A Busy Week for San Diego’s Jewish Federation

Every Monday morning, our entire Federation staff sits down for a 30-minute “huddle.” We talk about what’s happening in the world, share joyful simchas and heartbreaking tragedies, reflect on the past week’s “wins,” and brief everyone on what’s coming in the week ahead. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Contemporary Torah, Parsha Shemini: Loss, Grief and Community

This narrative bursting with the anticipation of sacred inauguration, abruptly descends into the chilling silence of loss. The joyous celebration, the culmination of meticulous preparation, is shattered by the sudden, devastating demise of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons –  a consuming fire that leaves Aaron speechless. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Getting Up to Speed with Artificial Intelligence

We were treated to a huge screen and a tiny lecturer who explained to the audience what we were seeing, in a framework of what could be defined as ‘AI for Dummies,’ even though not all those attending should necessarily be described as such. While I don’t regard myself as a dummy, I’m certainly far from understanding what AI is all about. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson[

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology

Immigration Drama Follows Jews from Yemen to Israel

Some Yemeni Jews, quite familiar with the Torah, had memorized Exodus 19:4, which states, “You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings to bring you to Me.” Taking the metaphor literally, they expected giant eagles to carry them to Israel, not airplanes, with which they were wholly unfamiliar. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Vayikra: Hashem’s Loving Call to Us

With the opening words of this week’s Torah reading, Vayikra, we hear something profound: “And He called to Moshe, and Hashem spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying: Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: When a person from among you brings a korban to Hashem, from animals—from cattle or from the flock—you shall bring your offering.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors