The episode’s most profound utility lay not in what it celebrated, but in the mirrors it held up to our own communal failures. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Review and reaction: Black and Jewish America, Part 4 Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Extending negotiations is not the way. When the Iranians face hard decisions, they demur and turn to continued negotiation. This is a time-wasting procedure which allows Iran to boost its offensive and defensive capabilities. [Steve Kramer]
Opinion: U.S. should stop dithering with Iran Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer
This edition presents Sacks’ own modern English translation of the Torah, a compiled commentary drawn primarily from his Covenant & Conversation series, along with books, lectures, and other writings—with the sections for Shemot through Bo newly adapted for this project. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
A new standard Jewish Bible or a noble compromise? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi
She boards the plane like anyone else, and suddenly she’s in the middle of a nightmare. Now, as a retired cultural anthropologist and professor emerita from the University of Arizona, she brings this incredible mix of lived experience and scholarly eye to the story. She doesn’t just recount what happened—she digs into how it messed with her head and heart for decades. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Hostage’ is a first-hand account of a hijacking Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Irwin Shaw (February 27, 1913 – May 16, 1984) was an American playwright, screenwriter, novelist, and short-story author whose written works have sold more than 14 million copies. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Irwin Shaw Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Following the “Four Interludes” from Peter Grimes was Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major featuring the British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. [Eileen Wingard]
Britten, Ravel, Tchaikovsky works featured at SDSO concert Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
“Unto Every Person There is a Name” was created to remind us the victims of the murderous Nazi machine were not just a number. Every individual had a name, an identity and a life. [Press Release]
Names of Holocaust victims to be read aloud April 13-14 Read More »
Holocaust, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, USA
The State of California, the California State Board of Education, the State Department of Education, and Superintendent Tony Thurmond are being sued on behalf of Jewish parents whose children have been, and continue to be, the subjects of cruel, persistent, and pervasive antisemitism in their California public schools. [Press Release]
A Jewish state assemblyman from the southwestern edge of Long Island was denied a rare opportunity to question New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani about Jewish fears while a first-term Jewish congressman voiced a preference for dogs over Muslims. Plus, President Trump’s man in Belgium intervened in the country’s health policies as they apply to mohels. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Opinion: Three pro-Jewish politicians embarrass themselves Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, News Media, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
From the first notes, it’s clear this Broadway San Diego production isn’t a meditation on mortality. Death arrives with flair, personality, and a wink to the audience. [Sherrie Rose]
‘Beetlejuice: The Musical’ delights Civic Center audience Read More »
San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Tetzaveh is the parsha of details. Dozens of pesukim describing the garments of the Kohanim. Threads. Stones. Measurements. Colors. Nothing casual. Nothing approximate. Every stitch exact. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Tetzaveh: The hidden light and the hidden leader Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Lazar Berman (February 26, 1930 – February 6, 2005) was a Soviet Russian classical pianist, Honoured Artist of the RSFSR (1988). [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Lazar Berman Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The priestly garments and the Purim masks both speak to the same truth: external appearance can conceal, reveal, or transform inner reality. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
The connection between priestly garb and Purim costumes Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, said: “The relationship between Israel and the United States goes far beyond a strategic alliance. It is a deep partnership rooted in shared democratic values, and that partnership is a cornerstone of Israel’s security and national resilience …”