‘Essentials of Judaism’ will please life-long Jews and those studying for conversion

The authors created a text that speaks simultaneously to the intellectually curious reader, the seeker of religious inspiration, and the conversion student searching for a reliable and comprehensive guide. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin}

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish birthday: Chuck Barris

Charles Barris (June 3, 1929 – March 21, 2017) was an American game show creator, producer, and host, author, and songwriter. A key crew member of several hugely successful television game shows, he was the creator of The Dating Game (1965–2021), the original producer of The Newlywed Game (1966–2013) both for the ABC network and syndication, and the host and producer of The Gong Show from 1976 to 1980, for the NBC network and syndication. [Wikipedia]

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Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Forgotten video provides insights into Holocaust survivor Edith Eger’s life, philosophy

Dr. Edith Eger, who was a Holocaust survivor, author, psychologist, and longtime resident of La Jolla, California, passed away on April 27.. Her family recently came across one of the last videos she recorded, which shows her wise, warm, fierce, and full-of-joy message. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Novel probes what an immigrant star did during World War II

This historical novel is loosely inspired by Audrey Hepburn, the Dutch Resistance, and the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. It follows two sisters as they reunite after World War II and embark on a journey filled with justice, survival, and long-buried secrets against the backdrop of the Red Scare in Hollywood. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Michael Tilson Thomas and the Yiddish Theater: A Firsthand View

The extraordinary Michael Tilson Thomas (1944–2026), known to his public and colleagues alike as MTT, succumbed in April to an aggressive brain cancer. Conductor, pianist, composer and educator, he was a musicians’ musician, one of dazzling brilliance who was somehow still performing — conducting Mahler symphonies, no less — well beyond anyone’s expectation of what was possible with the grim prognosis he faced. [Ronald Robboy]

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Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Write Out Loud to perform three flights of plays to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

As we approach our 250th anniversary, there appears to be a dearth of celebratory events or awareness. It seems to me that we need a boost and reaffirmation now more than ever before. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

JCC presents June 4 musical program in honor of Jerusalem

I will be hosting the program and my guest will be Jerusalem-born Sari Esserman, who will introduce several of the songs and tell us about her early life in the Kiryat Moshe neighborhood. Currently a resident of La Jolla, Sari is a respected artist, working in pottery and producing vibrant paintings in oils and pastels. [Eileen Wingard]

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Cantor Sheldon Foster Merel, z"l, Eileen Wingard, Israel, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA