Lahav Shani, the tall, young Israeli conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), came on stage with confident stride and mounted the podium at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa for the final program of the IPO’s USA tour. This March 26 concert was preceded by appearances in New York City, Miami, Palm Beach, San Francisco and Los Angeles. [Eileen Wingard]
Prior to dictator Benito Mussolini’s alliance with Adolf Hitler, Italian Jews had the ability to immigrate to the West or even to neighboring Switzerland, which maintained a German-biased neutrality. However, lugging the trunk, which Vigevani nicknamed “The General” was an arduous affair, especially because Vigevani was reluctant to depart his beloved Italy. [Donald H. Harrison]
‘The Trunk’ is a Poignant Story of the Holocaust Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors
It’s a novel based in San Diego County about a pro-Palestinian campus demonstration in which a Mexican-American student is fatally shot while trying to save the life of his Jewish friend. [Donald H. Harrison]
Novel Envisions Trial of a University for Not Protecting Jewish Students Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Every Monday morning, our entire Federation staff sits down for a 30-minute “huddle.” We talk about what’s happening in the world, share joyful simchas and heartbreaking tragedies, reflect on the past week’s “wins,” and brief everyone on what’s coming in the week ahead. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A Busy Week for San Diego’s Jewish Federation Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
This narrative bursting with the anticipation of sacred inauguration, abruptly descends into the chilling silence of loss. The joyous celebration, the culmination of meticulous preparation, is shattered by the sudden, devastating demise of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons – a consuming fire that leaves Aaron speechless. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Contemporary Torah, Parsha Shemini: Loss, Grief and Community Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
La Mesa Pizzaworks (kosher pizza establishment) made an announcement they had a new menu item: Cheese pizza with Skittles candy …. April Fools! [Cailin Acosta]
April Fools Reflections Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
We were treated to a huge screen and a tiny lecturer who explained to the audience what we were seeing, in a framework of what could be defined as ‘AI for Dummies,’ even though not all those attending should necessarily be described as such. While I don’t regard myself as a dummy, I’m certainly far from understanding what AI is all about. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson[
Getting Up to Speed with Artificial Intelligence Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology
Some Yemeni Jews, quite familiar with the Torah, had memorized Exodus 19:4, which states, “You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings to bring you to Me.” Taking the metaphor literally, they expected giant eagles to carry them to Israel, not airplanes, with which they were wholly unfamiliar. [Donald H. Harrison]
Immigration Drama Follows Jews from Yemen to Israel Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
With the opening words of this week’s Torah reading, Vayikra, we hear something profound: “And He called to Moshe, and Hashem spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying: Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: When a person from among you brings a korban to Hashem, from animals—from cattle or from the flock—you shall bring your offering.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Vayikra: Hashem’s Loving Call to Us Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Director, set designer, actor and choreographer (is there nothing this woman can’t do?) Kara Tuckfield, has gifted us with this funny, edgy and uplifting romantic comedy. Written by Austin Winsberg with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, this Broadway show opened in 2012. With nineteen songs and a run time of 90 minutes, the show hones in on the pleasures and pitfalls of the dating game. [Eva Trieger]
‘First Date’ Portrays a Couple’s Motivations, Inhibitions Read More »
Eva Trieger, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
For a year and a half Israelis have suffered from two disputes that have divided the population, one a change in the power of the High Court (Hebrew acronym: Bagatz), and the other the rescue of our hostages and ultimate victory against Iran-backed Hamas. [Steve Kramer]
OpEd: Israel’s Two Major Conundrums Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer
When MAGA voters pull the levers on the machines, the tumblers will roll. If a voter picks a straight MAGA ticket, he or she (there is no “they” in MAGA world), will view three pictures of Teslas, and the voter will be issued a coupon for a free Tesla. To be sure, this will mean Musk will give away millions of Teslas, but that’s not a problem since for some reason the inventory of unsold Teslas at dealers keeps growing. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: X Voting Machines Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Boiling down a conflict that could flare into World War 3 is no easy task, particularly when the intended audience comprises preschoolers to 3rd graders. Marshall focuses on Ukraine’s repression by Russia prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union, its early experiences as an independent nation, and Zelensky’s rise from a television comedian, who played the role of Ukraine’s president, to being elected as that nation’s actual president. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Book in Simple Language Explains the War for Ukraine Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Samuel David Luzzatto (1800-1865), known as Shadal based on the initials of his name, was brilliant. Many people enjoyed his common-sense interpretations of the Torah. However, human nature is what it is; some people dislike and criticize his writing. Some even said he was not religious. I disagree. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Shadal’s Rational Views on Leviticus Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors