By Steve Kramer KFAR SABA, Israel — Why “defrocking,” a term usually used in the ecclesiastical sense? Well, The New York Times (NYT) has a quasi-religious following among American liberals, especially Jewish ones. It is “the” authority on most things, and one of those things is the paper’s peculiar relationship with the Jewish state of
Defrocking The New York Times Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Steve Kramer, USA
By Abby J. Leibman LOS ANGELES — For Jews across America, Chanukah offers an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our highest Jewish ideals. Amid eight days of joyous celebration, shared meals of latkes and sufganiyot, and gift exchanges, the miracle of the Maccabees — a group of Jews lacking resources to survive who prospered against
During Chanukah, Shining a Light on Hunger Read More »
California, Opinion, USA
By Eric George Tauber CINCINNATI, Ohio — Several years ago, on the sixth night of Chanukah, Chabad set up a giant Menorah for a celebration at Mission Valley Mall. It was fun. Kids were busily making crafts. Some were dressed as Maccabees and Dreidels and there was Chanukah music coming from the speakers. This is
Why We Need Chanukah Read More »
Eric George Tauber, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion
Published by AFP Washington (AFP) – Joe Biden on Monday promised he will not remain silent in the face of growing anti-Semitism in the United States, as the president hosted a White House reception celebrating Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. “I recognize your fear, your hurt, your worry that this vile and venom is
Biden: ‘We Must Not Remain Silent’ Over Rising Antisemitism Read More »
USA
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
New York Times Slammed for ‘Swastika’-Shaped Crossword Puzzle Ahead of Chanukah Read More »
USA
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,
How Do You Spell Chanukah? (Hanukkah?) Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion
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
Parashat Miketz and Chanukah: A Story of Resilience and Hope Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
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]
Chabad Opens Kosher Market in Lafayette Read More »
Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Travel and Food
Published by Reuters (Refiling to turn two sentences into one for greater clarity in 3rd paragraph) By Arshad Mohammed and John Irish WASHINGTON/PARIS (Reuters) -For nearly two years the United States has tried and failed to negotiate a revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal yet Washington and its European allies refuse to close the
US Leaves Door Open for Iran Nuclear Diplomacy Read More »
USA
By Mark D. Zimmerman Chanukah started last night with the lighting of the first candle. Celebrants are playing dreidel, eating latkes and sufganiyot, and singing traditional songs such as Chanukah O Chanukah and Maoz Tsur. But there are many other ways to celebrate the holiday, including attending concerts such as “The 8 Nights of Hanukkah”
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Chanukah Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Eileen Wingard LA JOLLA, California — Brazilian-born singer Carla Berg’s original Chanukah song, “Nes” (Miracle), with lyrics in Ladino, is available as a video clip on YouTube and on other digital platforms. It was produced by Allan Phillips at APMStudio in San Diego and was released last year. It is a welcome addition to
A Brazilian-born San Diegan’s Chanukah Song Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County
SAN DIEGO — Our license plate maven Melanie Rubin has discovered a plate with a purpose. “Tachlis,” literally translated as purpose in Yiddish, refers to dating with marriage in mind.
Jewish-Interest License Plate: TACHLIS Read More »
Melanie Rubin, San Diego County, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Natasha Josefowitz, ACSW, Ph.D. LA JOLLA, California — There are many types of prejudice, but they can broadly be placed into two categories: personal and institutional. Personal prejudice is not based on reason, nor on actual experience. It is a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, and intolerance. It is a negative attitude and adverse
Prejudice: How Discomfort and Fear of the Unfamiliar Lead to Discrimination Read More »
Lifestyles, Natasha Josefowitz, Opinion, USA
By Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D JERUSALEM — Commentators are predicting that Benjamin Netanyahu will succeed in forming a government in Israel, but there’ll be some tension as he passes out ministries to Knesset Members of Likud, and passes up some of his party colleagues. No agreement on how long his government will last. We’ll see how
Hanukkah Brings Unanswered Questions on Israeli Government Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Israel, Opinion