SAN DIEGO (SDJW)–Jane Schaffer, a master teacher whose methodology for writing essays is taught in high schools around the country, died of brain cancer early Sunday morning at home.  She was 64. Schaffer, wife of San Diego Jewish World contributor and former San Diego Jewish Times columnist Dan Schaffer, had valiantly fought the cancer up until the

LA JOLLA, California (Press Release)–The grassroots group, San Diego Israel Coalition, has issued a call for shofar blowers to assemble at Congregation Beth El at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 7–the day before Rosh Hashanah — to sound their support for “peace in Israel and around the world.” “The blowing of the Shofar at Rosh Hashanah

POWAY, California (Press release)–A Shabbat celebration for returning and new members of Ner Tamid Synagogue, 15318 Pomerado Road, at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 27, will feature Rav Nadav Caine at the pulpit and singer Cara Friedman on the guitar. Following the “family-friendly” service, the Conservative congregation will serve ice cream, cookies, fruit and other desserts.

Editor’s Note: Wondering how you can atone for your sins on Yom Kippur?  Two comedians have devised alternate form letters that can be sent out right after Rosh Hashanah. By David Jelenko and Steve Hofstetter Dear [People on My Facebook Page/Friends], With [two days off of work/Rosh Hashanah] over, it’s time to look forward to Yom

By Jeanette Friedman NEW YORK — It seems that there isn’t a spin doctor, media pundit, columnist, politician or Jew who hasn’t offered an opinion about the Park51 Cordoba Community Center  under development two blocks from Ground Zero in Manhattan. In 2009, when the proposal was put forth, there was little or no objection to what

By Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — Muslims themselves should not take too much solace in President Obama’s recent avowal of support for the Cordoba House and mosque project at the cusp of ground zero.  Spoken in the midst of a Ramadan gathering at the White House, the president‘s jaw driven outward in a now trademark signal