With large gestures, the tall, slim Guggeis led the San Diego musicians in a memorable concert featuring the 64-year-old French-Canadian pianist, Marc-Andre Hamelin, in a dramatic rendition of Brahms’ Piano Concerto #1 in D minor, followed, after intermission, by an inspiring reading of Dvorak’s 7th Symphony. [Eileen Wingard]
By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California As I drive through my neighborhood in summer-like temperatures. I notice the trees and shrubs appear to be confused. Some appear dormant, with no leaves, while others seem ready to sprout flowers and fruit. Before we know it, the rain and cold temperatures will return, and the trees
This weather must be so confusing for the trees Read More »
Travel and Food
In case of doubt, I am only teasing when I confess that the Jewish people contribute to an Israeli conspiracy. There could well be readers who take this admission seriously. Let me be plain: As far as I am aware, Josh Shapiro is no agent for Israel. I was merely, ahem, joshing. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Satire: License to kvetch Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Some support for the view that Shakespeare was not an antisemite and possibly even a Jew comes from the speech by the Jew Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, delivered in Act III, Scene 1, of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The speech defends Jewish humanity in response to the mistreatment he suffered at the hands of some Christians. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Was Shakespeare Jewish? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Five generations of Jewish women are depicted in this fictional collection of 22 short stories about their hopes, frustrations, and triumphs. [Donald H. Harrison]
Tales of the Lives of a Baby Boomer and Her Relatives Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Shelley Berkley (January 20, 1951) is an American businesswoman, politician and attorney who has served as mayor of Las Vegas since 2024. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Shelley Berkley Read More »
Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
“By sharing our expertise with U.S. agencies, we help investigators across the United States to better understand the unique customs surrounding Jewish fatalities,” said ZAKA U.S. Executive Director Moshe Rozenberg. “We showcase how Israel has integrated these customs into its emergency and investigative practices and discuss what can be adapted in their own jurisdictions.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2026 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
I met the most wonderful girl in San Diego. We were married in June 1968. Together we decided our home would be kept Kosher. Being strictly kosher wasn’t a realistic option on a US Navy ship. Some of you know that I was talking with Madeline and said “We will live in Israel after I leave the Navy. Oh, and by the way, Will you marry me?” She agreed. When she was asked, later, about what brought her to Israel, her reply was always “Not what, but who.” [Aryeh Wetherhorn]
Tale of an oleh: A satisfying life in two countries Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Muslim immigrants living in the West are engaged in a complex, but not hopeless, endeavor – turning the West into the East. More and more districts in Western cities are falling under the control of people from the East. [Alex Gordon]
Opinion: Europe accommodates Islam but not vice versa Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Logan Lerman (January 19, 1992) is an American actor. He appeared in commercials in the mid-1990s, before starring in the series Jack & Bobby (2004–2005) and the movies The Butterfly Effect (2004) and Hoot (2006). [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Logan Lerman Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
When Rabbi Leberman asked whether another rabbi might step in to offer the benediction in his place, that request too was denied. With the exclusion of Rabbi Leberman, so too came the elimination of any Jewish clergy from the All People’s Celebration. [Rabbi Jason Nevarez]
Open Letter from the San Diego Board of Rabbis and Cantors Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
American-Israeli Rabbi Hanan Leberman of Tifereth Israel Synagogue was disinvited from delivering a closing message at the All People’s Breakfast in Balboa Park that will honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, Jan. 19, causing shock, outrage, and protest from San Diego’s Jewish community. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
The fact that excellent musicians are prepared to come to Israel at a time when each day brings some new crisis or threat provides us with wonderful music as well as serving to raise our spirits and give us renewed hope that the world is not a completely hostile place. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Musicians from afar lessen Israelis’ sense of isolation Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Max Fried (January 18, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He debuted with the Atlanta Braves in 2017. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Max Fried Read More »
Sports & Competitions, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia