Parsha D’varim opens with Moses standing on the cusp of the Promised Land, ready to deliver his final, heartfelt address to the Children of Israel. It’s a moment pregnant with meaning, filled with both reflection and anticipation. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Contemporary Torah: A Breakdown of Trust, a Failure of Vision Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Whether you fully observe Tisha B’Av or not, possibly reflect on how we are resilient and how we can try to focus on something positive each day to drown out the darkness and hate in the world. [Cailin Acosta]
Tisha B’Av: A Day for Reflection Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Much of the world has focused on the suffering in Gaza—suffering that is undeniably real. But we must speak the truth about its cause: Hamas has weaponized human misery. It hides military assets in schools, mosques, and hospitals. It blocks or steals humanitarian aid, often reselling it to civilians at exorbitant prices to fund their operations. [Andy Schaer]
OpEd: Hamas Causes and Weaponizes Human Suffering Read More »
Travel and Food
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed. Millions are displaced. Entire families are gone. Children buried under rubble. Mothers starving. Aid blocked. Babies and children are dying from starvation. Hope crushed. [Sean Elo-Rivera, Times of San Diego]
OpEd: ‘Atrocities Do Not Undo Atrocities. Brutality Does Not Cancel out Brutality.’ Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County
By Steve Kramer KFAR SABA, Israel — Israel is being castigated almost universally for its war against the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. The animosity towards Israel for this defensive war to destroy Hamas and release 50 captives has concurrently worsened the stature of Diaspora Jews. Foreign ministers from 28 countries including Australia, France, Japan and
OpEd: Barrage of False Media Reports Undermines Support for Israel Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA
My heart aches for the families in Israel who continue to wait in anguish for their loved ones, still held in cruel captivity, and for a nation that continues to reel from grief too heavy to bear. … I see the devastation in Gaza, and it tears at my soul. [Rabbi Jason Nevarez]
Israel-Gaza Fitting Topic for Mournful Reflection over Tisha B’Av Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This gathering was a
celebration of the long-running youth exchange program program between the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem (commonly called the Jerusalem Zoo) and the San Diego Zoo. [Yiftach Levy]
Youth from Zoos in Jerusalem and San Diego Share Knowledge, Adventures Read More »
Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, Travel and Food, USA
The volunteers for August are a couple who feel fortunate to have found each other later in life, June Rubin and Gary Gleckman. [Mimi Pollack]
A Couple That Gives Back Together Read More »
Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, Travel and Food
Meir Kahane (August 1, 1932 – November 5, 1990) was an American-born Israeli Orthodox ordained rabbi, writer and ultra-nationalist politician. Founder of the Israeli political party Kach—whose legacy continues to influence militant and far-right political groups active today in Israel —he was convicted of multiple acts of terrorism in the United States and in Israel. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Meir Kahane Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Two selections, originally listed as Chopin works and the Clarke Viola Sonata, to be performed by the Russian Pianist, Yulianna Avdeeva, 2010 first prize winner of the Chopin competition, required a substitute pianist. Avdeeva was not able to secure a visa to enter this country. [Eileen Wingard]
Surprising Summerfest Concert Features International Selections and Women Composers Read More »
Eileen Wingard, International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
On August 7, I will celebrate my 80th birthday. I need a walker to get around so I can’t cover as many stories as I previously could. So, I’d like to take a less active role in San Diego’s only daily Jewish publication, which is sustained by some advertising and a loyal cadre of volunteers who contribute articles gratis. [Donald H. Harrison]
SDJW Publisher Seeks Successor Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, News Media, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The students came from all over San Diego from North County to East County and everywhere in between. Some were returning from previous summers on stage, while others were first timers. It was impressive and surprising to learn that the cast only had eight full rehearsals before tech week. Clearly, they were motivated. [Eva Trieger]
Trinity Theatre Brings ‘Descendants’ to San Diego Read More »
Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Conversational topics included the current state of antisemitism, the making of the film, how they got big name actress Tovah Feldshuh on board, and what it takes to get to the Oscars. [Sandi Masori]
The Shoah, Current Antisemitism, and the Making of ‘Malka’ Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Jewish History, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Life in rural France has many advantages. The countryside is beautiful and pretty empty, with peaceful villages here and there, often many miles apart from one another. The few people one encounters are usually friendly, and certainly polite. The weather is generally pleasant, albeit on the cool side. So why am I longing to be back in Israel? [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Choosing Between Peaceful Rural France and Chaotic Urban Israel Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food