A bush that burns without being consumed symbolizes human resilience, our capacity to endure fear and strain without losing our core identity. Adversity may ignite anxiety within us, but it need not define or destroy us. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Shemot: From struggle to strength Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Ron Moody (January 8, 1924 – June 11, 2015) was an English actor, composer, singer and writer. He was best known for his portrayal of Fagin in Oliver! (1968) and its 1983 Broadway revival. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Ron Moody Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Itshe Slutsky (1912-1944), will be one of the two featured poets at the 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, “Jewish Poets of the Past” program in the Astor Judaica Library of the Lawrence Family JCC. [Eileen Wingard]
Slutsky, Shemer poems to be featured at the Lawrence Family JCC Feb. 13 Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, International, Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Historians have long observed a pattern that repeats with uncomfortable consistency, most empires begin to fail somewhere between 200 and 300 years after their founding. Rome. Spain. Britain. Not because history is scripted, but because trust erodes, between leaders and citizens, between institutions and truth, between power, responsibility, and accountability. [Shahar Masori]
When trust is eroded, nations eventually will fail Read More »
International, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum: “We categorically reject intervention in the internal affairs of other countries. The history of Latin America is clear and compelling: intervention has never brought democracy, never generated well-being, nor lasting stability.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Democrats have already been influenced by members of Congress who repeatedly bash Israel. Critics have legitimate concerns about Israel, but for a bloc in Congress Israel can do nothing right. Their approach to the war between Israel and Hamas is one-sided, and the more evenhanded Democrats have been walking on eggshells around them. [Bruce S. Ticker]
NY Democrats engage in a showdown over Israel Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Shifra and Puah looked at a royal murder command and decided: Human life > Pharaoh’s ego. Righteous Gentiles, version 1.0. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Torah tells of the original civil disobedience Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Ran Danker (January 7, 1984) is an Israeli–American actor, singer and model. He starred in hit Israeli series such as HaShir Shelanu (2004–2007), The Gordin Cell (2012–2015), Miguel (2018) and more. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Ran Danker Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office has released the top 10 baby names for 2025, based on birth records filed throughout San Diego County. The list reflects both enduring favorites and the county’s rich cultural diversity, highlighting the names parents most often chose for their newborns last year. [Cailin Acosta]
‘Emma’ and ‘Noah’ most popular names for newborns in San Diego County Read More »
Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
US President Donald Trump covets Greenland for the sake of U.S. national security and for control of Greenland’s natural resources. Stephen Miller, deputy white House chief of staff, told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Monday that “Nobody’s going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland … It wouldn’t be military action against Greenland. Greenland has a population of 30,000 people, Jake. The real question is, by what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland?” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the News: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The Iron Beam offers low-cost laser interception of drones, rockets, and missiles, while reducing reliance on costly interceptors. Whereas the Iron Dome defense cost is about $50,000 per successful interception, the Iron Beam cost per interception is negligible. (Nevertheless, the Iron Dome will remain an important weapon in Israel’s arsenal.) [Steve Kramer]
Israel adds inexpensive ‘Iron Beam’ to its defense array Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer
Exodus 13:17-18 states: “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, ‘Lest the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’ But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.” [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Interesting interpretations of early Bible stories Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Talia’s cousin recites the Four Questions in Hebrew and English. But Talia has her own Four Questions: Who gets hugs? When do we hug? Where do we hug? And most of all—why is this book called the Hug-gadah? [Cailin Acosta]
Children’s book review: Talia waits through the seder for a hug Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Ruth Gikow (January 6, 1915 – April 2, 1982) was an American visual artist known primarily for her work as a genre painter. Her paintings often depict human figures interacting with an urban environment. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Ruth Gikow Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia