Judaism

Shabbat Market Brings Variety of Goods, Unity of Purpose

Every other month, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) comes alive with the buzz of community, culture, and preparation for Shabbat at the Shabbat Market. This unique event offers a perfect blend of practicality and festivity, giving attendees the chance to shop for Shabbat essentials, connect with friends old and new, and immerse themselves in the warmth of local Jewish life.  [Miriam Gershenson]

Shabbat Market Brings Variety of Goods, Unity of Purpose Read More »

Albert Kreimerman, Business & Finance, Israel, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Elie Wiesel Was Fascinated by Joshua, Elijah, Saul, Jeremiah, and Jonah

Wiesel was convinced that the power of literature lies in its ability to galvanize human action. This includes the Bible. “The text is not – cannot be – neutral, nor is it an end in itself: it must serve to humanize our society.” Wiesel shows this in his discussions of Joshua, Elijah, Saul, Jeremiah, and Jonah’s lives and actions. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

Elie Wiesel Was Fascinated by Joshua, Elijah, Saul, Jeremiah, and Jonah Read More »

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

StandWithUs Gala Draws 750+ San Diegans in Support of Israel

Israeli-American actress, producer, author and social media influencer Noa Tishby told over 750 StandWithUs supporters on Sunday night that the fight against anti-Israel haters is “a marathon not a sprint” but predicted that “at the end of the day we’re going to be okay.” (Donald H. Harrison)

StandWithUs Gala Draws 750+ San Diegans in Support of Israel Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

International Shabbat Prompted Jewish Mingling Among Four Cultures

On a memorable evening at the JCC this past Friday, community members gathered to celebrate Shabbat in a unique and vibrant way, honoring four distinct Jewish cultures: South African, Mexican, Israeli, and American. Organized by SAJAC, KEN, IAC, and the JCC, the event brought together about 150 people—adults and children alike—for a potluck-style gathering full of music, fun, and fellowship. [Miriam Gershenson]

International Shabbat Prompted Jewish Mingling Among Four Cultures Read More »

International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Biography: Bernard Lazare, An Early Defender of Alfred Dreyfus

At the beginning of his literary career he spoke in defense of French Jews against the attacks of antisemites. Socialist in his views, Lazare, fascinated by Jewish history, interpreted the social views of the prophets as an expression of the aspirations of working people (Social Ideals of the Jewish People, 1893). [Alex Gordon]

Jewish Biography: Bernard Lazare, An Early Defender of Alfred Dreyfus Read More »

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

Vegans May Celebrate Thanksgiving with Tofurkey Dinner

I read that November is the “Month of Veganism.” A movement that started a few years ago was “Meat-less Mondays.”  I think I decided to be vegetarian when I was about six or seven years old. My mom was not a good cook. Eating dry/burnt chicken and steaks that tasted like charcoal fueled my decision. [Cailin Acosta]

Vegans May Celebrate Thanksgiving with Tofurkey Dinner Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

S.D. Jewish Community Supports Shattered Israeli Sister City While Developing Holocaust Education Program Locally

Approximately 550 members and friends of the Jewish community on Saturday evening, Nov. 16, attended a dinner sponsored by the Jewish Federation of San Diego that was dedicated to helping people in southern Israel to rebuild after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre and to providing Holocaust education here in San Diego. [Donald H. Harrison]

S.D. Jewish Community Supports Shattered Israeli Sister City While Developing Holocaust Education Program Locally Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA

Marker for Mt. Nebo/ Rosenwald Elementary School in Monroe, Louisiana, Dedicated

After a year and a half of fabrication delays, the Mt. Nebo/Rosenwald Elementary School marker was finally dedicated on Nov. 10.  The dedication took place almost 100 years to the day when Mt. Nebo opened its doors to its first students in racially segregated Monroe. The marker was funded by the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation (JASHP). [Jerry Klinger]

Marker for Mt. Nebo/ Rosenwald Elementary School in Monroe, Louisiana, Dedicated Read More »

Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Getting to Know Edna Ferber by Following Her ‘Giant’ Odyssey

This biography of novelist Edna Ferber was written by her grandniece Julie Gilbert, who had access to Ferber’s journals, relatives, friends, and co-workers in addition to archival sources. The result is a splendid recounting of the high points in Ferber’s life, with particular emphasis on the research, production and success of “Giant,” both in its novel and movie forms. [Donald H. Harrison]

Getting to Know Edna Ferber by Following Her ‘Giant’ Odyssey Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Humane Society Gift Shop Items Provide Double Benefits

When I returned recently from a camping trip at San Elijo State Beach, it was with Chanukah items from the nearby thrift shop of the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. They were gifts not only for us, but also for the critters because all proceeds go to feed and house the animals at the society. [Cailin Acosta]

Humane Society Gift Shop Items Provide Double Benefits Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Parsha Vayeira: Laughter is Good for the Soul

Laughter is good medicine. Ask Avraham and Sarah. After all, they dealt with the challenges of life through faithful laughter. Their son, Yitzchak, carries laughter within the root of his name, tzahok. We are taught to laugh to serve Hashem appropriately, Ivdu et Hashem b’simcha. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

Parsha Vayeira: Laughter is Good for the Soul Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Is Matzah Ball Soup Really a Cure-All?

Matzah ball soup is also known as the “Jewish penicillin.” Whenever I am sick, that is what friends would tell me. “All you need is some matzah ball soup and you will feel so much better.” [Cailin Acosta]

Is Matzah Ball Soup Really a Cure-All? Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA