By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. This week’s Torah reading has been described as a pivot point in the Book of Exodus, where we drill down to the details of behavior in an ideal relationship with Hashem. We see repeatedly that behavior over belief is what is critical in our faith. It says quite dramatically: וַיִּקַּח֙ […]
Parashat Mishpatim: Behavior Over Belief Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Deborah Fineblum (JNS) Jordan Gelfeld has connections. As a docent at the Illinois Holocaust, his grandfather, Mark Gelfeld, was able to get this grandson in for a sneak peek at the museum’s new virtual-reality exhibit. And the experience was nothing short of powerful. “You can read about the Holocaust in books, but with this,
New Virtual-Reality Holocaust Experience Keeps Survivors ‘Alive’ Read More »
International, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
Published by DPA An Israeli government panel of experts on Tuesday recommended expanding eligibility for an extra vaccine booster to everyone aged 18 and up. The recommendation for a fourth dose applies to any adult so long as at least five months have passed, either since receiving an initial booster shot or recovery from the
Israeli Experts Recommend 4th COVID Vaccine Dose for Everyone Over 18 Read More »
Middle East
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Jewish Federation of San Diego County (Federation) along with ADL San Diego and The Butterfly Project will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 with educational resources, a new online video library, and a Speakers Bureau of Survivors — all now available for teachers, educators, and administrators to incorporate
SACRAMENTO, California (Press Release) — On Monday, the California Legislative Jewish Caucus announced that the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) has awarded nearly $50 million to nonprofit organizations across the state through the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, (D-Woodland Hills), Jewish Caucus Chair, and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Jewish
California Legislative Jewish Caucus Announces Nearly $50 Million in Security Funding Read More »
USA
NEW YORK (Press Release) — University of Haifa today announced a transformational gift from Boston-based philanthropist and businessman Bradley M. Bloom to launch the Bloom School of Graduate Studies, a university-wide initiative for a select cohort of PhD and postdoctoral students which establishes a pioneering new academic structure acknowledging that no one discipline alone can
University of Haifa Announces New Graduate School to Address the Planet’s Challenges Read More »
Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education
Published by Fort Worth Star-Telegram FORT WORTH, Texas — When I first heard about the hostage-taking at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville last Saturday, I wasn’t immediately convinced it was a targeted act of hate. Houses of worship are notoriously vulnerable to acts of violence. Indeed, praying is itself a most vulnerable act. Unfortunately, we’ve
Acceptance of Subtle Antisemitism Helps Make Attacks Like Colleyville Possible Read More »
USA
By Maayan Hoffman (JNS) A team of researchers from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center have discovered how pancreatic cancer cells spread in the liver, which could be key to developing treatments to slow it down and prolong patients’ lives. The study, led by Dr. Tami Rubinek, head of the hospital’s oncology research lab, together with
Israeli Medical Discovery Could Help Stop Spread of Pancreatic Cancer Read More »
Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education
Published by Reuters JERUSALEM (Reuters) – A fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine given to people over 60 in Israel made them three times more resistant to serious illness than thrice-vaccinated people in the same age group, Israel’s Health Ministry said on Sunday. The ministry also said the fourth dose, or second booster, made people over
Israel: 4th COVID Shot Raises Resistance to Serious Illness for Over-60s Read More »
Middle East
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — The biblical story of the prophet Elijah is interesting, but it is subject to radically different interpretations. A literal reading of scripture, without imagining acts that are not explicit in the verses, yield a negative interpretation of Elijah’s behavior with God being dissatisfied with him, criticizing
Did the Prophet Elijah Act Properly? Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
By Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — It was just announced that Jon Stewart will be the recipient of the 2022 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The award program will take place at the Kennedy Center on April 24, and will later be broadcast on television. Stewart joins a distinguished list of past recipients,
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Jon Stewart Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D JERUSALEM — Current speculation is that we’ll pass through this week, and reach the end of Amichai Maldleblit’s term as Israeli Attorney General, without a signed plea bargain. On February 1, there will be a new Attorney General, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial will proceed, and we’ll see what happens.
Bibi’s Future in the Era of a New Attorney General Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Laurie Baron (Tune: “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face”) SAN DIEGO — I’ve grown accustomed to this plague That keeps me sheltered in my house. I’ve grown accustomed to the masks which I wear into the stores. My smiles, my frowns Covered all around. Are automatic to me now. For breathing out and breathing
Satire: ‘I’ve Grown Accustomed to this Plague’ Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Heidi Gantwerk Last Saturday, we all followed the attack in Colleyville, fearful of the worst possible ending as we also were reminded of our own local past tragedies. The Jewish Federation of San Diego County and ADL San Diego were in touch immediately to share updates and discuss potential local warnings. Federation also was
From Darkness to Light Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, San Diego County