We learn in the Talmud in Baba Metziah 58b, that one who shames another in public, around a Seder table for instance, is as if he/she spilled that person’s blood. One who does so has no share in the World to Come, according to our teachings. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Metzora-Shabbat Hagadol: Eschew Lashon Hara Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Recently, a Rabbi facing a shortage of living water devised what plan to assure sufficient water for the local mikveh? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Question: Mikveh Waters Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Herzl and Rav Kook differ greatly in both their diagnoses of what ails the Jewish people, and their programs for what needs to be done. For Herzl the problem is antisemitism, and the solution is an internationally recognized Jewish state achieved through negotiations. For Rav Kook the problem is Exile and the solution is for Jews to return to the Land of Israel. [Rabbi Philip Graubart]
A Time for Israel to Decide: Herzl or Rav Kook Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
In 1878, Bernstein read Friedrich Engels’ just-published book Anti-Dühring, under the influence of which he became a Marxist and entered into correspondence with the author of the book, who later became his friend. Engels accused the philosopher Eugene Dühring of “Judophobia exaggerated to the point of caricature.” [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Eduard Bernstein, Socialist Reformer Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Picture this: we all dress up as Israelite slaves to really feel what it was like back then. Then, we listen to the story with our very own Moses and Pharaoh. After that, Moses crosses the Red Sea for us and we follow him hiking into the desert. Okay – not for 40 years—but just for a family-friendly 1-mile hike. But it’s about the experience, right? (Naomi Chen)
The Exodus Reenacted in San Diego by Israeli American Council Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Albert stuck the mezuzah to the door frame and said the prayer. Just like that, the process was done. Is this what we waited for? As a matter of fact, yes. While the physical aspect was so quick, it is the spiritual side that was filled and is overflowing. [Miriam Gershenson)
On the Doorpost of Your Home: Mezuzah’s Meaning Told Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
In the moment, I’m writing while rockets and drones from Iran have just attacked Israel. The American president’s “Don’t” didn’t deter Iran from unleashing 300 drones, rockets, and missiles against “the little Satan,” Israel. Now is the time for Israel to switch from its defensive posture to an active offense against Iran. There will never be a more opportune time! [Steve Kramer]
How Will Israel Respond? Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA
Northbound Interstate 5’s last exit in San Diego County is Cristianitos Road, Spanish for ‘the Little Christians.” How did it get such a name, and what might Jewish history have to do with such a place? [Donald H. Harrison]
I have learned that coming into Passover many of you feel depressed. Some feel angry with the world. Many are unemployed and too many are seeking someone to love of find someone to love them. My thoughts are with those who have health problems. [Rabbi Bernhard H. Rosenberg]
OpEd: Optimism Required Before Passover; Pessimism Can be Self-Fulfilling Read More »
Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This past month, in response to antisemitic and anti-Zionist curricular resources published by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Equity and Belonging and Ethnic Studies departments, AJC San Diego’s Education Committee mobilized. [Sara E. Brown, Ph.D]
Jewish Community Unified in SDUSD’s Ethnic Studies Dispute Read More »
California, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The movie explores the concepts of “freedom to” and “freedom from;” Passover customs; unplugging on Shabbat; why Orthodox Jewish men refrain from touching women who are not part of their families; Torah attitudes towards homosexuality; why Orthodox women cover their hair; and sexual practices within an Orthodox Jewish marriage. [Donald H. Harrison]
Contest Will Provide Input for Jewish Movie’s Sequel Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Sefaria will add more than three dozen volumes by Rabbi Sacks to the library, released in stages over several years. The April 2024 release is the first batch of these works. The entire collection of Rabbi Sack’s writing that will be accessible on Sefaria is made possible through the support of the William Davidson Foundation. [Press Release]
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ Works to be Digitized, Disseminated for Free Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish Religion, USA
Eventually, Ferdinand became a Prussian-German jurist, philosopher, socialist and politician who is best remembered as the initiator of the social-democratic movement in Germany. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Ferdinand Lassalle Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Wikipedia
In an era where the lessons of history risk being forgotten or distorted, the theme of this year’s program, “Coming Together in Strength & Unity,” underscores the importance of community solidarity in standing against rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial. Only together can we ensure that the commitment to “Never Again” remains unwavering. [Press Release]
Community Yom HaShoah Observance Set for JCC on Sunday, May 5 Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, USA