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
This week we learn of Abraham’s test to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. It’s the only challenge of the ten trials in the Torah clearly identified as a “test.” Hashem needed to test Abraham? After all, isn’t He omniscient? Yes, but the purpose of these tests are to elevate Abraham, to help him grow. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parasha Va’eira: Accepting Life’s Challenges Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Spinoza was regarded in the Amsterdam community as what the rabbis call an “illui” ̶ outstanding disciple. However, the “illui” had a critical view of the Bible and Talmud, not treating them as sacred books, but subjecting them to analysis. He scoffed at the Jewish chosenness and questioned the chronology of the Bible. He argued that Moses could not be the author of the Pentateuch. The books of Moses, in his judgment, were not written by one man and not for the people of one era. [Alex Gordon, Ph.D]
Baruch Spinoza: The Universal Anti-Hero Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The goal of this global movement is to show world leaders that we all care about this. With every step we take, we would like for these leaders to help put pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. Wonderfully, locals, who are not Israeli or Jewish and have no connection to Israel are joining this movement because of their compassion for the hostages. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Running for the Lives of the Hostages in Gaza Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, International, Israel, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Nikki Haley recently said in an interview, “I hope that everyone will remember what a good friend I was to Israel and know that I would never let up on that.” Nikki Haley has received praise from many Israelis, including which of the following? {Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Nikki Haley Read More »
Israel, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
After the genocidal attack of Hamas and thousands of their fellow Palestinian butchered over 1200 Jews on October 7th, PM Benyamin Netanyahu likened Hamas to Amalek. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
Can the Children of Hamas Ever Live in Peace with Israelis? Read More »
Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
If the de la Torre’s statement can be construed as “hateful and divisive,” then university presidents must avoid any future backlash by using the following template: [Laurie Baron]
Satire: Template for Innocuous University Statements on Current Events Read More »
Israel, Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
We decided to follow her suggestions and got the hibiscus masala and matcha matcha mocktail drinks. The hibiscus was ok, a little bitter but made me feel like I was being healthy. The matcha, which I’m not usually a fan of, was to die for. It tasted like a creamy green tea whipped ice cream float. Really yummy. For food we ordered the pea and potato samosa, the beet and Asian pear salad, and the roasted barramundi. [Sandi Masori]
When You Think of Art at the Mingei, Don’t Forget the Food Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
This is the incredible story of a young Jewish woman who managed to survive as a ‘U-boat’ or submarine, i.e., someone ‘hidden in full view,’ during the Holocaust. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
25-Year-Old Holocaust Memoir Still Fresh Today Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Moldaw’s next enterprise was as a principal in U.S. Venture Partners. While participating in that company, Moldaw also ran Pic-A-Dilly, which later was purchased by Lucky Stores. Thereafter, Moldaw decided to start Ross Dress for Less, which he described as a larger version of Pic-A-Dilly, offering not only women’s clothing but “a full array of family apparel.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Stuart Moldaw Saw Potential Profits in Buying Clothes for Less and Selling Them for Less Read More »
Ben Dishman, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Elie Klein, ADI’s development director, said Shabbats normally are restful at ADI-Negev, but such was not the case on Saturday, Oct. 7, the day Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel, murdering 1,200 people, kidnaping approximately 240 more, and setting into motion the current war in which the Israeli government has vowed to eliminate the ability of Hamas terrorists to ever again mount such an operation against Israel. [Donald H. Harrison]
Hamas Terrorists Bypassed Israeli Center for People with Disabilities Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
On three upcoming Thursdays — Jan. 25, March 21, May 23 – the “Shabbat market” will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. outside the Lawrence Family JCC in the areas known as the Jerri-Ann & Gary Jacobs Family Harmony Village, Hannah & Mark Glieberman Playground, and the Sharon & David Wax Family Pavilion. [SDJW staff report]
Our Shtetl San Diego County: ‘Shabbat Markets’ Scheduled at Lawrence Family JCC Read More »
Israel, Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Givat Hamatos will have 2,600 apartments. Another 2,400 residential units will be built adjacent to this neighborhood along Derech Chevron, plus 5,000 units are being planned in Amat Hamayim, on the eastern side of Derech Chevron next to Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. This 10,000-unit community will be Jerusalem’s first modern urban-planned neighborhood, and will feature large parks, a wealth of public buildings – such as schools, community centers and shuls – plus shopping centers, office buildings and hotels. [Gedaliah Borvick]
Givat Hamatos: Central Jerusalem’s Newest Neighborhood Read More »
Business & Finance, Gedaliah Borvick, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This story book was published in plenty of time to purchase and read before the Passover holiday to the children ages 2 to 7 in your families. It focuses on the ceremonial foods of Pesach, most particularly that piece of matzah that is utilized as an afikomen. [Donald H. Harrison]
Bear Detective Searches in a Novel Way for the Afikomen Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The poetry of two academics and one prize-winning journalist will be featured at the next “Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices” in the Astor Judaica Library of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16. This free program is co-sponsored by the JCC and the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture. [Eileen Wingard]
2 Academics, Son of a Journalist to Read Poetry on Jan. 16 Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors