Pharaoh embodies the classic addict’s cycle, swearing after every devastating “hangover” (plague) that he’ll change—”I swear I’ll never do it again!”—only to relapse the moment the pain subsides, as he did time after time. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Disabled’ people throughout history have been the most able Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Garry Winogrand (January 14, 1928 – March 19, 1984) was an American street photographer, who portrayed U.S. life and its social issues in the mid-20th century. Photography curator, historian, and critic John Szarkowski called Winogrand the central photographer of his generation. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Garry Winogrand Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The plagues themselves are not acts of revenge. They are acts of moral clarity. Pharaoh believes power comes from domination. Hashem reveals that true power flows from justice, accountability, and truth. Va’eira teaches that when lies go unchallenged, cruelty flourishes. Silence enables oppression. Moral clarity requires voice, even when speaking is uncomfortable. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Va’eira: Growing through the hail Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Because multiple bystanders were exercising their First Amendment rights by filming ICE’s actions on their cell phones, we all saw her brutal murder with our own eyes — which makes the Trump administration’s immediate and ongoing attempts to gaslight the public and cruelly twist the truth even more outrageous. [Sara Jacobs]
Rep. Sara Jacobs: Renee Nicole Good murdered by ICE agent Read More »
Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Each tree presented its strengths. The oak offered strength, the pine brought a commanding presence, the maple dazzled with magnificent colors, and the fig and date trees provided nourishing, sweet fruit. But what about the olive tree? [Cailin Acosta]
Children’s author Eric Kimmel produces another classic Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share
Peter Wertheim, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, welcomed the proposed legislation as a first step toward creating a safer, more unified Australia. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Yeah, some people won. And some people un-won. The victorious had a wonderful evening and a step-up in their respective careers. The mere nominees, a little less so; but merely to be nominated is a huge compliment and boon. [John E. Finley-Weaver]
Opinion: A few thoughts on the Golden Globes Read More »
Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Jewish Federation of San Diego launched its “Standing Up to Antisemitism Toolkit, an online resource to help individuals respond to antisemitism, report incidents, and empower them to take meaningful action across San Diego. [Cailin Acosta]
Jewish Federation offers tips for standing up to antisemitism Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Trevor Rabin (January 13, 1954) is a South African musician, songwriter and composer, known as a one-time member of both progressive rock band Yes and pop-rock band Rabbitt, as well as for releasing solo albums and composing numerous film scores including Con Air, Armageddon, Remember the Titans and National Treasure. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Trevor Rabin Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
None of the participants really oozed machismo by discussing sports, firearms or strippers. However, they all admitted to repressing vulnerable emotions to meet society’s expectations of manhood. And yet Kutner related how men making a minyan to say the Mourners’ Kaddish is a profound way for Jewish men to cry. [Eric George Tauber]
‘Mama’s Boys’ podcast explores Jewish masculinity Read More »
Eric George Tauber, Jewish History, Lifestyles, News Media, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Fourteen Democratic U.S. Senators led by Alex Padilla of California and Ron Wyden of Oregon have filed a friends-of-the-court brief in the mail ballot case of Watson vs. Republican National Committee. That dispute involves the Republican party trying to invalidate a Mississippi law stating that so long as a mail-in ballot is postmarked on Election Day or before, it may be counted for up to five days beyond the election. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the News: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The first terrorist acts against the leaders of the newly established Soviet government were carried out on August 30, 1918, by Jews Leonid Kannegiesser and Fanny Kaplan. (Alex Gordon)
Jewish Biography: Fanny Kaplan, would-be assassin of Vladimir Lenin Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Howard Stern (January 12, 1954) is an American broadcaster and media personality. He is best known for his radio show, The Howard Stern Show, which gained popularity when it was nationally syndicated on terrestrial radio from 1986 to 2005. He has broadcast on SiriusXM since 2006. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Howard Stern Read More »
News Media, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
An arsonist set Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, ablaze, approximately at 3 am. Saturday morning when the building was unoccupied, but the damage was extensive. Two Torah scrolls were destroyed, and five others were damaged. A Holocaust Torah on display behind a glass case was still intact. Police said they have detained a suspect, whom they have not yet identified. [Donald H. Harrison]
Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, set ablaze Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA