At Birkenau, we stood in Barrack #C-26, the very place where survivor Rose Schindler once endured the camp’s horrors. We stood with two of her children, Jeff and Roxanne, who read a passage from their parents’ book, Two Who Survived. [Shelley Zimmerman]
Since October 7th, Israel has undergone a transformation. For years, it lived with the threat of surrounding enemies—Hezbollah in the north, Hamas in the south, Iranian proxies across the region—trusting in deterrence. That strategy collapsed the moment Israelis realized that their enemies weren’t deterred by death, rather driven by it. [Rabbi Jason Nevarez]
Israel-Iran War, Antisemitism in U.S., Transform Jewish Community Attitudes Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
While the Iranian regime continues targeting Israeli civilian areas and the pace of incoming missile fire has slowed, the situation remains volatile. Our friends in Israel are weary, and they deeply appreciate the moral support from our San Diego community. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation Offers Resources for Staying Informed about Israel-Iran War Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Jewish community and San Diego native Kvashny shines in her role of Laurey. Wood, a staple in San Diego theater, once again shows why he is one of the most-cast local musical theater actors. Linda Libby is nothing short of phenomenal as Aunt Eller, and Genovese’ Ado Annie is adorable. [Sandi Masori]
Cast in ‘Oklahoma’ is More than OK Read More »
San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Adon Olam is one of the dearest songs sung during synagogue services. It is recited or sung at different times in different countries, usually at the end of the Shabbat and holiday morning service. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
History and Translations of ‘Adon Olam’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
After decades of warning about the dangers of Iran’s nuclear weapons ascendance, Israel’s long-time prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu acted. While some, including me, had doubts that he would ever fulfill his promises to stop Iran’s growing power, Israel’s substantial victories after the October 7 debacle changed the equation. [Steve Kramer]
OpEd: Israel-Iran War Was Inevitable Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA
Sammy Fain (June 17, 1902 – December 6, 1989) was an American composer of popular music. In the 1920s and early 1930s, he contributed numerous songs that form part of The Great American Songbook, and to Broadway theatre. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Sammy Fain Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
President Donald Trump’s apparent willingness to extend a lifeline to Iran’s Ayatollah, despite the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) being on the brink of collapse, represents a grave misjudgment, arguably surpassing even the strategic errors of President Barack Obama’s Iran policy. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Please register for the webinar Operation Rising Lion: Update from Israel and Sha’ar HaNegev and learn first-hand from friends in Israel and our partners on the ground in Sha’ar HaNegev how they are being affected, and what needs are emerging. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation Reactivates Israel Emergency Campaign, Schedules Webinar for June 17 Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Melissa was a champion for gun safety who I worked with to pass lifesaving background checks and extreme risk protection laws. She was a true public servant and a dedicated leader. Minnesota is safer today because of her leadership.{Gabrielle Giffords}
OpEd: Gun Safety Laws Essential in Wake of Assassinations in Minnesota Read More »
Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
What was a Jewish connection in Brian Wilson’s life? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Brian Wilson, R.I.P. Read More »
California, Mark D. Zimmerman, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By her very own public admission, Jamila Levasseur of Waldo, Maine, confesses that she violated the law during an anti-Israel protest – by blocking traffic – and dismissed the potential of catastrophe by describing the blockage as a “minor inconvenience.” [Bruce S. Ticker]
OpEd: Demonstrators Blocking Traffic Not Simply an Inconvenience Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Middle East, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Jack Albertson (June 16, 1907 – November 25, 1981) was an American actor, comedian, dancer and singer who also performed in vaudeville. Albertson was a Tony, Oscar, and Emmy winning actor, which ranks him among a rare stature of 24 actors who have been awarded the “Triple Crown of Acting”. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Jack Albertson Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s description of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the “new Hitler of the Middle East” is a highly charged analogy aimed at highlighting Iran as an existential and expansionist threat to regional stability. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Learning from the Past: Khamenei’s Threats Reminiscent of Hitler’s Read More »
International, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA