NY Democrats engage in a showdown over Israel

Democrats have already been influenced by members of Congress who repeatedly bash Israel. Critics have legitimate concerns about Israel, but for a bloc in Congress Israel can do nothing right. Their approach to the war between Israel and Hamas is one-sided, and the more evenhanded Democrats have been walking on eggshells around them. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Emma’ and ‘Noah’ most popular names for newborns in San Diego County

The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office has released the top 10 baby names for 2025, based on birth records filed throughout San Diego County. The list reflects both enduring favorites and the county’s rich cultural diversity, highlighting the names parents most often chose for their newborns last year. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Jews in the News: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

US President Donald Trump covets Greenland for the sake of U.S. national security and for control of Greenland’s natural resources. Stephen Miller, deputy white House chief of staff, told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Monday that “Nobody’s going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland … It wouldn’t be military action against Greenland. Greenland has a population of 30,000 people, Jake.  The real question is, by what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland?” [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israel adds inexpensive ‘Iron Beam’ to its defense array

The Iron Beam offers low-cost laser interception of drones, rockets, and missiles, while reducing reliance on costly interceptors. Whereas the Iron Dome defense cost is about $50,000 per successful interception, the Iron Beam cost per interception is negligible. (Nevertheless, the Iron Dome will remain an important weapon in Israel’s arsenal.) [Steve Kramer]

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Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer

Interesting interpretations of early Bible stories

Exodus 13:17-18 states: “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, ‘Lest the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’ But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.” [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Political briefing: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded innocent in the New York federal court of Judge Alvin Hellerstein to charges of drug and arms trafficking.  Attorney Barry Pollack represented Maduro at the arraignment.  The next court date was set for March 17. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Rabbi Heschel as interpreted by an ex-con turned rabbi

Imagine opening a book that doesn’t just sit on your shelf gathering dust—it walks with you through the chaos of everyday life, whispering (and sometimes shouting) that holiness isn’t reserved for mountaintops or monasteries. It’s right here, in the messy, miraculous grind of being human. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Politics in Israel have devolved into ‘Netanyahu, for or against him?’

The word “demonization” has earned a place in political science dictionaries. Unfavorable politicians and country leaders are demonized. The troubles and failures that have befallen countries are attributed to one person, the head of state or the head of government. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Erika Morini

Erika Morini (January 5, 1904 – October 31 or November 1, 1995) was an Austrian and American violinist.

Morini was born in Vienna, and received her first instruction from her father, Oscar Morini (originally spelled Oser or Ojser, family name Moritz), who was the director of his own music school in Vienna, and from Rosa Hochmann. She completed her studies at the Vienna Conservatory under Otakar Ševčík, who was also the teacher of Jan Kubelik. [Wikipedia]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia