This essay covers Joseph’s oath to Jacob of his burial in Machpelah; Jacob’s ‘adoption’ of Joseph’s two sons; Jacob’s crossed arms preferential blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh; Jacob’s testament to Judah. I have chosen four passages, for hoped-for comparison via the internet with writings attributed to ancient Israel’s neighbors. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Torah (Va-Yehi) Compared with Ancient Practices Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion
With many people ignoring health regulations intended to curtail the spread of the Covid19 virus, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria signed an executive order on Wednesday allowing for fines of up to $1,000 “for those who blatantly defy provisions of State orders or the San Diego County public health order.” The measure, which went into effect at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday night, was intended to bolster the following state and local regulations: {Donald H. Harrison]
ATLANTA — Senate candidate Jon Ossoff’s closing TV argument is a call to action centered on Black voters’ struggles with injustice and the coronavirus pandemic as he makes his final pitch in the last week of the runoff campaign. The 30-second spot, “We the people,” includes flashbacks to the stories of five Black Georgians his
Every time we near the end of one year and the start of another, I take time to reflect and look back on what we’ve gone through and achieved together. And honestly, I can’t think of another year in my life that compares to 2020. The year started with our efforts to hold President Trump accountable for wrongdoing, to send a message that no one — not even the President of the United States — is above the law. [Adam Schiff]
Schiff on 2020: Impeachment, COVID-19, Biden Victory Read More »
USA
This striking coffee table book is a mix of Architectural Digest treatment visiting homes with gorgeous interiors, and crucial space dedicated to books, and brief philosophical blurbs about loving books. Thirty-two vignettes with lush photography reveal volumes owned by book collectors, authors and bookstore owners, and with a little help from a magnifying glass, the authors and titles on their shelves. [Oliver B. Pollak, Ph.D, J.D]
Bibliophilia, Bibliomania and Bookworms Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Oliver Pollak
Following are Jewish programs of interest to lay and academic audiences that may be accessed via the Internet, January 3rrd through 9th. They are listed in Pacific Standard Time. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Streaming Jewish Programs (January 3-9, 2021) Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Science, Medicine, & Education, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
British lawmakers have approved the post-Brexit trade deal in British Parliament, paving the way for it to become law. Members of Parliament for the House of Commons voted 521 to 73 – a majority of 448 – on Wednesday to support the post-Brexit trade deal agreed by negotiators from London and Brussels on Christmas Eve.
British lawmakers vote through post-Brexit trade bill Read More »
International
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) plans to block an effort to override President Donald Trump‘s veto of a defense bill unless the Senate holds a vote on providing a direct payment of $2,000 to Americans. Sanders cannot ultimately stop the veto override vote, but he can delay it until New Year’s Day, making things more difficult
Bernie Sanders To Delay Defense Veto Override In Bid For $2,000 Stimulus Checks Read More »
USA
The United States flew strategic bombers over the Persian Gulf on Wednesday for the second time this month, a show of force meant to deter Iran from attacking American or allied targets in the Middle East. One senior U.S. military officer said the flight by two Air Force B-52 bombers was in response to signals
US bomber mission over Persian Gulf aimed at cautioning Iran Read More »
Middle East, USA
Washington (AFP) – President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday nominated Kathleen Hicks to be deputy secretary of defense, making her the first woman to hold the number two position in the Pentagon if she is confirmed by the Senate. Hicks, who is heading Biden’s transition team at the Pentagon, served in the Defense Department under former
Biden nominates first female deputy defense secretary Read More »
USA
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced his plans to appoint additional loyalists to federal advisory boards and commissions at the final days of his presidency. “These positions are all highly sought after. It’s the reason why the outgoing president uses it as a chit or a recognition because they know they are doing a consequential
Legendary New York public relations guru Howard Rubenstein, whose A-list clients ran the gamut from Rupert Murdoch to George Steinbrenner to President Donald Trump, died Tuesday at the age of 88. Rubenstein, who famously founded his agency in 1954 at the kitchen table in his parents’ outer borough home, “passed away after … what can
Howard Rubenstein, legendary public relations figure, dies at age 88 Read More »
USA
ATLANTA — President Donald Trump demanded that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp resign because he refused his demand to illegally overturn election results, his harshest rebuke yet of his fellow Republican days before crucial Georgia runoff votes for control of the U.S. Senate. The president’s attack on Kemp, calling him an “obstructionist who refuses to admit
As runoff nears, Trump complicates GOP case by demanding that Kemp resign Read More »
USA
WASHINGTON – Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley became the first senator to say he’ll object to the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory when Congress meets on Jan. 6 to accept the results of the presidential election. Several House Republicans have previously signaled their intention to do the same. With members of both
Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley will object to certification of Biden victory Read More »
USA