By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. This Shabbat, traditionally known as Shabbat Hazon, “Sabbath of Vision,” we begin reading the Book of Deuteronomy. This is the Shabbat directly before Tisha b’Av, beginning on Saturday night, August 6, a day of collective communal Jewish mourning. This day solemnizes some of the most overwhelming losses in our history […]
Parashat Devarim: Respecting All as Human Beings Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
CARLSBAD, California (Press Release) — Temple Etz Rimon of Carlsbad hosted an open house event in the Ocean Hills Community of Oceanside. The gathering was a complete success. Prospective new members learned everything the Reform Congregation has to offer. Speaking at the event were Cantor Caitlin Bromberg, the Temple’s spiritual leader and Mary Weiss, the
Temple Etz Rimon of Carlsbad Hosts Open House for Prospective New Members Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County
By Bea Carter SAN DIEGO — At first glance, Mitchell Kerbel seems like your typical 23-year-old. The American student lives in San Diego, attends community college and is brushing up on his rusty Hebrew. But one thing about him is different — he is preparing to enlist in Special in Uniform (SIU), a Jewish National
Finding a Special Purpose in Israel Read More »
Middle East, San Diego County
By Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida filed a complaint against a Miami restaurant which hosted a drag brunch performance, with children in the audience. The complaint noted that “The nature of the performances…particularly when conducted in the presence of young children, corrupts the public morals and outrages
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Drag Queens Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Rabbi Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida —I enjoyed the poetry book “Brought Down” by Simon Constam. It is both delightful to read and thought-provoking. The phrase “brought down” is a literal translation of Yiddish, Hebrew, and Aramaic terms suggesting an ancient Jewish idea or teaching being recalled. The 30 poems are easy to read.
May We Condemn God? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
By Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D JERUSALEM — Israeli media have focused on the case of Rabab Abu Siam, an Arab woman, recently divorced, who was shot to death near her home in the city of Lod. She had been warned by police, who urged her to relocate. She did, but returned home to visit her three
Minorities and Murder Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, Opinion, USA
By Laurie Baron Families of victims of 9/11 are protesting the holding of the LIV tournament at Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, because LIV is funded by Saudi Arabia which they blame for abetting the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. Trump claims this is merely a sporting event that has nothing
The three-book series offers 90 stories in all – a mosaic of Jewish life, personalities, and influences along the Interstate 5 corridor from the Mexican border to the Orange County line. It has been a pleasure authoring this trilogy, which has been augmented by the photography of Dr. Ben Dishman and Fred Kropveld, two fellow congregants of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. [Donald H. Harrison]
Where I-5 Jewish Stories Are Found Read More »
Ben Dishman, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, San Diego County, Travel and Food
This marvelously written story relates a growing friendship between a 12-year-old girl, soon to celebrate her bat mitzvah, and a slightly older boy, whose family is from El Salvador and who expresses himself in poetry. [Donald H. Harrison]
Adolescents Find True Friendship in YA Novel Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison
By Eva Trieger SAN DIEGO — In 1621, a tragedy befell England’s Fortune Theatre as it caught fire. However, just two years later, it rose from the ashes, but the actors became known as the Poor Companions. Award-winning actor, director, and producer Richard Baird took on the mantle of Artistic Director of Poor Players Theatre
‘As You Like It’ Brings a Rare Treat to Life Read More »
Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
By Sandi Masori SAN DIEGO — Most people recognize the title Pretty Woman from the 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Or they may know the song by Roy Orbison. But there’s a new Pretty Woman in town, and it’s a musical! Based on the movie, this Broadway adaptation at the San Diego
There’s a New Pretty Woman in Town — And It’s a Musical Read More »
San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
By Natasha Josefowitz, ACSW, Ph.D. LA JOLLA, California — I recently received an email from Dr. Dilip Jeste stating that after serving 36 years at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), including nearly two decades as director of the Stein Institute for Research on Aging (SIRA), he was retiring from the university. In this
Identifying the Various Social Determinants of Mental Health Read More »
Natasha Josefowitz, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & EducationBy Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D JERUSALEM — It’s been a while since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v Wade, and a bit less time since the same Court invalidated New York’s law against concealed weapons. But enough time for states’ actions to take their own course. A number of states — mostly in the
The Not-So United States Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Opinion, USA
This book is a fictionalized account of Jacqueline Semha Gmach’s life in Tunisia and Canada before settling in San Diego where her store of cultural knowledge for many years defined programming at the Lawrence Family JCC. It is also a love story, travelogue, and collection of photos that are dear to Gmach. [Donald H. Harrison]
A Scroll of Ancient Music that Leads to a Romance Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, San Diego County