David Rakoff (November 27, 1964 – August 9, 2012) was a Canadian-born American writer of prose and poetry based in New York City, who wrote humorous and sometimes autobiographical non-fiction essays. Rakoff was an essayist, journalist, and actor, and a regular contributor to WBEZ’s This American Life. [Wikipedia]
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The band has performed at California Adventure for the past eight seasons. In 2017, I happened to walk past the winery where they were playing and stopped in my tracks, thrilled to hear Yiddish and klezmer jams. Ever since, I’ve made it a point to ensure they’re on the schedule. My teens insist this officially makes me a “groupie.” [Cailin Acosta]
‘Mostly Kosher’ is Such a Nice Band, a Mechayeh! Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
ZAKA’s CEO, Dubi Weissenstern, commented “Tonight is more than a milestone; it is a living testament to the holy work our volunteers do every day. Our teams run toward pain so others can find comfort. They bring dignity and light where there is chaos and loss. Our concert honor their courage and the supporters who make it possible.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Jack Markell (November 26, 1960) is an American politician and diplomat. He had served the United States ambassador both to Italy and to San Marino. [Wikipedia]
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Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaThe Defense Department’s probe into Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) for making a video with five other members of Congress reminding military and intelligence employees it’s their duty to refuse illegal orders drew a rebuke from Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). He said President Trump was “attempting to use the Pentagon as his personal attack dog.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When the show included a nod to Chanukah—dreidels spinning across the mist before a glowing menorah appeared—fireworks burst in perfect time with the music. [Cailin Acosta]
Chanukah Highlighted in Disney’s Fireworks Show Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Orna Banai (November 25, 1966) is an Israeli actress, stand-up comedian, and politician who won the 2006 Israeli Television Academy Award and was a former member of the Tel Aviv-Yafo City Council. Many of her relatives are successful Israeli actors and singers. [Wikipedia]
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Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaVolodymyr Zelenskyy: “Putin wants legal recognition for what he has stolen, to break the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty. And that’s the main problem. … “
Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
From November through January, California Adventures transforms into a full-blown celebration of the winter holidays. Not just Christmas, but Diwali, Chanukah, and Navidad as well. The Festival of Holidays brings live performances, specialty food booths, and seasonal drinks. Guests can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to sample a variety of offerings or buy items à la carte. [Cailin Acosta]
California Adventures Celebrates Chanukah with Tchotchkes, Clothing and Food Read More »
Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Two books, with familiar stories for children, have been issued in time for Chanukah.[Donald H. Harrison]
Familiar Stories Timed for Chanukah Consumption Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Many national, regional, and local craft beers will no longer be acceptable after January 1, including Sierra Nevada and Dos Equis. What is one of the ingredients that is occasionally added to some craft beers that would render the drink unkosher if not certified? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Kosher Beer Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA, Wikipedia
Dollinger challenges the standard narrative that Jews were simply “kicked out” of the Civil Rights movement by radical Black activists. Instead, he argues that Jews actively made choices to prioritize their own newfound status and ethnic identity over the continued struggle for racial justice. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Did Jewry Abandon the Fight for Racial Justice? Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Under the guise of fighting Israeli “colonization” and “genocide,” crowds of pro-Palestinian ‘colonizers’ of Europe, in parallel with proclaiming the destruction of Israel “from the river to the sea, we will liberate Palestine,” are seeking to drive European Jews out of European countries. [Alex Gordon]
OpEd: The Islamization of Europe Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Hans Popper (November 24, 1903 – May 6, 1988) was an Austrian-born pathologist, hepatologist and teacher. Together with Dame Sheila Sherlock, he is widely regarded as the founding father of hepatology. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Hans Popper Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia