By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The rawness of democratic politics does not appear in the most thrilling run-up to the final voting, but in the maneuvering at the early stages. Americans see it in presidential primaries, and even lower on the political food chain in jostling for nominations for governor, senator, House of Representatives, and even lower […]
Israel’s feisty political brew Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO– There’s a new resource in town for anyone interested in the Jewish experience in San Diego: A Time to Remember: The First 150 Years, a beautifully printed, hard-cover book detailing the experiences thus far of Congregation Beth Israel and its historic forerunner, Congregation Adath Jeshurun. The book was
Beth Israel book a valuable resource to historians Read More »
Donald H. HarrisonSAN DIEGO — This is the fourth and final installment in a series of question-and-answer matchups between congressional candidates in San Diego County. The interviews were conducted by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County. In this installment, the JCRC questions Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis and her Republican opponent
53rd Congressional District–Q&A with the JCRC Read More »
USA
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel –A Facebook message that appeared on my computer screen caused me so much shock and dismay that I committed a mortal Facebook sin: I told the person who had put the message up what I thought of him by using insulting language. I regret that reaction. I regret my
In defense of ‘Haaretz’ and ethical behavior Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Two items provoke this column. They come from points far apart, and do not have any obvious connection, but they both link up with larger issues provoking angst among Americans, Israelis, and some others. One is the latest pronouncement by Catherine Ashton. She is well known as not the sharpest
Election a dilemma for pro-Israel Jewish liberals Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USA
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — The other night at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, I had the opportunity to moderate a debate between two presidential surrogates. Mat Kostrinsky, who lost a close race to be a San Diego city councilman from the 7th district, spoke in behalf of President Barack Obama. Arie Lipnick, regional
Moderating two presidential surrogates Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, USAEditor’s Note: This is the third in a series of question-and-answer sessions conducted by the Jewish Community Relations Council with candidates for Congress. In this installment, the JCRC questions Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray of the 52nd CD and his Democratic challenger, Scott Peters, a port commissioner and former San Diego city councilman: * Brian Bilbray,
52nd Congressional District — Q & A with JCRC Read More »
USA
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. –A wave of anti-Jewish violence has taken place in France and Sweden over the past few weeks. The difference in government response is notable, and yet there is something similarly disquieting about their actions. The Swedish government alternately denies the problem, blames the Jews and blames Israel — it recently
Anti-Israelism a mask for anti-Semitism in Sweden, France Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana BryenSAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Dubbed the “Start Up King,” world-renowned start-up expert, venture capitalist and serial entrepreneur Jonathan Medved will return to his native San Diego from Israel on October 22 to speak to local business leaders and business students at SDSU and UCSD on how to learn from Israel’s start-up culture to build businesses
Israel’s start-up maven Jonathan Medved returning to San Diego Read More »
Travel and FoodBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — Noah, the “hero” of the flood story, was saved because: “…Noah was a righteous man; he was blameless in his age; Noah walked with God.” (Gen 6:9) However, later on when God spoke to Avraham, he instructed him: “…walk before Me and be blameless…” (Gen. 17:1) That is,
Noah not so righteous as Abraham Read More »
Jewish ReligionHamas vows to capture more Israeli soldiers (JNS.org) On the one-year anniversary of Gilad Shalit’s release Oct. 18, Hamas’s leadership spoke openly about capturing more Israeli soldiers in order to use them as bargaining chips for the release of Palestinian prisoners. “It should serve as a road map to free Palestinian prisoners in the future,” Hamas’s
JNS news briefs: October 19, 2012 Read More »
InternationalBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Current politics in the two countries I know best suggest that crowd mentalities are more prevalent than mass enlightenment. Israelis wanting change are attracted by two out-of-office political veterans with criminal records. A poll headlined in Ha’aretz indicates that an as yet uncreated centrist party with Ehud Olmert among its leading names
Herd instincts at work in politics of U.S., Israel Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — When people ask carpenter David Swanson how big the ship now under construction on a parking lot at Spanish Landing will be, he responds, “Oh, about 30 cubits by 40 cubits.” It was probably a coincidence that his allusion relates to “Noach,” this upcoming weekend’s Torah portion.
Recreating Juan Cabrillo’s historic ship Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Noah was a remarkable man. Just how remarkable was he? How would he compare to Abraham or to Moses? Rabbinical tradition grapples with this question. Rashi cites the midrashic text that offers an answer to our question. Two rabbinic scholars differ on how they interpret the
That remarkable man, Noah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi