Mystery Novel Tells of Art Heist’s Aftermath

In 2012, Rotterdam’s Kunsthal Museum was under renovation when three thieves—siblings Piet and Luuk Berkhof and their friend Ineke—pulled off a daring heist. They escaped with four masterpieces: two Monets, a Picasso, and Woman with Eyes Closed by “Hochberg.” [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Ladino Words, Customs Highlighted in Board Book for Rosh Hashanah

For those who grew up in the Sephardic tradition, this board book intended for children aged 4 and under may be a simple primer about Rosh Hashanah.  But for those Jews who grew up in the Ashkenazic culture, it is an introduction to the way Sephardic Jews celebrate a familiar holiday. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

LFJCC Open 4,800 Hours A Year for its Activities and Nearly 1,200 More for Its Partners’

Because there is so little downtime, there are almost no true breaks. Instead, what we experience is a shift in energy as we move through the year. This week was one of those shifts. Camp Jaycee marked the close of its 80th summer. The echo of hundreds of children singing camp songs, racing down hallways, splashing in the pool has begun to fade. Camp supplies are sorted and packed away for the future. A fresh coat of paint brightens the walls of the Gotthelf Art Gallery, now hung with new artwork. [Betzy Lynch]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

A Secret Circumcision in the Former Soviet Union Contrasts with How Freely Jews May Practice Our Religion in the U.S., Israel

Every day, when my father left for the factory in the morning, he and my mother were unsure he would return home. Any connection to Judaism could lead to arrest and prison. Circumcision, in particular. But for my grandfathers, a boy not circumcised was as though not yet born as a Jew. [Yakov Nayerman]

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International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Yakov Nayerman

‘Modeh Ani’: A Good Way to Start Your Morning

The prayer acknowledges that there is something bigger than us and that G-d gave us life and can easily take it away. It is a time to acknowledge that one day we will not live to see another day and to be grateful for the day we were blessed with. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Travel and Food