LOS ANGELES — Whiplash is a misleading name for this film. It conjures up deadly car chases and crashes and someone paralyzed for the rest of his life. But the actual film is a far cry from that kind of theme. Whiplash is a popular jazz piece written by Hank Levy, a composer/saxophonist who wrote […]
‘Whiplash’ piled up with acting talent Read More »
Travel and FoodJewish contractor Alan Gross freed in American-Cuban prisoner swap (JNS.org) Jewish-American aid worker Alan Gross has been released from Cuban prison after five years, major media outlets reported Wednesday morning, citing United States officials. The U.S. secured Gross’s freedom in exchange for the release of three Cubans imprisoned in America. Gross, a subcontractor for
JNS News Briefs: December 17, 2014 Read More »
International, Middle East, USABy Michael Mantell, PhD SAN DIEGO — I just finished loading my iPod with nearly three hours of Christmas music. I enjoy listening to Christmas music – especially the soppy, nostalgic stuff. I like the feeling of crisp, colder weather that the music reminds me of when I was a kid in New Jersey –
Enjoy Christmas, but be secure as a Jew Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Uncertainty is the human condition. Perhaps a bit more for the Jews than most others, but we’ve managed, most of the time, despite our worries. It ain’t all that bad. If we are uncertain, so are others, and we are not the weakest or the lowest in the pile. Governments
Living with uncertainty can be habit forming Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Laurie Baron SAN DIEGO─ The group that hacked SONY Studios has threatened to attack theatres that screen The Interview, a comedy in which Seth Rogen and James Franco are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Without this publicity, the movie probably would have bombed without the help of terrorists.
Humoring the headlines: December 16, 2014 Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Eileen Wingard SAN DIEGO — In glitzy outfits with bling and cling, cascading auburn tresses framing her starlet face, the Israeli hip-hop violinist, Miri Ben-Ari, has climbed to a top spot in the world of pop music. Ben-Ari began classical violin lessons at the age of five, in Tel Aviv, winning scholarships from the
Miri Ben-Ari honored by AICF with Aviv award Read More »
Travel and FoodBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM– It seems to me that the main argument of the Israeli Left is that international law and Jewish values offer the best protection for the country. Opposing this stance, the Israeli Right argues that military security and the survival of the Jewish people must be the primary guides of the
How Israel’s right and left frame Palestinian issue Read More »
Middle EastHezbollah arrests Israeli Mossad spy that infiltrated its ranks (JNS.org) The Lebanon-based terror group Hezbollah said an official in its external branch has been arrested for spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. The Mossad agent was part of Hezbollah Unit 910, which carries out operations against specific Israeli targets, and allegedly prevented such attacks, the
JNS news briefs: December 16, 2014 Read More »
Middle East, USA
By Chris Jennewein SAN DIEGO (Times of San Diego) — A leading scholar of modern Israel said the Jewish state’s future depends on the creation of a separate Palestinian homeland in the West Bank. “Every time Israel makes it harder to build a viable Palestinian state, we make Hezbollah and Hamas stronger,” said Peter
Beinart says Israel needs 2-State solution Read More »
Chris Jennewein, Middle EastBy Michael Mantell, PhD SAN DIEGO — There is a little known custom involving Chanukah gelt worth understanding. It was customary to give children Chanukah gelt on the fifth day of the holiday. Why the fifth day? It’s the only day of Chanukah that can never come out on Shabbat. You see Chanukah never starts
This Chanukah, don’t let the Hellenists win Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Anav Silverman JERUSALEM (Tazpit) — At Alan Clemmons’s Myrtle Beach law firm in South Carolina, the Israeli flag proudly flies alongside the U.S. and state flag. While the South Carolina state representative put the flag up several months ago, it is not the only public show of support that Clemmons has shown towards Israel
South Carolina legislator tells of support for Israel Read More »
Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)– Americans for Peace Now (APN) on Monday, Dec. 15, called on the Obama Administration to support action in the United Nations Security Council regarding Israel-Palestine that supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. APN president and CEO Debra DeLee commented: “APN supports the current effort, led by France, to build consensus
APN: U.S. should support France’s Mideast proposal Read More »
International, Middle East, USA
CHICAGO (Press Release)- To celebrate and recognize the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah which begins on December 16, audiobook and video publisher Dreamscape Media has announced that it is making The Miracle of Hanukkah, a musical re-telling of the holiday story for younger listeners, available as a free download. The story is but one chapter from the Dreamscape children’s audiobook, Bible Stories and
Free story tale of Chanukah offered here Read More »
Travel and Food
MODI’IN, Israel (Press Release)– Young new Olim from ages 3-10, who made Aliyah to Israel from the U.S. this past summer with the help of Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, The Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Kayemet L’Israel, celebrated Chanukah at a special Nefesh B’Nefesh gathering in Modi’in. At the event, these young Olim tasted their first
New olim sample Israel’s jelly donuts Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East