Our Twins’ Birthday Celebration Saddened by News of the Bibas Family

Devasting this must be for Yarden Bibas, the father, who was released from captivity on Feb. 1. The coffins carrying his children, Kfir and Ariel, were paraded through the streets like it was a festival.  So was a coffin that Hamas said contained the remains of Yarden’s wife, Shiri, but which Israeli authorities discovered not to be Shiri, but an unknown Gazan woman. [Cailin Acosta]

Our Twins’ Birthday Celebration Saddened by News of the Bibas Family Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

AJC: That Wasn’t Shiri Bibas’ Body in Coffin Returned by Hamas

“Especially gut wrenching for so many of us is not only the brutal murders of Shiri and Yarden Bibas’s beautiful boys, Ariel and Kfir, but Hamas’ cruel and downright barbaric return of a body that they claimed to be their mother. Their murder, and this added violation of the hostage agreement, is just another horrific example of the unimaginable cruelty that Hamas has inflicted since October 7, 2023. …” [Press Release]

AJC: That Wasn’t Shiri Bibas’ Body in Coffin Returned by Hamas Read More »

Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

30 Trailblazing Israeli Women Profiled in ‘Beyond Division’

This book has 30 biographical sketches, which are divided into six sections: 4 Healers; 11 Leaders and Ambassadors; 4 academics; 2 artists; 5 innovators; and 4 philanthropists and entrepreneurs. [Donald H. Harrison]

30 Trailblazing Israeli Women Profiled in ‘Beyond Division’ Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Kemp: Arafat, Abbas Were KGB Agents

Kemp provided a fascinating historical perspective, revealing that both Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas were KGB agents, each assigned ID numbers and code names. He explained how the concept of ‘Palestinians’ was a Soviet creation, with Russia acting as the mastermind behind the movement. [Miriam Gershenson]

Kemp: Arafat, Abbas Were KGB Agents Read More »

Albert Kreimerman, International, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Self-Defense versus Turning the Other Cheek

The statement “an eye for an eye” is in this week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1–24:18). At first glance, this familiar saying appears to promote revenge. However, by carefully studying related biblical passages, we can understand why Judaism never understood this passage literally. Furthermore, to do so would contradict the Torah directive, “Do not seek revenge among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). [Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz]

Self-Defense versus Turning the Other Cheek Read More »

Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Antisemitic Ethnic Studies Classes to Cease in Santa Ana Unified School District

Major Jewish organizations on Thursday, Feb. 20, announced that the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought against the school district for introducing ethnic studies courses that were developed in secret and infected with antisemitism. [Press Release]

Antisemitic Ethnic Studies Classes to Cease in Santa Ana Unified School District Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education

Parsha Mishpatim: ‘We Will Do and We Will Hear’

This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, is a profound exploration of law, ethics, and relationships, offering deep psychological insight into emotional well-being. Through a mental health lens examining this section of the Torah, we can extract valuable lessons about trust, mindfulness, and interpersonal dynamics—critical components of mental health and emotional resilience. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

Parsha Mishpatim: ‘We Will Do and We Will Hear’ Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Miles Teller

Miles Teller (February 20, 1987) is an American actor. He made his feature film debut with the independent drama Rabbit Hole (2010), and gained wider recognition for his roles in the coming-of-age film The Spectacular Now (2013) and the Divergent film trilogy (2014–2016). His breakthrough role came in the drama Whiplash (2014) which earned him critical acclaim. [Wikipedia]

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Miles Teller Read More »

Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Holocaust Education Fund Proposed by State Senator Stern

This critical legislation will establish the Holocaust and Genocide Education Grant Program to provide direct allocations to districts to help them establish relevant courses and professional development opportunities around Holocaust and Genocide Education (HGE). [Press Release]

Holocaust Education Fund Proposed by State Senator Stern Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education