ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp criticized “ridiculous” attacks from fellow Republicans outraged that he won’t call a special session to overturn the election results, as he faces unrelenting criticism from President Donald Trump and his allies infuriated by Joe Biden’s election victory. Although Georgia’s 16 Democratic electors formally cast their ballots for Biden on […]
In the place of stamp collecting, as an adult, I have taken up the hobby of collecting pictures of license plates from throughout the United States and even from other countries. For Chanukah, I can send them as email attachments to friends who similarly enjoy the hobby, and vice versa. There are many ways to collect license plate pictures; by state, of course; or by special topics, like breast cancer awareness; honoring veterans and first responders; calls for environmental awareness; and the list goes on. [Donald H. Harrison]
Learning About America Through License Plates Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, Travel and Food, USA
In the early ‘90’s we moved into an old-new home in Efrat, up the street from where we had rented since 1985. The size of the house was unpretentious, and our renovations were modest, but it put a strain on our finances. Among my splurges were wall-to-wall carpeting in the children’s bedrooms (rare in Israel) and – my dream since childhood — a beautiful bay window. Chanukah was drawing near. Both general and religious elementary and high school education in Israel are, theoretically, free, but most schools ask parents to pay additional fees to upgrade what the school can offer, such as smaller classes, additional courses (in addition to the usual books, supplies, bought by parents), and so on, and we were big believers in after-school art, drama, dance and sports classes, so with six kids, and a few already in (non-free) high schools, money was tight, and that was with my husband teaching the equivalent of a job and a half, and me teaching part time, writing a bit, and working at various creative – but not very lucrative — projects. In short, we could not come up with a plan for Chanukah gifts, without plunging us into high-interest overdraft. And then it came to me. A poem. [Toby Klein Greenwald]
The Gift of a Poem for Chanukah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Toby Klein Greenwald
My wife and I may have set a new Contra Costa County U.S. mail record. We sent 55 Hanukkah cards with real postage stamps to friends, relatives, and acquaintances. It was more fun than instant email cards. But it gets rarer than that, which is why it may make the record unbreakable for a while. All the cards were recycled from previous years. [Oliver B. Pollak, Ph.D]
Recyling Chanukah Cards Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Oliver Pollak
The vote that elected District 2 Councilmember Jennifer Campbell as the next president of the San Diego City Council has made the effort to recall her a citywide issue and has galvanized residents all over the city to join a growing coalition. [Barbara Bry]
Bry Calls for Campbell Recall Read More »
San Diego County
It had the serious purpose and poignant moments while raising money for the defense of Jewish and pro-Zionist students who are bullied by anti-Semites and Israel-haters in public schools and on university campuses. But the StandWithUs “Zoomathon,” also offered a refreshing mix of humor and music, perfect for celebrating a night of Chanukah while at home. [Donald H. Harrison]
Humor, poignancy mark StandWithUs Zoomathon Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Washington (AFP) – The US government on Sunday confirmed that its computer networks had been hit by a cyberattack, as The Washington Post reported at least two departments including the Treasury had been targeted by Russian state hackers. “We have been working closely with our agency partners regarding recently discovered activity on government networks,” a
US government confirms cyberattack Read More »
International, USA
British author David Cornwell, better known by his pen name John le Carre has died at the age of 89, his agent confirmed on Sunday night. The writer became wildly popular for his thriller novels, which touched on his real life experiences as a spy during the cold war and his third novel “The spy
British spy novel author known as John le Carre dies aged 89 Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International
Moroccan Islamist groups, including factions from Prime Minister Saadedine Othmani’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) have strongly condemned Morocco’s recent decision to normalise ties with Israel. The Unity and Reform Movement, which is the PJD’s educational and charitable arm, called the normalisation agreement “deplorable” and condemned “all attempts at normalisation and Zionist infiltration”. Morocco’s announcement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said it would be a mistake “to go back to business as usual with Iran,” signalling Israeli resistance to an expected push by President-elect Joe Biden to revive the international nuclear deal with Iran. Netanyahu spoke at a press conference with Robert O’Brien, President Donald Trump’s national security
Netanyahu warns against ‘business as usual’ with Iran in comments ‘aimed at Biden’ Read More »
Middle East, USA
If you don’t believe this is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” take it up with Jewish composers, Eddie Pola and George Wyle (born Bernard Weissman), who wrote the words and music to that hit song in 1963. For many, it’s hard to see just what’s so wonderful about this time of the year. For Joseph, as we read in this week’s parasha, what may have looked like the worst time, would be quite a turnabout. We are reminded of this each year during Chanukah through Mikeitz. The worst time we face, may just be the most wonderful time. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts
Many people are mistakenly convinced that the Jewish holiday of Hanukah celebrates the victory of the Jewish religion over Hellenism and that the enemy was Greece. Neither supposed fact is true. The Jews in Judea, Egypt and other countries of the diaspora had a longstanding favorable relationship with the Greeks and Hellenism well before and long after the incidents that prompted the rebellion of Judah Maccabee, his father and brothers in 168 BCE. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Hanukah does not disparage Greek culture Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion
In the 13th Dec 20 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
• A new Israeli stem cell treatment can halt and reverse MS.
• Israel has received its first deliveries of coronavirus vaccines.
• An Israeli-Ethiopian immigrant has won a scholarship to Oxford University.
• Over 130 Israeli hi-tech companies have been exhibiting in Dubai.
• New investment in Israeli startups is at record levels.
• An Israeli has won the NASCAR European championship for the 3rd time.
• Morocco and Israel are to establish diplomatic relations. [Very Good News Israel via San Diego Jewish World]
Good News from Israel (Dec. 13, 2020) Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, The World We Share, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
We just received a note from a dear friend and longtime reader. She wrote: I know you once told me Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Israel but, so, just in case you feel like lighting a menorah, enjoy! Wishing you as much joy as is possible at this moment in time. Stay well and safe. My reply: For sure we’re lighting candles and celebrating the holiday. I’ll clarify my previous comment: Minor doesn’t mean Hanukkah isn’t celebrated here. It’s minor only in the sense that the story of the Maccabees isn’t mentioned in the Bible. Here it isn’t among the most holy holidays. Presents are exchanged mostly around Rosh Hashanah or Passover, not so much during this holiday. Fried foods, such as doughnuts and potato pancakes (latkes) are a big thing. Hanukkah “gelt” (money) is often the gift of choice, along with chocolate “coins” and plain or fancy dreidels for games. … [Steve Kramer]
How Hanukkah Is Regarded in Israel Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Steve Kramer