Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, taking note of the takeover of Aleppo, Syria, by rebel Suni Islamist forces, said his nation’s security forces are keeping a close watch on the situation lest it should devolve into a threat to Israel. [SDJW staff]
Israel Warily Watches Military Developments in Syria Read More »
International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Courtesy of Wikipedia Zoë Kravitz (December 1, 1988) is an American actress. She made her acting debut in the romantic comedy film No Reservations (2007). Her breakthrough came with portraying Angel Salvadore in the superhero film X-Men: First Class (2011), and she had further franchise roles in The Divergent Series (2014–2016) and the Fantastic Beasts film series (2016–2018). Kravitz earned praise for her lead roles in
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Zoe Kravitz Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Courtesy of Wikipedia Mandy Patinkin (November 30, 1952) is an American actor and singer, known for his work in musical theatre, television, and film. As a critically acclaimed Broadway performer he has collaborated with Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Patinkin’s leading roles on stage and screen have received numerous accolades including a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy Award as well as nominations
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Mandy Patinkin Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaEdan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli born, U.S.-raised hostage held by Hamas since Oct. 7, 2023, was shown Saturday on a Hamas-released video scolding Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegedly neglecting the hostages. He said in Hebrew, “Do not neglect us. We want to return home. Far and isolation is killing us. Do not forget us.” [SDJW staff]
Hamas Releases Video of U.S.-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander Read More »
International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIsrael’s Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi, the IDF’s chief of staff, says if Hezbollah violates terms of the ceasefire, “any deviation from this agreement will be enforced with fire. We are now moving toward a new phase, where the same determination that brought us to this agreement will be applied to enforcement.” [SDJW staff]
Israelis, Jewish Americans Comment on Israel’s Ceasefire with Lebanon Read More »
International, Israel, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
“Mad” and “Madness” are the operative words in the title of this collection of short stories in which the lives of Howie and Marsha Fine – the subjects of “Fine Madness” – are improbably chronicled. [Donald H. Harrison]
Book of Short Stories Takes Me Back to Mad Magazine Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors
If you’re looking for a love story, this week in Toldot, we read a magnificent one, in fact, the first. You see, we are told that husband and wife are to “cleave to each other and become one flesh.” This is precisely what Isaac and Rebecca teach us so perfectly. In fact, they even prayed as one. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Toldot: The Biblical View of Love and Marriage Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When my kids were very young, we had a Thanksgiving tradition (no doubt like so many other American families) of going around the table and saying what we were thankful for. The answers ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous, depending on the age and mood of the three boys. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Counting Our Blessing Every Friday Night Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
“When can we eat?” Not only do we hear this as we gather for Passover, but I am sure this question was asked in many homes on Thanksgiving. It is always the debate. Do you serve Thanksgiving lunch, something between noon and 6 p.m., or serve as the sun sets for dinner? [Cailin Acosta]
Jews Divide Along Denominational Lines over Thanksgiving Celebrations Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Courtesy of Wikipedia Howard Mandel (November 29, 1955) is a Canadian comedian, television personality, actor, and producer. Mandel is known for voicing Gizmo in the 1984 film Gremlins and the 1990 sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch, playing rowdy ER resident Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere, and creating and starring in the Fox children’s cartoon Bobby’s World.
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Howie Mandel Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaThe parents of American-Israeli hostage in Gaza, Omer Neutra, have urged President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to work together for the release of the hostages. [SDJW staff report]
Parents of Hostage Urge Biden, Trump to Work Together on Gaza Read More »
Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This, as the title suggests, is the story of Heidi, a little Catholic girl born in 1936 who grew up in Berlin and the nearby countryside during the Hitler regime that culminated in Germany’s utter defeat in World War II. [Donald H. Harrison]
World War II’s Impact on German Civilians Told in Biography of Heidi Posnien Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Courtesy of Wikipedia Jon Stewart (November 28, 1962) is an American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor and television host. The long-running host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015, Stewart returned to the satirical news program in 2024. He hosted The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023. Stewart has received numerous accolades, including 23 Primetime Emmy
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Jon Stewart Read More »
Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
My son asked me what I’m thankful for this year. I gave the standard answer: my creature comforts, dog, family, friends, health, and house. Then he queried if I was grateful that Trump was elected president. I struggled to find some reasons I hadn’t abandoned all my hope for the future. Here’s what I came up with. {Laurie Baron]
OpEd: What I’m Politically Thankful For Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA