Donald H. Harrison

6 Slain Israeli Hostages Memorialized by United San Diego Jewish Community

Songs, psalms, poetry, and prayers recited by clergy and lay leaders of San Diego’s Jewish community were woven through a memorial service on Monday evening, Sept. 2, for six hostages brutally executed by Hamas as they waited defenselessly in tunnels under Rafah, Gaza, for their rescue by the Israel Defense Force. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Shabbat meal, its origin, beauty, and intelligence

The Shabbat meal contains significant items, including zemirot, which are medieval songs and ancient biblical psalms. They are a powerful means of preserving and showcasing Jewish culture’s rich and diverse nature. These sacred, secular, serious, and playful lyrics praise God and the Shabbat, transforming the meal into a time of joy and inspiration. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Children’s Tennis Story Tells of Gibson and Buxton Overcoming Discrimination

So well did they get along that they decided to become doubles partners in the competition that became the French Open. They ignored boos and rude comments from bigots in the stands as they made their way to the court together. They prevailed all the way to a championship game, at which they lost the first set. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Klop, Klop! Wake Up; It’s Time for Morning Prayers’

In Eastern Europe before alarm clocks were generally available, a Jewish person known as a “klopper” was appointed to knock on doors early in the morning to help assure people would get to morning prayers on time. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Transformed Jacobs Music Center Features Highly Improved Acoustics

Even more impressive than the newly achieved grandeur of the hall were the improved acoustics of the Jacobs Music Center. We were seated in the very last row of the downstairs, under the balcony overhang, over to the extreme right, and every sound, every nuance reached our ears with pure clarity, from the hushed solo violin strokes of Tchaikovsky’s “Canzonetta” to the bold final utterances of Orff’s “O fortuna,” for full chorus and orchestra.  [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Kamala Harris: Murders of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Others Demonstrate Hamas’ Depravity

Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh’s parents, and with everyone who knew and loved Hersh. When I met with Jon and Rachel earlier this year, I told them: You are not alone. That remains true as they mourn this terrible loss. [Kamala Harris]

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Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Children’s Book Describes Shock and Mourning over Lincoln’s Assassination

The narrative moves to the assassination of President Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre on a Friday night – the same time that many observant Jewish families were at their Shabbat dinners. When Rebecca’s mother lights candles, they unexpectedly flicker – symbolizing the spiritual blow to the nation. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Preparing in Elul for Next Month’s High Holidays

September and the Jewish month of Elul are upon us. Traditionally, the month before the High Holy Days is supposed to be occupied with reflection about the last year and the anticipation of the New Year. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire

World Zionist Village Will Spread Real Message of Israel

The World Zionist Village is being built in historic Be’er Sheva, the fastest growing city in Israel. When built, the Village will be a global gathering place dedicated to educating and enhancing the connection to Zionism across cultures and generations, fostering a new conversation about shared values and common destiny. It will offer an oasis of thought, study, and innovation, with long and short-term educational programs, engaging forums, and research opportunities for people of all ages. [Ido Aharoni]

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Israel, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Choosing Blessings Over Curses in San Diego’s Jewish Community

We always have the power to choose, no matter the circumstances surrounding us. Today, so many of us are choosing to spend time and resources defending the Jewish people, making our community safer, and supporting Israel in her time of need. We are choosing to do this because it answers the questions of who we are and where we are, and what kind of people we want to be. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA