Upon its formal creation, the Caucus Founder, Rep. Wasserman Schultz, nominated Reps. Nadler and Brad Schneider (IL-10) to serve as co-chairs of the Caucus, who were then unanimously elected by the Caucus members. (Press Release)
Congressional Jewish Caucus Founded Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USA
For almost 60 years, Glen Echo Amusement Park was the wholesome, beloved playground of White metropolitan Washington, DC. Every summer, tens of thousands enjoyed its Crystal Pool, wooden rollercoaster, Spanish Ballroom, Tunnel of Love and Carousel. However, the African American children living nearby could only watch all the fun from a distance, along the nearby roadway. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Black and Jewish Civil Rights Alliance Recalled in ‘Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round’ Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. EL CAJON, California — In the Torah portion Beshalach which we read this week, a profound verse highlights the relationship between divine guidance and personal well-being. The text presents two nuanced interpretations of Hashem’s role as a healer. It contains the following verse: “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the
Parasha Beshalach: Finding Strength and Healing in Times of Challenge Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
A Holocaust survivor from Budapest, Edith’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to preserving history. Her passing marks the end of an era for those who knew her, but her impact on the lives she touched will be felt for generations to come. [Sandy Scheller]
Tribute to a Holocaust Survivor and Education Advocate Edith Palkowitz, z”l Read More »
Holocaust, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Sandra Scheller, Staff and Bylined Contributors
David Wisnia from Poland was a prisoner at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex; Likewise, Helen Zipora “Zippy” Spitzer from Slovakia was also a prisoner. But neither of them was an ordinary prisoner; by virtue of wits and luck, each of them had been elevated to favored positions in the concentration camps’ heirarchy. [Donald H. Harrison]
‘Lovers in Auschwitz’ Provides Hook to Teach Readers about the Holocaust Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Of these with programs, 72% indicated that their programs are required, while others were optional. [David Bocarsly]
Only 26% of California Schools Offer Holocaust and Genocide Education, Survey Finds Read More »
California, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Barrett Holman Leak has dedicated her life to being a bridge builder. With that in mind, it was no surprise that she noticed a gap between the Jewish and African American Jewish communities. Recognizing the need for connection, she decided to organize a shared Shabbat dinner. [Miriam Gershenson]
“One day at a time. One day after another” was the motto of Holocaust escapees Eugene Handschuh and his father Oscar. Accordingly, father and son submitted to the brutal schedule the Nazis forced on them until they perceived an opportunity to escape — not once, but twice. [Donald H. Harrison]
Young Readers Get a Taste of the Holocaust in ‘One Day’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Holocaust Survivors and staffers for the Jewish Federation of San Diego conspired with Ron Cohn of the Cohn Restaurant Group on Friday, Jan. 31, to surprise Sandy Scheller, curator of the exhibit RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust, now being shown at the La Jolla Library. [Mike Wallenfels]
Curator of ‘RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust’ A Guest of Honor at Surprise Luncheon Read More »
Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Sandra Scheller, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
This book, written in simple language for children between the ages of 5 and 9, tells of Ágnes being banned from the national gymnasium because she was Jewish. In response, she secretly practiced early in the morning at an unlit, unheated high school gym with her friend Istvan Sarkany. [Donald H. Harrison]
Gymnast Survived Nazis; Went on to Become Gold Medalist in Olympics Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Halévy’s seminal work is the opera The Jewess (La Juive), which became one of the cornerstones of the French repertoire for a century. It was a grand opera in five acts, including ballet, choruses, spectacular processions and festivities. The premiere of the opera, based on a libretto by the famous French playwright Eugène Scribe, was a colossal success at the Grand Opera House in Paris on February 23, 1835. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Fromental Halévy, Composer of Operas and Jewish Sacred Music Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Sabbath Queen shown Sunday night at the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival documents the life of Amichai Lau-Lavie, the Rabbi and founding spiritual leader of Lab/Shul in NYC. The documentary combines archival footage, 21 years of filming and animation to tell the story of Lau-Lavie’s spiritual journey. [Robin Dishman]
‘Sabbath Queen’ Tells of an Orthodox Rabbi Who Became a Drag Queen Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
What particularly fascinates me is how the book reveals the Mishnah’s sophisticated understanding of physical and psychological phenomena that we’ve only recently begun to explain through modern scientific frameworks. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Mishnah Anticipated Scientific Understanding of Whispering, Digestion, Combustion Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
It augments the narrative with supplemental pages explaining such terms and concepts as World War II, antisemitism, ghettos, partisans, the Holocaust, collaborators, the righteous among the nations, the camps, and resistance. [Donald H. Harrison]
Biography Explains the Holocaust to Children Ages 8 to 12 Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors