If a Democrat supports Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state and supports the U.S.-Israel security relationship, but may oppose specific arms sales to send a message of disapproval to the Israeli government, are they enemies of Israel or the Jewish people? No! [Halie Soifer]
The case for pro-Israel Democrats Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Mark Rydell (March 23, 1929) is an American film director, producer and actor. He has directed several Academy Award-nominated films including The Fox (1967), The Reivers (1969), Cinderella Liberty (1973), The Rose (1979) and The River (1984). [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Mark Rydell Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
When meeting someone, he would demonstratively introduce himself: “Hello, I am Modigliani, a Jew.” His close circle included many people of Jewish descent. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish biography: Amedeo Modigliani, fine artist Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I too, must prepare to embrace my capacity and gratitude for freedom not just for the seven days of Passover but for every day. I hope this poem might inspire you to prepare too. [Betzy Lynch]
Guard against hardening our own hearts Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Stephen Sondheim (March 22, 1930 – November 26, 2021) was an American composer and lyricist. Regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theater, he is credited with reinventing the American musical. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Stephen Sondheim Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
At its core, Passover is not about what happened once. It is about what must be recognized again and again. The command at the heart of the holiday is not simply to remember, but to remember as if you yourself had been enslaved. This is not historical education. It is a transformation of perspective. It refuses the distance that allows us to say: that was then; this is now. Instead, it insists: the structure of that experience still concerns you. [Sam Ben-Meir]
Passover and the unfinished work of freedom Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Sam Ben-Meir, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Walter Gilbert (March 21, 1932) is an American biochemist, physicist, molecular biology pioneer, and Nobel laureate. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Walter Gilbert Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
They got engaged one week before October 7. When the attack began they ran, found a roadside shelter, and held on to each other as terrorists hurled grenades inside. When Gali opened her eyes in the darkness she realized her right leg had been blown off. [Rabbi Shmuly Begun]
Gali and Ben epitomize the saga of the Jewish people Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Dinah Project’s book compiles survivor testimonies, forensic evidence, and legal analysis to establish a clear record of gender-based atrocities committed during the October 7 attacks. It also situates these crimes within the broader context of conflict-related sexual violence, drawing parallels to cases in Rwanda, Bosnia, Ukraine, and among Yazidi communities. [Jacob Kamaras]
Jewish funders salute scholarship of the Dinah Project Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jacob Kamaras, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Bipolar disorder is considered a mood disorder that affects emotions, with an up and down challenge of managing situations. Many suffer from extreme highs of mania for periods of time and extreme lows of depression for periods of time. [Cailin Acosta]
Bipolar affliction affects Jewish community Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan on Friday introduced AB 2664, our new “Safe Worship Zone” legislation to ensure that every Californian can enter a house of worship freely – without intimidation, harassment, or obstruction. [Press Release]
Bill introduced to create 100-foot ‘bubbles’ around places of worship Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish Religion, Press Release
Already 13 U.S. service members have been killed and more than 200 wounded – and the Trump administration can’t even get their messaging straight on whether we’re at war with Iran. [Sara Jacobs]
U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs: ‘We need to end this reckless war now’ Read More »
Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Joseph Albo: Collected Writings, edited by Shira Weiss, is an important and welcome contribution to the study of medieval Jewish philosophy, making the thought of the Spaniard Joseph Albo (1380-1444) newly accessible to contemporary readers. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
An important, easy-to-read philosophical book Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
StandWithUs strongly condemns Assembly Bill 2159 (AB 2159), introduced by CA Assemblymember Robert Garcia. This bill would gut key provisions from AB 715, California’s landmark law aimed at fighting antisemitism in K-12 schools. [Press Release]