Germany but resigned in 1938 after becoming disillusioned with Stalinism. [Wikipedia]

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News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Over 2,500 Israel Supporters to Converge in Florida for JNF-USA’s Global Conference

The multi-day event showcasing the pride and beauty of Zionism will unite philanthropists, congressional leaders, activists, Israelis whose lives have been transformed by decades of support from Jewish National Fund-USA, and individuals who are passionate about celebrating a strong and prosperous future for the Jewish Homeland. [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, Travel and Food, USA

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

Finding Strength in Community: My Journey with the ADL Glass Leadership Institute

GLI is a nine-month program that asks for only two commitments: attend the monthly sessions and take part in ADL’s Never Is Now convention in New York City (with financial support to make it accessible). That’s it. But what you get out of it is so much more. [Stephanie Wells]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

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

Reform Movement Largest Vote Getter in U.S. Elections for World Zionist Congress

A record 22 slates representing diverse political beliefs, religious denominations, and cultural traditions competed in the election, which is held once every five years. This represented a 57% surge from the 14 American slates that won seats in the prior Congress in 2020.  [Press Release]

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Israel, Press Release, USA