AAA-Writers and photographers

Below are the names of writers who are currently active.  For others, living and deceased, please type their name into the search box above the masthead on our home page, www.sdjewishworld.com

Some Advice for Parents with Children Returning to School

As a kid and even in college, I looked forward to this day, to learn new things, see friends I hadn’t seen since last term and “get back to work.” On the other hand, my kids are not happy about summer ending but I think once they start and see their friends and make new ones, it will be a fun time for them. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Holmes and Watson Reimagined as Modern Women

What if Sherlock Holmes lived in modern times and were a woman?  And what if Watson were also a woman and the two met accidentally when Watson answered an ad for a flatmate?  That seems to be the inspiration for Kate Hamill’s reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes story in Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B now playing at the Old Globe.  [Sandi Masori]

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

Woeful News from Israel; Mixed News from Olympics and at Home

This week, I found my attention torn in so many directions. We marked the unthinkable 300th day of war in Israel since October 7 and the heartbreaking 300th day of captivity for the remaining hostages. The terrible attack in Majdal Shams, the increasingly tense situation in the North of Israel, and our own divisive election cycle competed for views with the pageantry, patriotism, and moments of incredible athleticism of the Olympics. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

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

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

Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, International, Jewish History, 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