There’s always something happening in our county, for good or for bad, that is of Jewish community interest For example, Ken Stone of Times of San Diego reported on Sunday that a shopper at the Vons in Santee created quite an uproar with his choice of face mask. He donned the hood of a Ku Klux Klansman … {Donald H. Harrison]
Our Shtetl San Diego County: May 3, 2020 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Travel and Food
Of the Jewish friends and relatives who have migrated to the land of the Early Bird – southern Florida –few have supplied as many laughs and good feelings as William Rabinowitz, the fictional hero of Jerry Klinger’s book, Boynton Beach Chronicles: Tails of Norman. [Book review by Joel H. Cohen]
Chai-times and humor among Florida’s Jewish retirees Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jerry Klinger, Jewish Religion, Joel H. Cohen, Lifestyles, Trivia, Humor & Satire
If you’re like most folks who read websites, magazines and newspapers, listen to a myriad of podcasts or TV news broadcasts with experts from all walks of life, you may be totally confused by the sensationalism and shock tactics covering COVID-19, mental wellbeing, physical health, obesity, exercise, nutrition, stress and a whole host of other related topics. Much of it is twaddle, claptrap, and sheer poppycock. And we don’t need research to tell us that stuff isn’t good for you health. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
The harm of SIGH-ence Read More »
Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Science, Medicine, & EducationMore than likely you have heard the expression, “walk a mile in my shoes,” to caution against prejudging what anyone’s life is like. Jewish filmmaker Nancy Cooperstein Charney poignantly brought that message home at the conclusion of her documentary, Who’s Next, when she filmed a large group of women, presumably non-Muslims, being shown how to put on a hijab, and then marching together in New York City. I’m not sure, given the Islamophobic atmosphere in the United States today, how many other women would have the courage to do that. {Movie review by Donald H. Harrison]
Walk a mile in her hijab Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, USA
Rabbi Dr. Joshua A. Berman is a brilliant scholar, writer, and speaker. In his new book Ani Maamin, words that mean “I believe,” he answers questions that bothered Bible readers – Jews, Christians, and Muslims – for centuries, and answers them in an interesting, readable, eye-opening, and engaging way. Why was the Bible written? How do we explain the biblical writing style? How do we reply to Bible critics? And much more. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
An excellent revelation of the style of the Torah Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
Actress Annette Bening, who got her start in drama as a student at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego before going on to Broadway and to the movies, is the narrator of a new documentary A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps, which covers approximately 62 years of America helping developing nations, from the inception of the idea in 1958 to the present. It will be shown in theaters later this month. {Donald H. Harrison]
Peace Corps documentary narrated by Annette Bening Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USARemember back in February when the media was babbling on about medical professionals debating over whether to call the “epidemic” of COVID-19 a “pandemic”? You couldn’t wipe the drool off of news anchors’ faces fast enough given the headline turbo fuel this created. OMG, a pandemic!!! [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Obesity: Where’s The Panic of COVID-19? Read More »
Lifestyles, Michael MantellItems in today’s column include: *Jewish community coronavirus news *American Jewish history *Never forget *In memoriam By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — City Councilwoman Barbara Bry, in her role as chair of the Council’s Budget Committee, has proposed that “San Diego’s federal coronavirus relief money to be used to fund Internet access for all San
A little bit of this, a little bit of that Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, USAMany EU leaders, Jews, and others are upset over the proposed extension of Israeli sovereignty to the Jewish population in Israel’s heartland, reclaimed 53 years ago during the defensive Six Day War. This will be accomplished by substituting Israeli civil law for military law in those area where Israeli citizens are living, thereby establishing a real border between Israelis and Palestinian Arabs. Israel’s intended action is approved under the Peace to Prosperity Plan, contingent on Israel’s acceptance of a State of Palestine – a state subject to many restrictions meant to keep everyone safe. [Steve Kramer]
Annexation debate: beating a dead horse Read More »
Middle East, Steve Kramer
This week we read a double portion, Acharay Mot / Kiddoshim, which translates as After (the) Death / Be Holy. The first of the two portions picks up the narrative which was discussed two weeks ago in the portion of Shmini – The Eighth (Day). [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]
A word of Torah: God wants us to be holy Read More »
Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-RabbiA culinary worker at Seacrest Village Retirement Community “has tested positive and is quarantined at home,” Pam Ferris, president and CEO of the Jewish-community-run home for senior citizens reported to residents and their families on Thursday evening. “We are currently following the ‘Criteria for Return to Work for Health Care Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected Covid-19’ guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
Coronavirus case reported at Seacrest Village Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, San Diego County, Travel and Food, USA“It’s so tough these days,” “I don’t know how much longer I can take this terrible pressure of being cooped up at home,” “I’m filled with so much anxiety and sadness.” “I just feel lost and like nothing is in my control anymore.” Sound familiar? [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Formidable thoughts for daunting times Read More »
Lifestyles, Michael Mantell
Since many governors and the president are rushing to reopen the economy even before the White House guidelines for reopening have been met, job seekers looking for safe work should apply for these positions. [Satire by Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Help wanted after a safe reopening Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
This novel, written from the point of view of Orly, a young girl who we watch grow into adulthood, is about a Jewish family that fled Austria after its merger with Nazi Germany and settled in La Paz, Bolivia, a city that was starkly different from Vienna in almost every way. [Book review by Donald H. Harrison]
‘Exile Music’ plays expertly on readers’ emotions Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison