By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — I often get asked the questions, “What is the symbolism of the dreidel? What exactly is its origin?” The dreidel is a four cornered top that was popular in the medieval era and originally used for gambling. Jewish folklore purports that when the Syrians prohibited the
Symbolism of the dreidel and other Chanukah lore Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi
By Eileen Wingard LA JOLLA, California –The Lawrence Family JCC Garfield Theatre was once again the venue for Jewish Music on Sunday, Nov. 24. Although not sponsored by the JCC (its music committee was disbanded in 2011), this wonderful afternoon of Jewish music in honor of Chanukah was spearheaded by Ruth Weber, director of the
Chanukah Jam proves to be a sweet confection Read More »
Travel and FoodFirst of two articles By Steve Kramer The recent negotiations between Iran and the five UN Security Council permanent members + Germany were concluded successfully, according to the American government. “Obama said that the deal allows world powers to continue to apply ‘the toughest sanctions,’ but refrains from imposing new sanctions. The White House said
Iran wins, West loses Read More »
Middle East, Steve KramerBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2014 as the year of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Is this just another bit of UN blather, one of 21 resolutions passed so far against Israel this year, while only 4 resolutions condemned activities in all the other countries of the world?
Brace yourself for another anti-Israel year at U.N. Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Donald H. Harrison EL CAJON–An art exhibit to be shown through Thursday, Dec. 12, at Grossmont College’s Hyde Art Gallery explores how artists are influenced by their mentors. The works of five artists are examined, including those of the late Manny Farber and Patricia Patterson, a husband-and-wife team who inspired the works and
A symbiotic relationship: Filmmaking and painting Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
Pope Francis will reportedly visit Israel in May (JNS.org) Pope Francis will make his first visit to Israel as pontiff from May 25-26, CNN reported Nov. 28, citing an unnamed senior Israeli source. When Israeli Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein urged him to visit Israel during an October meeting at the Vatican, Pope Francis replied, “I’ll
JNS news briefs: November 29, 2013 Read More »
International
Aletha Gold and Luca Zordan, Children of Israel, Gefen Publishing House, 2013, ISBN 9789652296238; 191 pages. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — Here is a photo book portraying the multi-ethnic character of Israel while expressing the wish that the children pictured can grow up together in peace. It is a volume with voluminous purposes:
San Diego photographer reviews Israel portrait book Read More »
Donald H. HarrisonBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–There are lots of tantalizing questions, that in their nature leave us without answers. Chief among those bothering Israelis concern our status. The existential question–asked time and again In various formulations–amounts to • How much power do we really have? • What can we get away with? • To what extent are
Israel’s options limited by world’s interdependence Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — When protests broke out in Syria in late 2011, Russia hoped for a short, nasty war as a matter of Russian national interest — just enough to put the Muslim Brotherhood and assorted Sunnis in their place. Violence from its own Sunni Muslim population has plagued Russia for decades.
New Obama allies: Russia, Iran, Syria? Read More »
Shoshana Bryen, USA
NEW YORK (WJC) – Representative Eliot Engel, the senior Democratic member on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, will be appointed the new chairman of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP), an initiative of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), at the meeting of the ICJP Steering Committee in New York City and
Engel to lead Jewish group of parliamentarians Read More »
USA
By Aryeh Savir One of Hanukkah’s delights in Israel is the eating of the traditional Sufganiyah, the deep-fried round jelly doughnut topped with powder sugar. The IDF doesn’t want to miss out, and so the provisions branch acquired over 300,000 doughnuts to be devoured by the fighting forces. The regular size Sufganiyah packs 500 calories
Mini-sufganiyot keep Israeli soldiers buff and happy Read More »
Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Noam Bedein SDEROT, Israel -This November, southern Israel marks one year since the IDF’s Operation Pillar of Defense in the Gaza Strip. It has been the quietest year in quite awhile, with “only” 79 rockets and missiles fired at southern Israeli communities. This is the fourth cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in the
Rockets from Gaza demonstrate perils of Mideast ‘peace’ Read More »
Middle East
By Rabbi Ben Kamin ENCINITAS, California — The good-natured jostling about the uncommon calendar convergence this fall of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving leaves one with the taste of emotional leftovers. The Festival of Lights deserves more than being hyphenated every year with another holiday. Its themes and narrative are more powerful and redemptive than the commercial
Chanukah is not about turkey or tinsel Read More »
Jewish Religion
By Donald H. Harrison EL CAJON, California – As if Thanksgiving and the first day of Chanukah falling on the same day were not coincidence enough, the comet ISON will be at its closest point to the sun—about 750,000 miles away– on that day, Thursday, Nov. 28th. Grossmont College Astronomy Prof. Ross Cohen says for
Comet ISON to reach perihelion on Thanksgiving-Chanukah Day Read More »
Donald H. Harrison