Recently, scientists have had success creating lab-grown milk by inserting certain genes into a yeast or fungus. What is the current thinking about the kosher status of that product? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Laboratory-Created Milk Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire
In February 1940, Adolf Eichmann proposed to the Soviet leadership to transfer two million Jews, which was the majority of Polish Jewry, to the USSR. This step would have allowed most Polish Jews to be saved from destruction. The Soviet Union responded to this proposal with a refusal. [Alex Gordon]
On the Soviet Union’s Involvement in the Holocaust Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Bette Midler (December 1, 1945) is an American actress, comedian, singer, and author. Throughout her six-decade career Midler has received numerous accolades, including four Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards and a British Academy Film Award. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Bette Midler Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Ha’aretz reports that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu filed a 107-page petition on Sunday with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog asking that he be pardoned in three long-running cases charging him with corruption. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Author Jane Eisner wasn’t able to secure an interview with the reclusive King, nor with members of her family, so she had to rely on what was already published by other writers or said by King, herself, in her memoir and in preserved broadcast interviews. [Donald H. Harrison]
Biographer of Carole King Lacked Access to Singer/ Songwriter Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Sharon Brous (November 30, 1973) is an American rabbi who is the senior rabbi of IKAR, a Jewish congregation in Los Angeles. She was one of the founders of IKAR in 2004, along with Melissa Balaban, who currently serves as IKAR’s Chief Executive Officer, and others. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Sharon Brous Read More »
Jewish Religion, Judaism, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaA committee of the City Council in Dublin, Ireland, has approved a resolution to drop the name Herzog from a park in the Rathgar neighborhood and to debate in the future how the park should be renamed. [Jerusalem Post]
Jewish Political Briefing: Saturday evening, Nov. 29, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Today, for the first time in Jewish history, we have two strong, thriving centers of Jewish life: Israel and the Diaspora, especially North America. We enrich and depend on each other in new ways. Our relationship must evolve accordingly. [Betzy Lynch]
We are Entering Zionism 3.0 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Joel Coen (November 29, 1954) is an American filmmaker. Working alongside his brother Ethan, he has directed, written, edited and produced many feature films, the most acclaimed of which include Blood Simple (1984), Raising Arizona (1987), Miller’s Crossing (1990), Barton Fink (1991), Fargo (1996), The Big Lebowski (1998), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), No Country for Old Men (2007), A Serious Man (2009), True Grit (2010) and Inside Llewyn Davis (2014). [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Joel Coen Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
As I looked on Facebook, I was thrilled to see La Mesa neighbors posting they were gifting plates of Thanksgiving turkey. I am vegan, but I thought it was so generous of neighbors to give to those who do not have a place to go or are struggling to make ends meet. [Cailin Acosta]
Thanksgiving a Harbinger of Chanukah Tikkun Olam Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Travel and FoodAndriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, resigned Friday after law enforcement officials searched his office and residence as part of their ongoing investigation into corruption at the highest government levels. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
In a brief speech he admitted that he did not know what ‘the secret of longevity’ was despite having been asked many times, but obviously his mental capacity and maintenance of physical activity have contributed. Mainly, I would say, it is his indomitable spirit and open-mindedness that has kept him alert and active in so many spheres for so long. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Celebrating a Centenarian: Meir ‘Frank’ Loewenberg Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
James Karen (November 28, 1923 – October 23, 2018) was an American character actor of Broadway, film and television. Karen is known for his roles in Poltergeist, The China Syndrome, Wall Street, The Return of the Living Dead, Invaders from Mars and The Pursuit of Happyness, but was perhaps best known as the signature pitchman for Pathmark, famously appearing in commercials for the now-defunct East Coast-based supermarket chain from the late 1970s to the early 1990s which earned his nickname “Mr. Pathmark”. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: James Karen Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
As we come together the night after Thanksgiving, it’s meaningful to reflect on how beautifully the themes of the holiday align with this week’s parsha, Vayeitzei, and with the essence of Shabbos itself. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
On the Shabbos after Thanksgiving … Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors