Steven Bochco (December 16, 1943 – April 1, 2018) was an American television writer and producer. He developed a number of television series, mostly crime dramas, including Hill Street Blues; L.A. Law; Doogie Howser, M.D.; Cop Rock; and NYPD Blue. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Steven Bochco Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Actor/ Director Rob Reiner. 78, and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were stabbed to death on Sunday in their Brentwood, California home. Police booked his son Nick Reiner, 32, on suspicion of murder. Nick, who has struggled with drug addiction, was held without the possibility of bail. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Weaving humor with serious comments, he told us that we need to focus on doing what is right and be vocal about our Jewish values. He closed with answers to a lightning round of Hanukkah questions in which we learned that 1) his favorite Hanukkah gift is not a pair of socks but a copy of the U.S. Constitution 2) his favorite Hanukkah song is Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukkah Song” and 3) when it comes to latkes, he prefers applesauce over sour cream! We differ there. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Prepping to Lobby Senators and Representatives on Issues Important to Reform Judaism Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Jews are always looking for a new angle to bring additional joy to this holiday, even in simply finding the best new names for the old celebrations! Which of the following are actual Chanukkah celebrations that will be taking place this week? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Chanukkah 2025 Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
It has a beautiful historic center with typical old European streets and an impressive number of museums. It is a delightful area of narrow cobbled streets, small charming squares, and beautiful old buildings. It is a very old city—more than 2,000 years old. It is a green city with many parks. There are 14 churches and cathedrals in this city, although over the years it has become less Christian and more Muslim. [Alex Gordon]
Science in a French City, Which I Shall Not Name Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Travel and Food
Jason Brown (December 15, 1994) is an American figure skater. He is a two-time Four Continents medalist (2020 silver, 2018 bronze), a nine-time Grand Prix medalist, a 13-time Challenger Series medalist, and the 2015 U.S. national champion. [Wikipedia]
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Sports & Competitions, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
I say once again: Jews around the world, and right here in San Diego, have the absolute right to feel safe and to be safe. We should not have to hide our joy, move our celebrations indoors, or “tone it down” to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Law Enforcement Officials Pledge Protection for S.D. Chanukah Events Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
[Brooks] said fighting antisemitism has been weaponized to harm academic institutions and close down academic freedom. It also hampers the ability to engage in discussions among Jewish, Arab and other students, he said. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Reform Judaism Hears from NAACP’s Former President Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
And yet, as the world watches in horror, one question burns brighter than any menorah: How could this happen in a nation that prides itself on solidarity, fairness, and freedom? The answer is devastatingly clear—the Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, bears direct responsibility. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Two gunmen with automatic weapons opened fire, killing at least 11 people and wounding at least 29 others at a celebration of the first night of Chanukah at the beach in the Bondi neighborhood of Sydney, Australia. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Chanukah Massacre in Australia, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Morey Amsterdam (December 14, 1908 – October 28, 1996) was an American actor, comedian, writer and producer. Between 1948 and 1950, he hosted his own TV sitcom The Morey Amsterdam Show. He played Buddy Sorrell on CBS’s The Dick Van Dyke Show from 1961 to 1966.
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Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Did you know that Hanukkah candles are not intended to be used for practical benefit? Jewish tradition suggests that their light exists solely for pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle. For this reason, we have been taught that we do not read, work, or otherwise make use of their light. Meditation, however, is permitted when it is understood not as using the light, but as witnessing it. Sitting near the candles in quiet reflection, gratitude, or spiritual awareness allows us to honor the miracle without appropriating the light for our own needs. We do not take from the flame; we allow it to remind us of faith, resilience, and sacred presence. (Betzy Lynch)
The Symbolism and Challenges of the Eight Candles of Hanukkah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Trump Administration has halted naturalization ceremonies for people from 19 countries it deems “high risk.” Given that those affected have been vetted and have met the qualifications for citizenship, there can only be one reason why the President Trump has decided to take this step: he realizes that they are more qualified than he is to be an American citizen. [Laurie Baron]
OpEd: Some Immigrants are More Qualified than Trump for U.S. Citizenship Read More »
International, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Yitzhak Zuckerman (December 13, 1915 – June 17,1981), also known by his nom de guerre “Antek”, was one of the leaders of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943 against Nazi Germany during World War II. [Wikipedia]
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Holocaust, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia