By Matthew RJ Brodsky WASHINGTON, D.C. — While Western and Arab countries struggle to find a way to assist the Syrian people, Moscow is continuing to do all it can to save the Assad regime of Syria. Speaking on a trip to Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the Syrian opposition wouldn’t be able
Russia has financial reasons for saving Syrian regime Read More »
International
By David Brin ENCINITAS, California — Thursday is Yuri’s Night, an international celebration of human achievement and ingenuity, in recognition of mankind’s achievements in space exploration—with hopes of inspiring a new generation to continue looking upward and reaching outward. Fifty-one years ago, Yuri Gagarin was the first human to launch into space: “Circling the Earth in
Remembering Yuri Gagarin, first man in space Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education
By Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO — Pesach is a time of salvation and redemption. Despite our bitter bondage, we were faithful to Hashem (G-d) and the ways of the Torah. Against all odds, open miracles occured to sustain our lives and freedom. This happened then and it still happens now as the following true
A matzo miracle… when it was most needed Read More »
Jewish Religion
By David Amos SAN DIEGO — Unfortunately, by its very nature, the arts lend themselves to a lot of charlatanism. At times, when we hear people speak or write with so much confidence and authority, we could be overwhelmed. But behind this façade, there may be plenty of bloated misinformation. Let me cite a few
The legend of Stravinsky’s ‘Fantasy and Variations’ Read More »
Travel and Food
By Leah Singer SAN DIEGO — I was reading Sunrise, Sunset to my daughter, Sophie. Sunrise, Sunset is a story using the words of the famous Fiddler on the Roof song. As I was reading the story, Sophie interrupted and asked, “Mommy, why is that man wearing a scarf?” I told Sophie it’s called a
Mommy, what is prayer? Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Samara Greenberg WASHINGTON, D.C. –A delegation from the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) made its first official visit to the United States this week, where it has spent time in New York and Washington, DC talking to think tank experts and White House officials about the Brotherhood’s growing role in Cairo.
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood launches a PR offensive Read More »
Middle EastBy Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — Recently, I attended a matinee performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie up in Ventura County. I enjoyed it, and why not, my teenage grand-niece, Ashlee Ford, had the title role, and I got to see her sing, dance, and even get kissed by a fellah on stage. Afterwards, my brother Bill,
What to do about racial stereotyping in theatre? Read More »
Carol Davis, Cynthia Citron, Donald H. Harrison, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM–Within a very short time after hearing that the eviction of the settlers at Machpelah House had been postponed, they were, in fact, evicted. In a moment of premature enthusiasm I thought: “Three cheers for the Prime Minister.” But those cheers may have been premature. For the Prime Minister may not
Did Netanyahu make a backroom deal with settlers? Read More »
Middle EastBy Steven L. Pomerantz WASHINGTON, D.C. — Within a few weeks of becoming Chief of Counter Terrorism at the FBI, I was presented with the draft of a speech I was to deliver before a national meeting of a major Jewish Organization in Florida. My attention was drawn to a sentence that asserted, in essence,
Iran may have terror cells in the U.S. Read More »
USABy Leah Singer SAN DIEGO — Many of you have heard of the December Dilemma — the conflicts that arise when interfaith families need to chose how to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. But few talk about what I’m calling the Spring Dilemma — Passover and Easter. I hesitate even mentioning them in the same sentence
The Spring Dilemma: matzo v. chocolate bunnies Read More »
Jewish ReligionSAN DIEGO (Press Release_ – District Attorney and Mayoral candidate Bonnie Dumanis on Wednesday, March 4, issued the following statement expanding on her commitment to lead the drive to fix the structural problems facing the San Diego Unified School District in her first term: “San Diego’s schools are key to our city’s economy, and our children’s future.
Dumanis vows focus on schools as mayor Read More »
Travel and FoodBy Matthew RJ Brodsky WASHINGTON–Asma Assad was heralded as the great white hope for reform in Syria. But that narrative was always false, and a lot of starry-eyed politicians, experts and reporters should have known better. From “A Rose in the Desert” to the target of European Union sanctions, what a difference a year has
Asma Assad: no desert rose Read More »
InternationalBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Among the knottiest of problems Israelis have to deal with are the aspirations of Jews to move into areas thickly settled by hostile Arabs. The issue is not the simple one of most settlements in the West Bank or the established post-1967 neighborhoods of Jerusalem. Think what you will about
The fight over Machpelah and others to come Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Sheryl L. Rowling SAN DIEGO –As usual, the Money Maven needs to take a break for “tax season.” Luckily, the Passover Fairy has agreed to answer your questions. The Money Maven will return next time! Dear Passover Fairy, I’m trying to save money. Passover food is so expensive! Nobody even likes to eat matzo!
‘Passover Fairy’ answers some Money Maven-type questions Read More »
Jewish Religion, Sheryl Rowling