Sesame Place San Diego Makes Chanukah the Centerpiece of a Day at the Theme Park

By Jacob Kamaras CHULA VISTA, California — How does it feel to be included? Southern California’s Jewish community experienced precisely that feeling December 19 on the first day of Chanukah at Sesame Place San Diego, which hosted a Chanukah celebration that featured a menorah candle lighting ceremony, a dance party with Chanukah music, dreidel playing […]

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Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion, San Diego County

Why the US and Israel Should Not Overlook the South Caucasus

By Paul Miller (JNS) Policy towards Iran represents a particularly complex item on the Biden administration’s agenda. The administration has expressed solidarity with Iranian protesters as they face a harsh crackdown, but at the same time, President Joe Biden has long sought to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The debate surrounding Iran cannot be

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International, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, USA

US Plans New Israel-Arab Meeting, Hopes for Netanyahu Restraint

Published by AFP Washington (AFP) – The United States plans a meeting early in 2023 between Israel and Arab nations that recognize it as it pushes the incoming right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint, a US official said Tuesday. Netanyahu is set to take office with the most right-wing government in Israel’s history

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Israel

New York Times Slammed for ‘Swastika’-Shaped Crossword Puzzle Ahead of Chanukah

Published by New York Daily News NEW YORK — The New York Times is facing criticism after printing a crossword puzzle some say is shaped like a swastika, the day before the first night of Chanukah. The Dec. 18 puzzle, “Some Theme’s Missing,” immediately caused a stir with social media users pointing to the distinct

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USA

How Do You Spell Chanukah? (Hanukkah?)

By Jacob Kamaras After using “Hanukkah” so far this holiday season—as I’ve used throughout my journalistic career, in line with AP style—on Monday I was informed by our founder and editor emeritus, Don Harrison, that we’ve used “Chanukah” over the years.” San Diego Jewish World will now be switching back to Chanukah. But remember, ultimately,

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Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion

Parashat Miketz and Chanukah: A Story of Resilience and Hope

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This week’s parasha, Miketz, comes on Chanukah and on Rosh Chodesh Tevet. Yet, Chanukah isn’t mentioned even once in all of our Torah. Recall that in last week’s parasha, Vayeishev, Joseph was thrown into a pit. Joseph prayed and Hashem answered his prayers. This week, we read

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

Chabad Opens Kosher Market in Lafayette

So, about two months ago, Rabbi Labkowski and his wife Tzipora opened Bay Kosher in the front part of the building that also houses their shul, Chabad of Lamorinda.  He engaged Mendel Schiffer, a native of Akko, Israel, to manage the store for him.  Schiffer, who didn’t care for retirement, had been in sales most of his life, and yearned for something new to do. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Travel and Food