The volunteer of the month for March is a modest, unassuming man who is also an energizer bunny! Phil Lorang, 71, likes to live by the motto he says a wise co-worker once told him … {Mimi Pollack}
Phil Lorang Keeps Busy with a Multitude of Tikkun Olam Projects Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The news emanating from Washington has been disconcerting. Although Americans narrowly elected Donald Trump, he has biologically merged with his far wealthier twin to emerge as Donelon Trusk. Trusk plans to rename the country the Uninformed Supporters of Authoritarianism. Here’s some news items about his latest efforts to accomplish this goal. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: Dispatches from DC (Donelon’s Czardom) Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
This book integrates three lessons intended for children ages 4 through 8. [Donald H. Harrison]
‘The Secret Recipe’ Has Three Important Story Ingredients Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Dara Horn, whose adult books include the highly praised People Love Dead Jews, ventures into graphic literature for juveniles with One Little Goat, a story of a boy in search of the afikomen who passes through a time portal. [Donald H. Harrison]
A Passover Romp Through Time Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Elio’s bitterly divorced parents were among those who lingered notwithstanding the hostile political climate. His mother was a queen bee of a social circle that included prominent Muslims, Coptic Christians and Jews. His father, a merchant, delayed his emigration decision and subsequently was unable to secure an exit permit even after paying bribes. [Donald H. Harrison]
Memoir Describes Nasser’s Egypt from a Jewish Boy’s Perspective Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
I also like hearing or reading about the many different flavors of hamentachen. New ones I saw this year were salted caramel and a peanut butter and chocolate one. Both sound interesting. [Cailin Acosta]
The Family Joy of Purim Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
According to the worldview of Nuchem Shtisel, one of the lead characters in the newly released series Kugel, it’s important to distinguish between the important and petty matters in life — and always focus on the petty. [Jacob Kamaras]
In ‘Kugel,’ Nuchem Shtisel is a Must-Watch Haredi Version of Larry David Read More »
International, Israel, Jacob Kamaras, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Silas and his Great-Grandmother Faye keep in touch via Internet, always bidding each other goodbye with a silly rhyme. “See you soon, Macaroon,” is one. “See you soon, Tablespoon” is another. One day Faye tells her great-grandson that her favorite part of Shabbat is the Havdalah ceremony, particularly when she sniffs the spice box. She shows Silas the spice box that his great-grandfather made for her. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Literature: Havdalah Made Fun by Great-Grandma Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The featured presenters will be Poet Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, Song writers Aaron and Milo Wolpoff of Congregation Ohr Shalom, and Poet Rebecca Leeman, student at Torah Hich School. [Eileen Wingard]
Four Local Poets/ Musicians to Be Featured at JCC on March 4 Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
George (Greg Oberle) and Helene (Helen Lesnick) have spent 30 years raising three sons in a comfortable home in Los Angeles. The boy-men are all capable of completing an education and establishing careers and relationships…at least ostensibly. Yet, for Michael (Benjamin Jacob), Elliott (Josh Click), and Keith (John McCorkle), successfully living away from Mom and Dad has proved elusive. [Eva Trieger]
‘Alone Together’ is a Coming-of-Middle-Age Drama at Pow-Pac Read More »
Eva Trieger, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & BroadcastThis year making Oscar predictions is difficult for several reasons. Oscar prognosticators originally thought that Emilia Perez was the frontrunner in many of the 13 categories for which it was nominated. Then past Islamophobic and racist social media posts by it its transgender lead Karla Sofía Gascón surfaced undermining its Oscar chances. [Laurie Baron]
Oscar Predictions 2025 Read More »
California, International, Israel, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USAWhere did February go? It is the shortest month of the year but seems to be packed with the most events and celebrations. One of those being Black History Month. Below are a few African-American Jewish entertainers. [Cailin Acosta]
A Few African-American Jewish Entertainers Noted During Black History Month Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Do we need a sanctuary to know, to feel, Hashem’s presence and that He dwells in our midst? Or like the little girl flying her kite, do we “feel the tug” wherever we are? Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk teaches us that “G-d dwells where we let Him in.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Terumah-Shekalim: Do You Feel the Tug? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This is a cross-section of Holocaust stories selected for young readers in cooperation with the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. The recollections of juvenile Holocaust survivors who resettled in the United States after World War II are compelling reading. Youngsters can easily empathize with the nine narrators. [Donald H. Harrison]
Nine Who Survived the Holocaust as Children Narrate Their Stories Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors