By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In this week’s parasha, Naso, we are introduced to the Birkat Kohanim, the “Priestly Blessing.” We’re all familiar with it. We’ve heard it said, recited it ourselves, and given it to others, many times: “May the Lord bless you and watch over you. יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֹ֖ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ: May […]
Parashat Naso: The Blessings Inside of Adversity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — I understand that Jewish laws are valuable because they help us learn how to behave and improve ourselves and society. “Values in Halakha” is by Rabbi Dr. Aharon Lichtenstein (1933-2015). He was an eminent rabbinic scholar and teacher who served as one of the heads of
What is the Value of Jewish Laws? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
By Jacob Kamaras LA JOLLA, California — For the 219 community members and professionals who traveled to Israel in May on Jewish Federation of San Diego “CommUNITY” trip, the timing of their visit to San Diego’s longtime partner region of Sha’ar HaNegev was unforgettable. Rocket attacks in the area began just hours after the visitors
Federation’s Community-Wide Israel Trip is Filled With Poignant Moments Read More »
Israel, Jacob Kamaras, Middle East, San Diego County
By Steve Kramer KFAR SABA, Israel — Michal and I had a wonderful tour in the beautiful Lower Galilee recently with friends. We had booked a two night stay at a Lake Kinneret (aka Sea of Galilee) Gomeh resort hotel, part of the large Isrotel chain. We will definitely return there, due to the beautiful
On the Trail of the Sanhedrin Read More »
Israel, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — There was a time when an invitation to a wedding or even a party would arrive in the post, artistically embellished, in an envelope with a stamp, plus a smaller card on which to confirm one’s participation in the event, and information about the time, date, and place.
Ceremonies and Celebrations Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles
By Eileen Wingard LA JOLLA, California — “Music of Refugee Composers” is the final program in the three-part Music of the Holocaust series. The recordings from the collection of the Astor Judaica Library will be played in the library at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center on Thursday, June 1, at 2 p.m. Register here:
Music of Refugee Composers to Complete 3-Part Holocaust Series Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Holocaust, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County
By Mark D. Zimmerman President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey won reelection yesterday against opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Erdogan has served as prime minister, and then president of Turkey for two decades. He had been seen as a moderate ruler who promoted religious freedoms. But in recent years he has moved to the right, including
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Turkey Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Oliver B. Pollak RICHMOND, California — Memorial Day weekend is a long weekend, and for some, four days long. Parks, buildings, auditoriums, stadiums are named for heroes. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington and commemorative postage stamps remind us of sacrifice. If you went to a cemetery this weekend its likely you will see
Three Memorial Day Weekend Episodes Read More »
Oliver Pollak, Opinion, USA
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Jewish Federation of San Diego on Thursday stated that it “applauds the White House for crafting a broad plan to address rising antisemitism that embraces many of our policy priorities, including funding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at $360 million, full funding for the Jabra-No Hate Act, and ensuring quality
The following is the full text of the Biden administration’s fact sheet on its newly announced National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism: Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is releasing the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. This strategy includes over 100 new actions the Administration will take to raise awareness of antisemitism and its threat to
Biden Administration Releases National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism Read More »
USA
Published by DPA Israel has opened a new 70-kilometre hiking trail through the Ramot Menashe reserve, a UNESCO-recognised biosphere near Nazareth, taking hikers through oak forests, villages and archaeological sites. A new day trip option for any visitors of the nearby northern city of Nazareth, the hike starts and ends at the Megiddo Junction bus
Israel Opens New Hiking Trail Near Nazareth Read More »
Israel
By Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Nakba Day resolution opens with a brazen lie: “…the Nakba is the root cause of the issues that continue to divide Israel and the Palestinian people today.” The Democratic congresswoman’s resolution for May 15 calls for commemorating the 75th anniversary of “Israel’s uprooting, dispossession, and exile
Multiple Nakbas Imposed Upon American Jews Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, USA
By Kayla Swartzberg San Diego Hebrew Day School’s Head of School Rabbi Simcha Weiser says it best: “Without a Jewish day school, continuity of Jewish life would not be sustainable.” “Now, this clarity is obvious to all.” This past week, the Jewish day school celebrated its 60th anniversary hosting a Diamond Jubilee Gala. With good
Shining Bright at San Diego Hebrew Day School’s Diamond Jubilee Gala Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education
By Alex Gordon HAIFA, Israel — The Jewish people have a long experience of functioning in absurd situations. The very creation of the State of Israel was an unthinkable event, the realization of an unattainable dream. This is what the struggle between Soviet Jews and the Soviet authorities for the right of repatriation in the
Eugene Ionesco: Rhinoceroses Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion