Mia, having learned from Edie Rose, makes a list and goes around to an interreligious and interracial group of neighbors in the building, who immediately agree to contribute foods for a seder … [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Tale Tells of a Kindness Being Reciprocated at Passover Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
– This week, as we read וַיִּגַּשׁ (Vayigash), we encounter what many consider to be one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the entire Torah. We witness the remarkable story of Joseph—the first person in the Torah to teach us how to heal and transform the way we think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Vayigash: Joseph Found Divine Meaning in Adversity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Robert Wexler (January 2, 1961) is an American politician and lawyer from Florida. He is the president of the Washington-based S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Robert Wexler Read More »
News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
My family and I have a tradition of staying in on New Year’s Eve and I do a Thanksgiving repeat of the Tofurkey surrounded by veggies and my mushroom gravy, salad, macaroni and cheese and Julian apple pie for dessert. [Cailin Acosta]
A Vegan Celebration of the New Year Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Last year, forensic expert Miguel Lorente said a test of the bones on view at Seville Cathedral indicated that Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. But what of another cache of bones also said to be those of the controversial 15th century explorer that are kept in a mausoleum at the Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic? [Donald H. Harrison]
Could There Have Been Two Columbuses? One Italian and One Jewish? Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The story, intended for children between the ages of 4 and 9, teaches several lessons. Author Kierzenblat’s main message reinforces the ethical concept of being kind to animals. Another is the fact that Jews lived throughout the Diaspora, incorporating into their daily lives the customs of the people around them. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Book Teaches Kindness to Animals in an Exotic Jewish Locale Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share
Ronald Perelman (January 1, 1943) is an American banker, businessman, investor, and philanthropist. MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, his company, has invested in companies with interests in groceries, cigars, licorice, makeup, cars, photography, television, camping supplies, security, gaming, jewelry, banks, and comic book publishing. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Ronald Perelman Read More »
Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
It is crucial to influence the public about Jews and Israel. Americans and other people worldwide have regularly bashed Israel, and that must be changed to diminish antisemitic actions. However, the Jewish people face steep obstacles to this end. I can run down a series of steps along different tracks that can help us, but no amount of money is going to boost Israel’s standing so long as the present government remains in power. [Bruce S. Ticker]
OpEd: Israel’s New PR Effort Hampered by Fact Netanyahu is Still PM Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
After the kids took some rides, we made it to the Menorah Candle Lighting Ceremony with Elmo at Big Bird’s Wave Pool Lawn. Courtney Adams, Assistant Supervisor of Talent Operations, sang the brachot and since Oscar the Grouch was not invited to the lighting, he unplugged the menorah. A quick fix from the crew, the menorah was lit for the sixth night celebration. [Cailin Acosta]
Elmo and Friends Celebrate Chanukah at Sesame Place Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Judah steps forward in the biblical portion of Vayyiggash, Genesis 44:18-47:31, which means “steps forward.” Judah stepped forward near Joseph to defend his younger brother Benjamin, whom Joseph was threatening. The Torah likes Judah, as do most Jews and some Christians today. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Judah Personified What Jews Should Be Read More »
Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Diane von Fürstenberg (December 31, 1946) is a Belgian fashion designer best known for her wrap dress. She initially rose to prominence in 1969 when she married into the German princely House of Fürstenberg, as the wife of Prince Egon von Fürstenberg. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Diane von Fustenberg Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Three previously published novels with punny titles all are set around Jewish holidays. Their protagonist is Rabbi Aviva Cohen, who in some respects resembles the author: the fictional Cohen is “a woman rabbi from south New Jersey, and she is short, chubby with unruly curly red hair,” Schneider said. [Donald H. Harrison]
Rabbi Ilene Schneider Writes Murder Mystery Novels Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodChabad of East County celebrated the fifth night of Chanukah at its new location on Navajo Road in the San Carlos section of San Diego on Sunday, Dec. 29. [Cailin Acosta]
Chanukah Celebrations: Latkes in San Carlos, Chinese Food in Santee Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Last week President Biden signed legislation designating the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. Intent on undoing everything President Biden has done, Trump plans to rescind this legislation and pick a national bird that better symbolizes his vision for America. He also doesn’t like the bald eagle because it obviously hasn’t figured out that it can cover baldness with a comb-over. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: Flipping the National Bird Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA