Chosen—For What?
What we forget when we apologize: Jews are not the only people who have thought themselves chosen. We are only the ones trained to blush. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Satire: The name game revisited
Donald Trump is at it again. He just can’t resist slapping his or some faux patriotic name on bodies of water and buildings. First, it was the Gulf of Mexico whose name he changed to the Gulf of America even though Mexico’s coastline with the Gulf is twice as big as that of the United States’. He’s contemplating erecting a wall around Mexico’s Gulf beaches so that no Gulf of America water illegally washes onto Mexico’s shoreline. [Laurie Baron]
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International, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USAKabbala and the hunt for halibut
I once learned from my Rabbi that according to the kabbala, when you catch a fish and then serve it for your Shabbos meal, you have elevated it spiritually by enabling the fish to complete its reincarnation for which it was brought to earth.
(Avraham Dimenstein)
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animals, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodHistory of Jews in Iraq cloaked in fantasy
Louise’s parents want to shield her from knowledge of the antisemitism that brought an end to more than two millennia-long Jewish settlement in Iraq, once known as Babylon. [Donald H. Harrison]
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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodToday’s Jewish birthday: Jack Black
Jack Black (August 28, 1969) is an American actor, comedian, singer, songwriter, and musician. He has played leading roles in family and comedy films, in addition to his voice work in animated features. His accolades include an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and nominations for two Critics’ Choice Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. In 2018, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [Wikipedia]
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Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaADL: Most local teachers unions have become antisemitic
“Teachers unions were built on the promise of solidarity, fairness and dignity for every worker. This report makes clear that this promise is being broken for Jewish educators across the country,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. (Press Release)
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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USATeshuvah vows often fade like secular New Year’s resolutions
For the purposes of the class, the dragon represents the yetzer hara, the internal force that gets in the way of our growth. It is part of us yet can feel as though it is working against us. The yetzer hara may tell us to take the easy path, give in to insecurity, abandon our goals or settle for less than our potential. [Cailin Acosta]
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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors‘Cabaret’ cast chosen from pool of actors with lack of access
In Berlin the targets were Jews, homosexuals and anyone who didn’t kowtow to the Reich. Our current daily newspapers reveal frequent incidents of animosity towards anyone who is not in the majority. [Eva Trieger]
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Eva Trieger, Holocaust, International, Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & BroadcastToday’s Jewish birthday: Paul Reubens
Paul Reubens (August 27, 1952 – July 30, 2023) was an American actor and comedian, widely known for creating and portraying the character Pee-wee Herman. [Wikipedia]
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Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaParsha Ki Tavo: The secret to genuine happiness
Gratitude simply means refusing to let the difficult things become the only things we see. We can be disappointed and grateful at the same time. We can be worried and still recognize our blessings. We can experience loss and still appreciate what remains. [Michael R, Mantell Ph,D.]
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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsNational Jewish news briefs
Jewish families and individuals are signing the Jewish Future Promise, with 200,000 units so far pledging to direct at least half their future charitable giving to Jewish caused including Israel.Together, they represent an estimated $6.821 billion in future philanthropic commitments to Jewish life. (SDJW staff)
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Jewish Religion, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAJewish Community Orchestra performs Pops from around the world
The concert featured the beautiful tenor voice of Rabbi Hanan Leberman, current rabbi and cantor of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. He has appeared in operas in Israel, Italy and the United Kingdom and in the touring Broadway musical, Soul Doctor. He received operatic training as well as his rabbinical ordination, in Israel, and served for many years in the IDF. (Eileen Wingard)
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Eileen Wingard, International, Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsFederation’s Information session on Thursday for next year’s trip to Israel
Jewish Federation San Diego announces that registration is open for next May’s Community Trip to Israel, which lasts from Tuesday, May 18 through Tuesday, May 25. An upcoming information session will be held on Zoom at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, to answer questions. Click here to register. [Cailin Acosta]
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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USALegislature removes requirement that school principals must approve religious absences
Authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) and sponsored by Jewish California, AB 1763 removes the current requirement that a parent submit a written request and obtain principal approval before a student’s religious absence is excused – a hurdle not required for absences due to bereavement, illness, mental health, or civic and cultural ceremonies. (Press Release)
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California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA