It is possible that the legend of the Golem which is told in the Talmud, in many books, and even several films has a disturbing message. Let’s take a look at the recent 2019 film version. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The Message of the Golem Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Fiction, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
With illustrations accurately depicting life as it was in the 1880s, this is the tale of Nate, a king-size, gentle spirit who loves helping people. His magic can stretch a small lump of chocolate big enough for an entire family or a small jar of oil long enough to last eight days. He takes a special liking to the Glaser family as they journey from Europe in the late 1870s and follows them as they work side by side with their neighbors, the O’Malleys in their new American life. [Marcia Bernegere]
Two Jewish tales to read to your youngsters Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Marcia Berneger
By Ira Spector SAN DIEGO — I planned a vacation in Costa Rica. As usual I searched every airline, travel agency, garage sale and the entire catalogue of the Library of Congress for the cheapest airfare. My efforts were rewarded with a very inexpensive airline to transport us to this Central American paradise. It’s a
Fiction: A Too Thrifty Costa Rica Trip Read More »
International, Jewish Fiction, Travel and Food
Editor’s Note: In this fictional piece, Esther and Noa, representing the San Diego-based Rabinove Foundation, go on a cruise around the South Pacific Island of Niue. In the previous segment, their guide Matafetu told them about the northern part of the island, occupied by the Motu people. In this part, he guides them around the southern part, the land of the Tafiti people. [Donald H. Harrison]
Fiction: Jewish perspectives on Niue, Part 2 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Travel and Food
Boarding a comfortable but fast boat that would circumnavigate the South Pacific island of Niue, Noa and Esther were pleased with their earlier meeting with the country’s premier, who had promised his government’s cooperation as they explored the possibility of installing a desalination plant on the island. However, he warned them that due to the atoll’s geography, rising as it did straight up from the Pacific Ocean, there were very few spaces for beaches or natural harbors. So, he said, finding a suitable location for a desalination plant might be very difficult indeed. [Donald H. Harrison]
Fiction: Jewish perspectives on Niue Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Middle East, San Diego County, Travel and Food, USA
Adam looked at the kitchen clock and realized he would not make it to the morning minyan, even if he sprinted. He would daven shachris from home, in his new apartment. He began the morning blessings, thanking Hashem for causing him to wake from sleep, for being born a male, for being sure-footed. These primary blessings were intended to set the tone of praise, gratitude, and mindfulness for the prayers to follow. [Short story by Eva Trieger]
Fiction: “It’s a Good Start” Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eva Trieger, Jewish Fiction, Lifestyles
Friday, the big day arrived. Mendel’s hat and long black coat were cleaned, special. We even asked the seamstress to fix the frayed bottom of his coat so it would not look bad. He had a new white shirt, properly buttoned to the collar and his tallit katon, which he always wore outside his shirt. It was freshly washed and ironed. We added black shoe polish to his canvas shoes to make them look darker. He combed out his long salt and pepper beard, so it was extra neat. [Jerry Klinger]
Fiction: Mendel the Chasid’s job interview Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jerry Klinger, Jewish Fiction
We had a small bundle of papers on the table, a job application seven pages long and a thirteen-page job description certification. Applying for a job as a tollbooth operator for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority was more complicated than we had at first thought. [Jerry Klinger]
Fiction: Mendel the Chasid applies for a tollbooth job Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jerry Klinger, Jewish Fiction
Call me Orca. I’ve got a whale of a story to tell. You know the story of Jonah and the whale, right? Wrong. You only think you do: A big, ugly whale swallows Jonah, who spends days in the whale’s belly, before God releases Jonah from captivity and the whale exits, stage right. [Fiction by Michael Ginsberg]
Fiction: Jonah and Me, the Whale Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Michael GinsbergI had stopped off for a Mocha Java Grande with extra mocha and cinnamon. To be sure to stick to my diet, I threw in two Nutra-sweets. He was sipping a glass of water from a plastic cup at a corner table. Sweat visibly thickened through his white, long-sleeve shirt buttoned at the collar. He had a long black coat, a bit dirty and frayed at the hem, that touched the floor. His oversized black-felt hat, with the extra-large, firm brim, lay on the table. His full grey-flecked beard wiggled whenever his hand nervously readjusted his black yarmulke. Mendel’s large gentle eyes cried his tired confusion. He was out of his element. It was 82 degrees outside, very bright and humid. [Jerry Klinger]
Fiction: Mendel the Chasid Moves to Boynton Beach Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jerry Klinger, Jewish FictionOnce upon a time, there was a sleepy Russian village named Mushpushshushnia. That’s my village. Once upon a time, there was a charming, bright, kind, but misunderstood and underappreciated 12-year-old boy named Velvl. That’s me. Once upon a time, Papa told me to fetch a chicken to slaughter. And that’s where the story begins. [Michael Ginsberg]
Fiction: Velvl and the Vanishing Chicken Read More »
Jewish Fiction, Michael Ginsberg, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Moses Crossy
Also Bossy
We don’t Likey
This long Hikey
Sun is Bakey
Feet are achey … [ Norma Levinson-Sedler ]
The aftermath of The Ten Plagues Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Trivia, Humor & Satire