OpEd: On Being a Democrat and a Supporter of Israel

American support of Israel should not be about rubber-stamping the agenda of Netanyahu, just as American patriotism should not be equated with blind devotion to Trump. With strong disapproval of both leaders among a majority of Jewish Americans and Democrats, we need to broaden the definition of what it means to stand with Israel outside the narrow lens of what serves Netanyahu and Trump’s political agendas.  [Halie Soifer]

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Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Edna Ferber

Edna Ferber (August 15, 1885 – April 16, 1968) was an American novelist, short story writer and playwright. Her novels include the Pulitzer Prize-winning So Big (1924), Show Boat (1926; made into the celebrated 1927 musical), Cimarron (1930; adapted into the 1931 film which won the Academy Award for Best Picture), Giant (1952; made into the 1956 film of the same name) and Ice Palace (1958), which also received a film adaptation in 1960. [Wikipedia]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

AJC Praises U.N. Secretary-General for Blacklisting Hamas for Use of Sexual Violence

Thursday’s UN designation validates the substantial evidence that Hamas used rape and sexual violence systematically as part of a coordinated attack intended to dehumanize and destroy Israelis, both on Oct. 7, 2023, and against hostages thereafter.  [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Press Release

‘Corn’ Musical Replete with Corny Jokes

If you like corny humor, then Shucked is the perfect show for you!  It’s the latest musical to hit the Broadway San Diego stage and while it’s got everything a Broadway musical needs to have, it’s real power is in its zingy one-liners- some of which you’ll get right away, and some of which might come to you later that night as you reminisce about the show. [Sandi Masori]

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San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Parsha Eikev: Growing Through Love and Limits

The difficulties we encounter aren’t signs of abandonment. They’re spiritual training. Like a coach who pushes athletes beyond their comfort zones, Hashem invites us to grow past where we thought our limits were. Without that friction, our souls would stay soft, our values underdeveloped. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: Jewish Values Demand Moral Clarity–Not Equivalence–in Gaza

Recently, the Times of San Diego published an opinion piece, (which was republished by San Diego Jewish World) titled “As a Father, Jew and Councilmember, I’m Appalled by Brutality in Gaza” by Sean Elo-Rivera.

While I respect the sincerity behind that essay and the concern it reflects for the lives of all children, it represents a troubling trend in our public discourse: invoking Jewish identity as a moral credential to justify arguments built on ahistorical comparisons and dangerous false moral equivalence. [Mitch Danzig, Times of San Diego]

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Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, San Diego County, USA

Varied TICO Concert Features Light Classical and Pop Selections

Assistant conductor Robert Zelickman led the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra (TICO) in a crisp, nuanced and energetic reading of Saint-Saens’ March Militaire Francais to start off the matinee Pops Concert in the Synagogue’s Cohen Social Hall. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Alaskan Synagogue Depends on Volunteers

Two Torahs saved from the Holocaust were obtained, one from the Czech Republic; the other from Hungary.  A congregant whose hobby is woodworking built the Holy Ark within which to keep them. Another congregant created a rustic chuppah.  Jewish books were donated to the congregational library.  Temple Sukkat Shalom (Shelter of Peace) is small, yet compact. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA