Jewish Religion

Local Events Focus on Upcoming Anniversary of Oct. 7 Massacre

As the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre approaches, San Diego’s Jewish community’s programming and thoughts focus on the people of  Southern Israel, in particular those of Sha’ar Hanegev, San Diego’s Sister City which was ravaged in the attacks. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA

Ethnically Jewish Author Explains His Atheism

Eventually, he imagined people sitting in a gigantic house with an infinite set of windows. Each person’s view of the world was influenced by the location of his or her window.  They could see what was in front of them, but not what was in front of the other residents.  Each person’s beliefs are determined by what happens outside their individual windows. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Religious Diversity in Israel and the US

Growing up, my religious world consisted of traditional Judaism. Israel was the holy land of the Jewish people, a fact that seemed as unchangeable as the hills themselves. But my understanding of this began to shift during a visit to Jerusalem when I was just six years old. [Shahar Masori]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Eikev: Elevating Eating to a Sacred Act

Moses, in his profound wisdom from which we benefit in this parsha, guides us towards a deeper understanding of nourishment that transcends the physical realm. He urges us to look beyond the mere tangible aspects of our nutritional sustenance and to perceive the divine essence infused within every morsel. [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Back to College … and the Fight against Campus Antisemitism

As students go back to college next week in San Diego, be mindful of traffic and young adults walking to campuses in the college areas.  Meanwhile, the Israeli American Council (IAC) put together an essential guide for students to combat campus antisemitism. This “cheat sheet” is designed to help students feel stronger and supported as they face these challenges. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Always Act with a Goal in Mind

Since childhood, one of my life guides has been “Always act with a goal in mind.” Later, I saw that Friedrich Nietzsche put the idea this way, “Humans need a goal to live,” and Andrew Carnegie wrote, “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.” [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

An Interview with Olympic Bronze Medalist Sarah Levy

One of my assistant coaches, Zach, is also Jewish, and he played in Rio Olympics. But I know having a Jewish last name that people probably know that I’m Jewish. And I think that in general, younger girls or boys who are Jewish, and are interested in rugby, it just gives a little bit more representation that there is someone who’s Jewish on the team. Just maybe it makes [a young Jewish girl or boy] feel a little more comfortable with thinking like ‘oh, I grew up with a similar upbringing to her, and with similar values.’ So that can inspire others to do the same move from the Jewish community.” [Eli Rubenstein]

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Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Why Our Fellow Jews May Be More Affectionate on Monday

Monday (August 19) is the minor Jewish holiday Tu B’Av. This holiday is on the 15th day of the month of Av and known as the Jewish Day of Love or slightly compared to Valentines Day in the United States. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

African Art, Jewish Folk Customs Enliven Intercultural Conversation

Two worlds apart but we speak the same language of art.  Olga Worm met artist Bongani Lincoln Khumalo of Cape Town, South Africa, at the Laguna Beach Art-A-Fair Summer Fine Art Festival. Subsequently he came to San Diego County to deliver a piece of art that Worm had purchased. We met at a restaurant in La Mesa. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, California, International, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Taking Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Advice

While strolling through North Park the other day, I saw a quote from Ruth Bader Ginsburg posted outside Saigon Coffee on the corner of 30th and Lincoln. I thought it would be nice if everyone thought this way. Accept people for their differences, cultures, views and just be good to each other. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, California, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Va’etchanan, Shabbat Nachamu: Caring for One’s Health

The parsha urges us, pleads with us, to prioritize our self-care and well-being. Our bodies harbor immense potential, which can only be fully realized when we maintain optimal health. In the Torah’s view, our physical forms are sacred vessels, instruments for achieving greatness. [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors