Hopeful and discouraging signs on Israel’s domestic and foreign fronts

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Lots of news.   Less clarity.   It’s worth thinking about the details, and whether they amount to a watershed inviting a heroic decision.   Khaled Mashaal, the senior leader of Hamas, has ordered his forces to cease attacks on Israeli targets.   Mashaal’s expression of non-violence has something to do

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

Examining President Obama’s claim of support for Israel

By Daniel Halper   WASHINGTON — In a speech earlier this month, President Barack Obama made a definitive declaration about his record in regard to Israel. “In fact, I am proud to say that no U.S. administration has done more in support of Israel’s security than ours,” he told the convention center crowd in Washington. “None. Don’t let anybody else

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USA

Jerusalem too Jewish? Is Washington too American?

By Rabbi Ben Kamin JERUSALEM–The so-called prime minister of Hamas—a terror syndicate banned from recognition by the United States and the European Union—is campaigning in European capitals against Israel’s practice of making Jerusalem too Jewish.   Here is the verbal equivalent of Hamas’s launching of 10,000 killer missiles into Israeli towns and villages in the past

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Middle East

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, Oct. 5, 1956, Part 5

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood Slates 2nd Edition of “Follies of ’56” Southwestern Jewish Press, October 5, 1956, Page 8 “Fund-raising” and “fun raising” tell the story of the Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood’s “Follies of ’56” which will have show time and dates of Nov. 3 and 4, Saturday

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Adventures in SD History

The guilty silence of some Haredi rabbis

  By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California —   Jewish legal tradition, better known as “Halachah,” teaches that silence is “tantamount to admission.” The moral implications ought to be clear enough for anyone to readily grasp. When somebody is attempting to do something wrong and illegal, one cannot dissociate oneself from the situation and

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Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East

Armenian genocide question divides Israel between values and security

By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM–One simple yet helpful way of describing the public discourse in and about contemporary Israel is to view it as a struggle between security (sometimes coupled with the quest for survival) and values (often equated with morality and prophetic justice).  I heard Steven Cohen, the American-Israeli sociologist, suggest in a talk

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Middle East

Money Maven: Using tax strategies in your financial plan

By Sheryl Rowling SAN DIEGO –In spite of the uncertain and ever-changing tax laws, there are some significant financial benefits to be obtained by considering tax incentives and opportunities.  Below is your handy checklist!  Be sure to consult with your financial advisor and CPA for help.  Retirement Planning Certain plans, such as 401(k) and Keogh

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Sheryl Rowling