Jonathan Grossman reveals who Jacob was and more

The series emphasizes careful reading of the biblical text, literary structure, recurring themes, character development, biblical dialogue and narrative techniques, theological and ethical lessons, and connections between different parts of the Bible that aid in understanding their significance. (Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin)

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Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish biography: Émile Waldteufel, waltz king of Paris

In 1865, Waldteufel was appointed pianist to Empress Eugénie and soon received the position of conductor and ball manager at the court of Napoleon III. He was also the conductor of the ball orchestra “Bals de l’Opéra” in Paris (1865). [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Democrats vote on aid to Israel not what GOP paints it to be

While it’s easy to try to look at the Massie vote through a binary lens of being “for” or “against” Israel – precisely how Republicans wanted us to see it – the truth is much more complicated, nuanced, and tells a different story. The real story includes Donald Trump’s reckless and at times incoherent policies toward Israel and Iran, and it’s important to understand these complexities before judging anyone solely because of their vote on the Massie amendment. (Halie Soifer)

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Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Being an invited guest in the German city that my father fled

My father left Germany, but had to leave his mother behind, hoping that he would manage to bring her over to England, but that turned out to be impossible. For the rest of his life my father lived with the sense of guilt and remorse at not having succeeded in rescuing his mother, who perished in Theresienstadt from malnutrition and neglect. (Dorothea Shefer-Vanson)

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Antisemitism, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Come witness the remarkable resilience in Sha’ar HaNegev

After years of war, extended evacuation, separation, and profound grief, there is a new energy in Sha’ar HaNegev focused on rebuilding and reconnecting its 10,000 residents. I came away moved, inspired, and immensely proud that San Diego has been such a critical partner in this work. (Heidi Gantwerk)

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Parsha Devarim: The art of veiled criticism

Watergate, Tiananmen Square, and Tehran shootings—mere mention of these names evokes national trauma and profound questions of leadership and moral conduct. In his final address to the Israelites on the threshold of the Promised Land, Moses similarly invokes specific places to allude to past national failings without shaming the people directly. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors