Donald H. Harrison

Tifereth Israel Chooses Hanan Leberman as Its Next Rabbi

Tifereth Israel Synagogue announced Thursday that Rabbi Hanan Leberman will be its new rabbi. The Lebermans will pack up their home in Israel and plan to arrive in San Diego in September, just in time to lead the High Holy Day Services. The announcement indicated that Leberman will bring innovative ideas and ruach (spirit) to the Conservative congregation while incorporating the best of the synagogue’s traditions. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Symbiotic Relationship of Music in Our Two Countries

Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Dust in the Wind” opened me up to a much greater world and introduced me to the power of lyrics, offering a wider outlook on life. For instance, the first time I heard the lyric from Kansas, “Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea, all we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see,” I was struck by its beauty and depth. [Shahar Masori]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Lynching of Sonya Massey’s Ancestor Stirred Jewish Community to Social Action and NAACP Formation

By Barrett Holman Leak SAN DIEGO — There is deep grief, shock and trauma right now over the fatal police shooting in Springfield, Illinois of 36-year-old Sonya Massey — in her own home, after calling police for help. The nation is traumatized and angry. Calls for justice abound. What people know is the details of

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

After a Century of Jewish Camping, 2024 Challenges are Unique

This summer, camps are navigating a shaky landscape transformed by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack and Israel’s response: deciding whether and how to discuss the war in Gaza, fears of antisemitism in the U.S., and political debates about Israel. [Jonathan Krasner]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Updated ‘Peter Pan’ Respects Indigenous People

In a previous version, indigenous people were called redskins or savages, spoke in broken English, and had a number called “Ugg-a-wug” that used jibberish lyrics.  That number has been replaced by a song called “Friends Forever” in which the Native Americans and the Darling children teach each other some dances from their respective cultures.  [Sandi Masori]

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San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Kvelling over the Olympics; Local Volunteer Opportunities

San Diego native, Sara Levy who made her Olympic debut in Paris with the U.S. women’s rugby team, took the bronze on Tuesday, July 30. The team stunned Australia and delivered the first-ever Olympic medal for the team and its Jewish forward, Levy. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Parashiot Matot – Massei: Diversity and 42 Stops on the Road of Life

We stand as a testament to “unity in diversity.” Forged in the crucible of history, we have been welded into a single, indomitable nation – Am Yisrael Chai. Yet within our mighty family beats the heart of diversity: twelve distinct tribes, each a pillar of strength, each with its own rich tradition. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

Eight Israeli Professors to Teach at Local Universities

The Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative (MGSDII) has announced eight renowned Israeli professors who will participate in one-year teaching appointments at San Diego universities during the 2024-25 school year. They each bring deep expertise and will teach in diverse disciplines, including foreign policy, law, history, communications, economics, environmental health, and film. [Press Release]

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Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Kosher Wines: The Talk of the Podcast

Starting in Manhattan, kosher wine lovers held monthly meetings called Rosh Chodesh Clubs (RCC). Club members would each bring a bottle of a delicious kosher wine to share with others. The wines had to be of a minimum age, and considered high quality, before they were permitted into club tastings. As the idea caught on, the clubs soon incorporated the idea of adding gourmet chefs to their evening festivities. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA