By Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — It is not as dramatic a phenomenon in Israel as, say, the bold, treacherous discord ongoing in the Arab world. And certainly the thousands upon thousands of Israeli youth (and many older citizens) already have the freedom of assembly that their counterparts in Syria, Libya, Egypt and […]
By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –There is no doubting the success of those who organized demonstrations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and elsewhere in behalf of social justice. Activists and their friends in the media are reporting that more than 300,000 participated. Police estimates are 200,000. Whatever the accuracy of one or another, the pictures were impressive.
Israeli demonstrations a media success, but will they change anything? Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Carol Davis SAN DIEGO —Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein is Hershey Felder’s personal love letter to Leonard Bernstein. Felder, the consummate master of bringing musical genius alive by adopting the persona of the masters and becoming them has been a treat for yours truly in the past. He has paid tribute to George
Felder dazzles with insights into Leonard Bernstein Read More »
Carol Davis, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
By Gary Rotto SAN DIEGO — In years past, I’ve rejected the commemoration of Tisha B’av. Over time, the legend of what an awful day this is for the Jewish people has growth. It’s become the Friday the 13th of Friday the 13ths – except for the fact that I don’t believe in Friday the
Tisha B’Av — a holiday for victims, not for modern Jews Read More »
Jewish Religion
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. –They are all special forces; every American killed in service to our country is a special force. There have been 1,725 Americans killed in Afghanistan and 11,541 wounded (3,649 not returning to duty within 72 hours) before Saturday. But actual Special Operations forces are something else. One website that works
General questions about special forces casualties Read More »
Shoshana Bryen, USA“Rameses – The Forgotten Star” by Christopher Woodward By Joel A. Moskowitz M D LA JOLLA, California –“Sic transit gloria mundi” (thus passes the glory of the world). Doug Henning was much admired only a few years ago. Who speaks of him now? Few would recognize the name Albert Marchinsky or Albert Marchinski. If you were told he
Fame is a disappearing act Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short StoriesSAN DIEGO– In the first six months since the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, launched the One Happy Camper Program, over 120 San Diego campers have headed off to 11 Jewish overnight camps across North America. Over $92,000 has been awarded to these first-time overnight
Federation backs scholarships for Jewish camping Read More »
San Diego CalendarBy Donald H. Harrison SAN FRANCISCO – The writer Gertrude Stein was a woman of collaborations, alliances, and partnerships. The unorthodox web she wove gained her fame in the art world, celebrity in the popular media, and made her an icon among lesbians and gays. Her life is exhaustively chronicled in the “Seeing Gertrude
Contemporary Jewish Museum spotlights Gertrude Stein Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
By Donald H. Harrison SAN FRANCISCO – Anyone who flatters himself into believing that he has “been there and done that” will be quickly disabused of that conceit during a visit to the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. The sprawling complex houses a planetarium, tropical rain forest and aquarium as well
Many experiences rolled into one at California Academy of Sciences Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — As an alumna of the London School of Economics, I received the following notification by email at the beginning of March: ‘It is with great regret that I am writing to inform you … that the LSE Council has accepted the offer of resignation of Sir Howard Davies as
A disgrace for the London School of Economics Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Science, Medicine, & EducationBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. –Raising the debt limit would not ordinarily be fodder for JINSA Reports but the deal will necessarily impact upon American defense policy and our ability to plan for the defense of ourselves, our interests and our allies, so a quick review is in order. The Numbers.Total defense-related spending in
A look at the post-deal Defense budget Read More »
Shoshana Bryen, USA
Yom Kippur Readings: Inspiration, Information, Contemplation by Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, Editor; ISBN 978-1-58023-438-2 ©2011, $19.99, p. 311 plus Sources By Fred Reiss, Ed.D. WINCHESTER, California — Why is Yom Kippur different from all other holidays? On all other holidays synagogues have a meager attendance, but on Yom Kippur they are filled to over
New book provides readings for Yom Kippur Read More »
Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish Religion
By Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO–During The Three Weeks (Bein Hametzarim) culminating in Tisha B’Av, we mourn the destruction of the Temple, which was due to sinas chinam – unwarranted hatred. We also mourn the hatred itself and the disunity and isolation which it causes. When Jews are united, amazing things can happen as the
The power of Torah multiplied by community Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –Israel’s summer of discontent is maturing. Last week we reached the peak of romantic anticipation of upheaval from below. Young reporters on the popular news and commentary programs were ecstatic in reporting the daily expansion of tents, marches, and proclamations. Older commentators expressed their own sense of the injustices involved in high prices
Protests impressive but are they effective? Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East