The adoption of an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum on Thursday, March 18, by the State Board of Education drew mixed responses from Jewish advocacy groups. It was hailed by some and decried by others. [Donald H. Harrison]
State Board Approves Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
With a growing international footprint and new intensive trainings, resources, and consulting services, the Jewish Teen Funders Network, which includes the teen philanthropy program of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, has rebranded as Honeycomb (honeycomb.org). [News release from honeycomb]
Jewish Teen Funders Network Rebrands as Honeycomb Read More »
Business & Finance, Lifestyles, San Diego County, USA
So many of the Holocaust survivors who I grew up with have passed away. They were all so important to me and they conveyed a special feeling that no others could. To the second and third generation I seek to offer this comfort: [Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg]
From One 2nd Generation Survivor to Others Read More »
Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles
The Jewish People are players in a grand scheme I refer to as “War of Worldcraft.” We are in the midst of a 3500-year peer-to-peer networking phenomenon unrivaled in history. In every generation, we are engaged in a battle to the death against the monsters of ignorance, immorality and violence. With courage and unrivaled conviction, we cleave to our ancient texts and traditions, hoping to thrive while influencing those around us. The Torah reveals the contradictory nature of our future as an eternal people: we will remain few in number and yet have vast impact on all of humankind as we wander the globe. [Sam Glaser]
Pesach: War of Worldcraft Read More »
Jewish Religion, Sam Glaser
I ordered this book from Bibliophile because the blurb proclaimed that its main character was a pilot who fell in love with an Israeli woman and fought for his adopted country. That, in essence, is the nub of the story, but around it surges and swells a series of events and adventures involving love and enmity, joy and sorrow, and a veritable roller-coaster of emotions for the reader, who cannot help but be drawn into this gripping tale of romance, adventure and action. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
A Pilot’s Love Affair With a Beautiful Israeli Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle East
With the wave of immigrants arriving at the border clamoring to be let in, I have been thinking a lot about immigration. When Trump was in power, the border was basically closed, refugees and asylees had to wait in Mexico until their case was heard and that was a very long, inhumane process. In addition, many mothers were separated from their children. It seems like now the pendulum has swung from one extreme to another. Do I agree with all the adults and unaccompanied minor rushing the border? It is creating unmanageable chaos and confusion. However, I do understand why this is happening. America is viewed as a safe haven for so many whose own countries or lives are in conflict, and they are desperate. [Mimi Pollack]
Refugees will become hard-working Americans Read More »
International, Mimi Pollack, USA
It is a relief to learn that the nearly 10 million Americans who live in Arizona, Montana and West Virginia feel safe from gun violence. Three Democratic senators from these states will not take all necessary steps to pass two gun-control bills that the House of Representatives approved last Thursday. [Bruce S. Tickeer]
Dems supporting filibuster indirectly support gun violence Read More »
Bruce Ticker, USAJewish organizations responded with sympathy and solidarity on Wednesday for the families of eight victims murdered Tuesday, March 16, in a shooting spree at several Georgia spas in the Atlanta area. Six of the eight slain were women of Asian descent, according to officials. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish groups sympathize with Georgia shooting victims Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Obituaries & memorials, USA
After the Seder meal is eaten and the benchen, the Grace after Meals, is recited, a fourth cup of wine is filled, and the following actions are performed:
-According to the custom of many people, an additional fifth cup is poured for Elijah,
-A door is opened,
-Some people place a picture at the door entrance showing Elijah blowing a shofar announcing the arrival of the messiah,
-Some families have one of the participants rush out of the door and then reappear as Elijah,
-Some families also exclaim baruch haba, baruch haba, “welcome welcome,” when the door is opened,
-A paragraph that originated in the Middle Ages containing three parts, each of which say the same thing, is then recited,
(Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Superstitions Behind Opening the Door for Elijah Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
Japan is in a policy box of its own making regarding the Senkaku island chain. China has raised the ante significantly by giving its Coast Guard the right to challenge and shoot back in any confrontation with Japan as China’s Coast Guard patrols deeply around the island chain. [Stephen D. Bryen]
Japan, China vie over ownership of Senkaku Islands Read More »
International, Stephen D. Bryen, USA
A year ago when we read this parasha that begins the book of Leviticus, we were in the beginning of anxious physical separation from each other. This year many of us are vaccinated and are beginning to be physically closer with others, B’H, with proper precautions of course. What sacrifices we’ve made over the past year! [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]
Coming Closer to Hashem Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellThe Israelites’ first Passover, celebrated in Egypt just prior to the exodus and described in Exodus 12:1-11, was radically different from the Torah mandated holiday observed after the exodus. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
First Passover Looked Ahead to Liberation Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
In Israel, much of the evening news swirls around the gossip about who will sit with who in a new government coalition after the upcoming election on March 23. What has been singularly missing from the chatterbox TV news programs has been the vitally important plans of each party over the future of the Israeli economy. This brief summary will give you an idea of how each party intends to tackle the economy if it should gain power. [Barry Shaw]
Israel’s Leading Parties’ Economic Plans Read More »
Barry Shaw, Business & Finance, Middle East
The upcoming Passover creates challenges for those who are looking forward to celebrate the Seders in person with friends and family. The availability of vaccination against the virus made it easier to resume the tradition of an in-person Seder although the risk of acquiring the infection is still high in some situations. [Itzhak Brook, M.D.]
Safety of Celebrating Seder in 2021 Read More »
Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education