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

A Very instructive Haggadah

Thirty-five Jewish men and women contributed short essays to stimulate participation. One points out that Moses tried to persuade God not to send him to Egypt by saying, “I am not a man of many words.” However, tonight, we read how he led the Israelites from slavery. Doesn’t this show that limited words can achieve great things? Can you think of examples? [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Chen on Joachim’s Stradivarius Provided Visual Accompaniment to the Music

Chen is an excellent violinist and Elizalde contributed outstanding keyboard collaboration. They offered informal commentary before each selection, projecting a feeling of intimacy with the audience which set this apart from formal recitals. In addition, Chen faced the audience as he played, rather than standing in profile. His handsome countenance reflected the spirit of the music. [Eileen Wingard]

Chen on Joachim’s Stradivarius Provided Visual Accompaniment to the Music Read More »

California, Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Enduring Shadow of War: Herodotus, Celestial Omens, and the Quest for Peace

The story of the Battle of Halys River, while potentially embellished with the passage of time, offers valuable insights into the delicate interplay between war and peace. It highlights the potential for unforeseen events, in this case a celestial phenomenon, to disrupt the course of conflict and create an opening for diplomacy. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

The Enduring Shadow of War: Herodotus, Celestial Omens, and the Quest for Peace Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USA

Jewish Biography: Leon Trotsky, ‘The Red Prophet’

In 1926 Trotsky, who was engaged in an unequal struggle with Stalin in the Moscow party organization, encountered manifestations of antisemitism on the part of his Bolshevik comrades. In a letter to another Bolshevik leader, Nikolai Bukharin, he asks: “Is this possible? Is it possible that in our party, in the workers’ cells, here in Moscow, people resort to antisemitism with impunity? Is it possible?” [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Federation’s CEO: ‘Lo Kol B’Seder’ in Israel

Today, I am writing from Sha’ar HaNegev, where just this morning a therapist told me that here, it is still October 7. I can hear Israeli artillery in the background. This morning brought news of four soldiers killed overnight in Gaza. Last night I attended a somber protest focused on the safe return of the hostages. This morning, I attended a meeting of the management team. The sheer number of daunting challenges they are reviewing is overwhelming. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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

An Encouraging Walk in Balboa Park in Support of the Israeli Hostages in Gaza

It was important for me to participate because I’m Israeli and my nation is traumatized. It was important for me to participate because my global Jewish community is in tears. It was important for me to participate because my heart is broken and I’m trying hard to put it back together. It was important for me to participate because I needed to be near people who are experiencing the same. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Israel, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Picked This Restaurant for its Location; Will Return for its Food

I am constantly on the quest for dream-worthy food.  That is a dish which is so perfectly balanced in all the flavors that after having had it once, it calls to you and you crave it, perhaps even dream about it.  It goes beyond good food, to something that is other-worldly.  And, wow!, the baked pesto eggs is just such a dish.  [Sandi Masori]

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San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Surprise! In This Play, JDate Brings Non-Jews Together

There are some really funny moments, like when Diana tries to explain the math of the rebound formula to Marcy, which after some complicated mathematics seems to be “date the wrong guy for six months and then you will find the right one.”  Of course being a romantic comedy things don’t quite work out according to the formula.   [Sandi Masori]

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

A New Superb Haggada in Time for Passover

It includes 15 scholarly, easy-to-read essays, such as “Israel’s Enemies,” “Lincoln Dying on Passover,” “An American Moses,” “An American Joshua,” “The Power of Imagination,” and “America’s Favorite Prophet.” Virtually every page has paintings or drawings, and many famous Jewish and American leaders are mentioned and their teachings narrated. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Aladdin’ is Delightful Festival of Color and Energy 

In a diversion from the film version, rather than have a monkey for a side-kick, instead Aladdin has three best friends named Kassim (Colt Prattes), Omar (Nathan Levy, who is Jewish and Asian), and Babkak (Jake Letts).  The four of them have a few fun song and dance numbers.  [Sandi Masori]

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

Elementary Jewish Yoga in Colorful Primer

Author Blanca Sissa, a certified yoga instructor for children, says sometimes the thoughts in their heads resemble little monkeys jumping from tree to tree, never stopping anywhere in particular.  Mindfulness, otherwise known as focusing thoughts on the here and now, is a remedy.  In Hebrew mindfulness is called Yishuv Hada’at. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors