What was once a field of study is becoming a field of struggle, as a new guard of politically minded academics swaps the scholar’s mantle for an activist’s bullhorn. [Shlomo Dubnov]
‘The Elephant Stampede’ on Israel by UCSD Jewish Studies Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, 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
Elliot Perlman (May 7, 1964) is an Australian author and barrister. He has written four novels (Three Dollars, Seven Types of Ambiguity, The Street Sweeper, and Maybe the Horse Will Talk), one short-story collection (The Reasons I Won’t Be Coming), and a children’s book. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Elliot Perlman Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
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, USA
What 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
Even as overall incidents decreased, physical assaults increased by 4 percent, and incidents of assault involving a deadly weapon increased by 39-percent. Moreover, three people were murdered in antisemitic attacks this past year: two victims in the May 21, 2025, shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., and one victim who died from injuries sustained in the June 1, 2025, firebombing attack at a “Run for Their Lives” event in Boulder, Colorado. [Press Release]
Jamie Gorelick (May 6, 1950) is an American lawyer who served as the Deputy Attorney General of the United States from 1994 to 1997, during the Clinton administration. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Jamie Gorelick Read More »
Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Although living in the southern kingdom of Judea, he felt called by God to prophesy in the northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of the latter country’s enormous prosperity and demeaning inequality (c. 760 BCE). (Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin)
‘Amos: The Genius of Prophetic Rhetoric’ is superb Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsHe approaches the Torah not as an infallible divine dictation but as a profoundly human document shaped by historical context, one that still radiates divine sparks and enduring ethical power. This perspective grants him the freedom to question, reinterpret, and reclaim troubling narratives that have challenged readers for generations. {Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel}
‘Torah Wrestling’ grapples with the Bible’s most troubling episodes Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
We got a little scatter of rain this morning; hopefully, all the exciting bonfires scheduled tonight around the county will not have their fires extinguished by any surprise rain pockets. But the rain is so welcome and needed. [Cailin Acosta]
Lag B’Omer bonfires unlikely to be doused in San Diego County Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Ed Schwartz (May 5, 1946 – February 4, 2009) was a Chicago media personality who hosted local late-night radio programs from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. He was nicknamed “Chicago Ed.” [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Ed Schwartz Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The painting of Frances Scott Key on the back cover of the passport has been replaced by John Trumbull’s “Declaration of Independence” to emphasize that the United States doesn’t have to heed anything England wants, particularly when its king lectures Congress about subversive ideas like an independent judiciary, separation of powers, and checks and balances. (Laurie Baron)
Satire: Defacing American passports Read More »
International, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA