Parashat Bamidbar and Shavuot: The Multifaceted Importance of Counting

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This week’s parasha is read on the Shabbat before the celebration of Shavuot (this year beginning on Saturday evening, June 4, and concluding on Monday evening June 6). Both the parasha and the holiday involve counting. In the parasha, we learn of the importance of counting each […]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

Novel Incorporates Vignettes about Patrons of a Jerusalem Café

Ehrlich’s Café Shira is an imaginative series of vignettes that take place in an establishment much like Café Tmol Shilshom, wherein the regulars at each table have their own stories. Sometimes they are interwoven with the stories of waitresses Rutha and Rona and café owner Avigdor; other times, they are in a world of their own, made known to us only by the remarkable insight and intuition of the hard-working, extremely empathetic Rutha. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Middle East

The Landscape Surrounding Guns in the US, Israel, and the Disputed Territories

By Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D   JERUSALEM — Americans are not quiet about Israel and the disputed territories. Neither are they quiet about gun deaths in their own country. Are the cases similar? No. Details, history, and explanations vary. But they are similar in reflecting serious problems. Neither country is perfect. Both have their defenders who

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, Opinion, USA

Larry Schwartz: Organizer of AFT Local 1931

A large crowd gathered on December 1, 1995, to rename the Quad at San Diego City College as Schwartz Square.  The gathering was in honor of history professor and American Federation of Teachers #1931 President Larry Schwartz.  He had died at age 62 of a brain tumor ten months prior to the ceremony. The dedication plaque there reads: “In memory of Larry Schwartz. He inspired students, challenged colleagues, and shared the passion and action of his time.” [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USA

Jewish Teen Org BBYO Partners With San Diego’s Congregation Beth Israel

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. With a network of 35 regions, including the Pacific Western Region across North America and 60 countries around the world, BBYO reaches 70,000 teens annually. BBYO is proud to partner with the

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County

An Unusual But Sensible Interpretation of the Cain and Abel Tale

By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — Many people are under the impression that the brothers Cain and Abel built an altar with Cain burning fruit of the ground, and Abel offering the firstlings of his flock and that God only accepted Abel’s offering. Actually, there is no mention of an altar or

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion

From Jerusalem to Shusha: Jewish and Muslim Allies Can Stand Together

By Jacob Kamaras (JNS) With the latest wave of Palestinian terrorism, the tensions that surround the Temple Mount and the firestorm of unverified allegations against Israel that followed the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, the leadup to this year’s observance of Jerusalem Day on May 28-29 has been tumultuous. Yet as they

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International, Jacob Kamaras, Middle East, Opinion, USA

Guns and Poses: Reflections on the Uvalde Shooting

By Laurie Baron SAN DIEGO — There’s a national gun crisis when: The NRA has more influence than the PTA. Russia’s bombing of markets and schools generates bipartisan cooperation on aiding Ukraine, whereas domestic massacres result in partisan polarization over common sense gun regulation. You can purchase a rifle privately without a background check when

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Lawrence Baron, Opinion, USA

Israel, Turkey to Strengthen Ties After Meeting of Foreign Ministers

Published by DPA Israel and Turkey want to strengthen their economic ties through diplomatic rapprochement, the countries’ foreign ministers said at a historic meeting on Wednesday. Closer cooperation could also help to better deal with differences of opinion, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said at a meeting with his counterpart Yair Lapid in Jerusalem. Çavuşoğlu

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Middle East