Donald H. Harrison

‘Younger’ on Netflix Includes Jewish Subplots

The plot concerns a 40-year-old divorced single mom, Liza Miller (Sutton Foster), who took a break from working in the publishing industry in New York City to raise her daughter, who is now studying abroad. Trying to return to the work force, Liza goes on many job interviews only to be turned down due to her age. [Cailin Acosta]

‘Younger’ on Netflix Includes Jewish Subplots Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Book Provides Jewish College Students with Facts about Israel and the Jewish People

This book is a valuable primer not only for entering college freshmen but also for adults who haven’t kept up on their reading. [Donald H. Harrison]

Book Provides Jewish College Students with Facts about Israel and the Jewish People Read More »

Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Passover Observance is Relevant for Current Moment

I have been reflecting on the enduring relevance of the Passover holiday, and why the story of the Exodus always seems to meet the current moment. I wish that was not true; that instead the story of Passover felt purely historical. But this year especially, it feels more relevant than ever. [Heidi Gantwerk]

Passover Observance is Relevant for Current Moment Read More »

Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

80 Years Ago Today, Buchenwald was Liberated by U.S. Troops

In 2019, the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation proposed to the Buchenwald Memorial, the German authorities who ran the Buchenwald Concentration Camp historical site, a memorial honoring the American liberators of the camp.  There was none heretofore. JASHP would pay for it. [Jerry Klinger]

80 Years Ago Today, Buchenwald was Liberated by U.S. Troops Read More »

Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Echoes’ Dramatizes Learning about the Holocaust from Students’ Perspectives

The play opens in a classroom where the kids are learning about the Holocaust and one of the kids says that it was just a hoax. Then another one of the kids answers that her great-aunts Irene and Edith are survivors and that it’s not a hoax.  Later in the play, we learn the true story about how actor Sophia Melamed’s aunts were reunited after the Holocaust. [Sandi Masori]

‘Echoes’ Dramatizes Learning about the Holocaust from Students’ Perspectives Read More »

Holocaust, Sandi Masori

Contemporary Torah, Parsha Tsav: We Are Each Called

While I have always known I was born B’tzelem Elohim (in the image of God), as a child and through college, I saw many rabbis, but did not see anyone on the bima who looked like me. No one female. Definitely no Black female rabbis. Eventually, I learned there were some women rabbis, and in 2009, one African American woman rabbi was ordained in the Reform tradition. [Barrett Holman Leak]

Contemporary Torah, Parsha Tsav: We Are Each Called Read More »

Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

San Diegan Recites His Own Personal Exodus — from Russia!

I don’t consider myself religious, but in our family, celebrating Passover is one of the most important events of the year. Every year, we gather around a festive table to repeat the formulaic sequence of storytelling and symbolism (after all, “Seder” means “order”). [Yakov Naverman]

San Diegan Recites His Own Personal Exodus — from Russia! Read More »

International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Some Bats Used Their Tails Similarly to a Blind Person’s Cane

A new study from Tel Aviv University (TAU) reveals that the Greater Mouse-Tailed Bat (Rhinopoma microphyllum) uses its long tail as a natural tactile sensor to navigate backward in dark caves. The bat’s long tail functions as a dynamic sensing tool, enabling it to avoid obstacles and orient itself in complex environments while climbing backward, especially when other sensory abilities like vision and echolocation are limited. [Press Release]

Some Bats Used Their Tails Similarly to a Blind Person’s Cane Read More »

Israel, Press Release, The World We Share

Harry Lerner, 93, Publisher of Children’s Books

Lerner leaves behind an enormous legacy in the children’s book publishing industry as the founder of one of the nation’s largest independent publishers. His taste, business sense, loyalty, and of course tenacity have touched the lives of young readers, authors, illustrators, family, and friends across the world. [Press Release]

Harry Lerner, 93, Publisher of Children’s Books Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

75 UCSD Students Petition for More Contemporary Jewish Studies Courses

Seventy-five students at UC San Diego signed a letter to the administration and faculty requesting that more Jewish studies courses be offered in the upcoming term.  The letter, to which Kyle Gilbert a junior majoring in political science was the lead signer, is printed below. [SDJW staff]

75 UCSD Students Petition for More Contemporary Jewish Studies Courses Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Tzav: Tending to the Eternal Flame Within

Shabbos HaGadol isn’t just another Shabbos—it’s the Shabbos heartbeat of Pesach’s sacredness, the spark that sets our redemption in motion. It’s called “the Great Shabbos” because it holds within it the power of Shabbos and Yom Tov of Pesach, blending them into something extraordinary. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parsha Tzav: Tending to the Eternal Flame Within Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors