This Shabbat we divert from the usual sequence in the Torah to read special passages related to Shavuot. … I have chosen two passages from these readings, for comparison with ancient pagan practices, from what I found on the internet. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Ancient practices of charity, debt collection, slavery Read More »
International, Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion, Middle East
During this pandemic, we are all, perhaps particularly boomers, challenged to avoid becoming “doomers.” A key to avoid this declining mindset is living a fully active life with a “regardless” mindset, one that is filled with high hopes of living a long time, to 100. Dr. Bortz tells us that “most of the changes commonly associated with older people are not really dependent on the passage of time; they result mostly from disuse.” He further tells us, “Who you get to be—how old, wise, competent, creative, sexy, fun you become—depends on how you plan. Decrepitude and loss are not predetermined. How you… set your course is highly predictive of the journey you will take.” [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Booming or dooming through COVID-19? Read More »
Travel and Food
Marione Ingram was born in Hamburg in 1938 to a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, and so was defined as a ‘mischling’ (half-breed) by the Nazi authorities. Her autobiographical book begins with her account of having been sent by her mother when she was eight years old to take her younger sister to their aunt. She decided to return unbidden and found her mother in the throes of an attempt to commit suicide by putting her head in their gas oven. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
A ‘Mischling’ growing up in WWII Hamburg Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Jewish History
No doubt that millions of Americans have prayed as much or more than they ever prayed since the coronavirus crisis clutched us by the throat. They prayed at home – for survival and a return to pre-Covid-19 life. While we are it, many of us can pray for the resumption of traditional religious services where we will again be surrounded by friends and relatives inside a comfortable building such as a synagogue, church or mosque. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Rush to reopen houses of worship may be deadly Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Jewish Religion, USA
In 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed to the Kremlin that the U.S. and the USSR each be permitted to conduct aerial reconnaissance of the other’s territory and collect data on each other’s military forces and activities to enhance confidence that neither was planning a surprise attack. Moscow refused, calling it a license for American spying. Intensification of the Cold War made the issue dormant until President George H.W. Bush revived it in 1999 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The “Open Skies Treaty” was signed and ratified in 2002 and now has 34 members. According to the Arms Control Association, “All of a state-party’s territory can be overflown. No territory can be declared off-limits by the host nation.” In addition, “Observation aircraft used to fly the missions must be equipped with sensors that enable the observing party to identify significant military equipment, such as artillery, fighter aircraft, and armored combat vehicles.” [Shoshana Bryen]
‘Open Skies Treaty’ as outdated as cassette player Read More »
International, Shoshana Bryen, USA
Beth Jacob Congregation will hold outdoor weekday prayer services by reservation only beginning on Sunday morning, its rabbis and lay leaders announced. No decision has yet been reached on resuming Shabbat services, which normally attract far larger crowds than weekday services. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
Beth Jacob to begin highly regulated prayer sessions Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, USA
The question has come up: Should churches and other houses of worship be considered, “an essential service”? The President recently announced that he would override governors who do not open up the houses of worship for services. Moreover, it has been argued by many that places of worship are no less “essential” than liquor stores or supermarkets. Both these places should not be reopened before religious services.[1] The President’s position here is logical; by insisting that houses of worship be reopened, he is appealing to his evangelical supporters. Presidents in office often use the “bully pulpit” to promote an agenda that the President personally endorses. {Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Should worship be considered an essential service? Read More »
International, Judaism, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USA
Ever since the pandemic began, I have noticed rabbits congregating in increasing numbers behind the fence surrounding the school playground in my neighborhood. As a hound with a primordial instinct to hunt and kill rabbits, I slowly freeze into my stalking position and then tug on the lease to let my owner know I’m ready to chase and pounce on them. I never get that far because the school has been closed and the gate to the playground is locked. [Elona Baron as told to Laurie Baron]
Stalking brazen bunnies during the pandemic Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
As universities begin preparing to reopen campuses in the fall semester, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) is calling on administrators and faculty to take meaningful steps to ensure an inclusive campus climate for all students in response to a series of disturbing anti-Israel and antisemitic actions at U.S. colleges in 2019. [Press release from Anti-Defamation League]
ADL to universities: Oppose campus anti-Semitism Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
With the latest predictions suggesting Israel’s tourism industry could lose up to $1.16 billion due to the COVID-19 crisis, Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) is helping Israeli tour guides through an innovative new “virtual travel” initiative. A group of San Diegans embarked on this novel experience and returned with wide eyes and open hearts. Led by JNF-USA First Lady and San Diego Board Member Lauren Lizerbram, the group “traveled” from north to south and saw unique and captivating Israeli sites. [Press Release from Jewish National Fund]
Now boarding: JNF’s virtual tours of Israel Read More »
Middle East, San Diego County
In “The Devil and Daniel Webster” Benet depicts Daniel Webster saving a New Hampshire farmer from the Devil and from Hell. In the story, the farmer Jabez Stone was impoverished; every effort he made on his farm turned out bad. Exacerbated, he agrees to sell his soul to the Devil in exchange for ten years of great prosperity. His request is granted. At the end of the ten years, Jabez rushes to the famed orator and lawyer Daniel Webster to come and save him. The Americanized Devil, who calls himself Scratch, comes to collect the farmer’s soul. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
On ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
I zoomed in on two local webcasts today and although they dealt with different topics, they both made me feel good about belonging to a strong, caring Jewish community. I was particularly impressed that the presenters had compassion not only for their own immediate circles of family and friends, but also for society at large, and particularly for people who struggle to make ends meet. {Our Shtetl San Diego County by Donald H. Harrison]
Webcasts reinforce tikkun olam Read More »
Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
We’re an upset and often confused little country. Currently on our watch are four issues, each of which adds significantly to our uncertainties. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]
Israel’s four major uncertainties Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
These are times we need the laughs, so Prof. Laurie Baron has compiled a list of streaming movies.
Streaming American Jewish Comedies Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Theatre, Film & Broadcast