Why do we eat jelly filled donuts on Chanukah? The easy answer has to do with agriculture, food politics and the desire for something sweet. [Cailin Acosta]
When Chanukah Donuts Started Being Filled with Jam and Other Facts Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The miracle of the oil is a foundation for why candle lighting, an act of pirsuma d’nisa (publicizing the miracle), is one of the two major commandments of Chanukah, with reciting Hallel as the other. Through lighting candles, we can display our hope, trust, and faith in Hashem and in His role in our lives. When they lit the menorah in the Temple, they did so from a belief, a hope, that the future is not preordained, that the future can truly be altered. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
The Deeper Meaning of Chanukah and its Symbols Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
On a recent visit to this port city, I was among a group of four Jews who were escorted by a guide to a five-month-old Sephardic congregation (Sinagoga Sefardi) established by Rabbi Joachim Montoya, a medical doctor who had converted to Judaism after learning that he was descended from a family of Conversos. [Donald H. Harrison]
Rabbi Whose Family Were Conversos Now Heads a Colombian Sephardic Congregation Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
On the 12th of December 2024, I set out with four colleagues of the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) to meet with members of the rural community of Tafza (Al Haouz province, Marrakesh region), located in the mountain range that bore the horrendous epicenter of the September 2023 earthquake. [Yossef Ben-Meir]
Jewish Bones Reburied in Solemn Ceremony after Morocco Earthquake Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Yossef Ben-Meir
One of Drazin’s central arguments is that the Bible often raises more questions than it answers. Many biblical terms and events are left undefined or unexplained, such as the meaning of “heaven” in the creation narrative or the significance of humanity being created in the “image of God.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Mysteries of Judaism’ Encourages Readers’ Questioning of the Torah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The biblical portion Mikkets, Genesis 41:1-44:17, is fascinating. It reveals some different, more mature, and intelligent acts by Jacob’s son Joseph than the 17-year-old youngster who tormented his brothers who sold him into slavery. Still, there are some questionable, even troubling, behaviors. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The Life and Education of the Biblical Joseph Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The slogan “Coolest Fest in the Southwest” has been coined by the El Paso WinterFest organizers who have welcomed the holiday season with holiday tree lighting, the Scherr Legate WinterFest Lights Parade and concerts. [Cailin Acosta]
Chanukah Lights Included in El Paso’s WinterFest Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
For the December 15 Hanukkah concert at the Carmel Valley Library, the 17 members of the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir were greeted by an overflow audience. Coming early and waiting in line, I was one of the fortunate to find a seat for this standing-room-only event, with many needing to listen from outside the hall. [Eileen Wingard]
SRO Crowd at San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir Hanukkah Concert Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
On the heels of a firebombing of a synagogue in a Montreal suburb, a Jewish elementary school for girls – Bais Chana Mushka – in Toronto was the target for gunfire in the early hours of Friday. Although there was damage, students were permitted to return to school at its regular time. {SDJW Staff Compilation}
“It’s the Final Countdown!” All those who celebrate Chanukah and/ or Christmas, we are all in high stress mode! Five days until it all comes down. [Cailin Acosta]
Count Down to Chanukah Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Looking back over my past columns, I found my column for Hanukkah 2014. Since I’m always accused of being too partisan (guilty as charged), I want to reprint it in the spirit of Hanukkah which is ultimately about fighting for tolerance. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: What I Won’t Do for Chanukah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
As December unfolds, the spirit of giving glows warmly around us. This is a time to embody the word hineni – “here I am” – and to bring light and safety to our community. [Jewish Federation of San Diego]
Jewish Federation of San Diego got into the Chanukah spirit by meeting up for the “8 Crazy Flights of Chanukah” Wednesday evening, Dec. 18 at Bivouac Cider Works and Adventure Lodge in North Park. [Cailin Acosta]
Federation Kickstarts Chanukah with 8 Crazy Flights of Cider Tastings Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Travel and FoodYosef received a life-changing lesson about purpose and focus. When Yosef was wandering, searching for his brothers, the Angel Gavriel appeared and asked him a powerfully insightful and transformative question: “Mah Tevakesh?” – “What are you seeking?” Read and repeat that to yourself. “Mah Tevakesh?” – “What are you seeking?” Do you know? [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Vayeishev: ‘What Are You Seeking?’ Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors