Haftorah reading for Aharei Mot is I Samuel 20:18-42. By Irv Jacobs, M.D. LA JOLLA, California — The readings for this Shabbat are taken from I Samuel, of the “Early Prophets,” [1] though one can find another reading, from Amos, when in another year Aharei Mot’s haftorah is combined with that of Kedoshim. [2] The
Haftorah for April 30, 2022 Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion
By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — About a month ago, we read in parasha Shemini about the deaths of Nadav and Avihu. This Shabbos, in Parasha Acharei Mos, once again, the Torah takes the time to mention their deaths. In this week’s parasha, Aaron and his family are forbidden to mourn their loss,
Parashat Acharei Mos: The Value of Tears Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Steve Kramer KFAR SABA, Israel — There’s been a lot of mayhem lately at the Temple Mount (the summit of Mount Moriah) in Jerusalem, which is a magnet for religious Jews, especially during Passover. Because this year Passover, Easter, and the Muslim holiday of Ramadan coincided, more violence than usual has resulted. The current
Jerusalem’s Temple Mount: The Epicenter of Violence Read More »
Middle East, Opinion, Steve Kramer
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — ADL’s annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents issued today found that the Jewish community of San Diego County experienced 38 recorded incidents, including 14 incidents of vandalism of businesses, places of worship, and schools, 23 incidents of targeted online and in-person harassment, and 1 incident of assault. “These numbers are alarming
LA JOLLA, California — It’s unclear exactly which Chabad center in San Diego County inspired this license plate, spotted by Melanie Rubin in the Lawrence Family JCC parking lot. But more than likely, the driver was grabbing a bite at Botanic Burgers for some post-Passover chametz.
Jewish-Interest License Plate: CHABAD1 Read More »
Melanie Rubin, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — French President Emmanuel Macron won reelection in a closely contested contest against Marine Le Pen. Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally Party, has been a controversial figure in French politics for many years, following in the footsteps of her father Jean-Marie Le Pen. She has alarmed
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Marine Le Pen Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire
(JNS) An American Jewish Committee survey of U.S. and Israeli Jewish millennials shows that Israel-Diaspora relations remain strong but also indicates points of divergence regarding what role Diaspora Jews should have in influencing Israeli policies, antisemitism in the United States and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The first-ever parallel survey of Jews, ages 25 to 40, was
Solid Base of Support, But Points of Divergence in New Survey of Millennial Jews Read More »
Middle East, USA
By Alex Gordon, Ph.D HAIFA, Israel — Many years ago, I was in the German city of Cologne and went to a station restaurant for lunch. I was surprised when I saw “Chicken Kiev-style” on the menu. I was surprised because I was born and raised in Kiev, and I knew nothing about Chicken Kiev-style.
Confessions of a Foreign Intelligence Agent’s Son Read More »
Alex Gordon, Holocaust, International, Opinion
By Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D JERUSALEM — Israel is currently in the midst of a mess. But, like others that Israelis have experienced, it is likely to be temporary. The context is made up of several major holidays, the month of Ramadan, plus Pesach, and several holidays around Easter. Those manage to heighten feelings that we
(To the tune of “Lady Madonna”) By Laurie Baron SAN DIEGO — Stare Decisis, its time has expired. With the three judges Donald Trump hired. Who needs Roe when you are with child? Carry it to term if you’ve been defiled. Six weeks is too much time to tarry. Informers can charge you with
Satire: Stare Decision Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Lazard, a social worker employed by the County of San Diego to determine financial and residential eligibility for cradle-to-21-year-old residents with major disabilities, says he is happiest when he gets to sing, particularly Jewish prayer songs. Through his tutoring of Ruth Sax, he got to know other Jewish residents of Paradise Village, and before long he was asked to officiate at the monthly Shabbat service. He met with Paradise Village’s Chaplain, Harry Bennett, before accepting the volunteer gig. Services are held in the non-denominational chapel, which has a stained-glass window bearing a picture of a dove. [Donald H. Harrison]
Social Worker Serves as a Lay Rabbi for Elderly Residents of Paradise Village Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Travel and Food, USA
My son and I got a chance to see the opening night performance. As with every other show I’ve seen at the Civic Theatre, we ran into people that I knew as soon as we walked in. This time it was Bar Mitzvah planner Lydia Krasner and her husband Ron. I am not a “Renthead,” having never seen the musical in the quarter century between the time it started touring at the La Jolla Playhouse to this final touring performance. It was fortunate that we ran into Lydia and Krasner, because Lydia is really knowledgeable about the show and was able to explain some of the plot points that we found confusing. [Sandi Masori]
New to ‘Rent,’ I Was Glad Someone Was There to Explain Read More »
Sandi Masori, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
This tale for tots conflates the light of Shabbat candles with other pleasant and helpful lights that they might encounter. These include a flashlight helping people to find their way; lanterns at an evening picnic; a lighthouse that aids sailors; the moon and stars; fireflies; and a soft nightlight in a child’s room. [Donald H. Harrison]
Book for Toddlers Tells of the Lights of Shabbat Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — From Broken Glass: My Story of Finding Hope in Hitler’s Death Camps to Inspire a New Generation, by Steve Ross, is truly an inspiring story. Interspersed with the author’s vivid recollections of being incarcerated from the age of 8 in a succession of concentration camps are accounts of
Author’s Vivid Accounts Range From Nazi Death Camps to Boston’s Worst Neighborhoods Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Holocaust, International, USA