Israel

Memorial Mixes with Celebration at Jerusalem-San Diego Zoos’ Fete

Like a Jewish wedding, at which celebration is mixed with sad remembrance of the destruction of the Temple (as symbolized by the breaking of a glass under the groom’s foot), so too was this year’s annual luncheon on Wednesday, August 7, celebrating cooperation between the Jerusalem Zoo and the San Diego Zoo tinged with sadness. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USA

The Tragedies of Av; the Triumphs of U.S. Jewish Olympians

The month of Av has started which is known as the saddest month in the Hebrew calendar. This month encompasses the sin of the golden calf, the destruction of both Temples, the long subsequent exiles, the expulsion from Spain, the beginning of World War 1 and so many other terrible things in Jewish history.  [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Iran is to Blame for Mideast Turmoil and for Fostering Anti-Semitism

The mullah’s hatred of Israel is due to their perverted view of their religion that they feel mandates anti-Semitism. Therefore, they will not relent until they are gone, or Israel is gone, G-d forbid! We see, thanks to the Abraham Accords, that peace with the Muslim world is possible for Israel and fruitful for everyone. Clearly then, it is specifically the anti-Semitism of the mullahs fueled by their fanatical hatred that is the cause of the instability and suffering of the war and of the deaths in Israel, in Lebanon, and in Gaza. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Trivia Quiz: Josh Shapiro

He ‍is ‍a ‍strong ‍supporter ‍of ‍Israel ‍but ‍very ‍critical ‍of ‍the ‍leadership ‍of ‍Prime ‍Minister ‍Benjamin ‍Netanyahu. ‍What ‍is ‍one ‍example ‍of ‍social ‍justice ‍and ‍political ‍leadership ‍that ‍Shapiro ‍showed ‍when ‍he ‍was ‍still ‍young?  [Mark D. Zimmerman]

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Israel, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Jewish Fiction: The Education of Boris Mikhailovich Borisov

Boris Mikhailovich Borisov loved the Soviet power. It lifted him up from the bottom of society and equalized him with its many multinational subjects in rights and lack thereof. Boris Mikhailovich could not pray, but he often and almost prayerfully thanked the dear power for the good life. To succeed, he joined the Communist party, received a law degree, and began seeing a speech therapist to correct his embarrassing Yiddish pronunciation. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, International, Israel, Jewish Fiction, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

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

After a Century of Jewish Camping, 2024 Challenges are Unique

This summer, camps are navigating a shaky landscape transformed by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack and Israel’s response: deciding whether and how to discuss the war in Gaza, fears of antisemitism in the U.S., and political debates about Israel. [Jonathan Krasner]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Eight Israeli Professors to Teach at Local Universities

The Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative (MGSDII) has announced eight renowned Israeli professors who will participate in one-year teaching appointments at San Diego universities during the 2024-25 school year. They each bring deep expertise and will teach in diverse disciplines, including foreign policy, law, history, communications, economics, environmental health, and film. [Press Release]

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Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Kosher Wines: The Talk of the Podcast

Starting in Manhattan, kosher wine lovers held monthly meetings called Rosh Chodesh Clubs (RCC). Club members would each bring a bottle of a delicious kosher wine to share with others. The wines had to be of a minimum age, and considered high quality, before they were permitted into club tastings. As the idea caught on, the clubs soon incorporated the idea of adding gourmet chefs to their evening festivities. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

Remembering a Friend Dating Back to Our Teen Years and Through Motherhood

I checked the news in Israel as I always do after Shabbat  and saw a headline about children and a woman injured in a fire in Kochav Yaakov. The first thing I thought was ‘Kochav Yaakov! Adina!’ But what are the chances it was her? [Ilanit Zakowski]

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Ilanit Zakowski, Israel, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA