As soon as we were done celebrating Halloween, we got ready in the USA for Thanksgiving. But there is another observance that the Jewish community can still embrace: November is Mizrahi Heritage Month. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Before the Turkey Comes the Kubbeh: Mizrahi Heritage Month Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
As I took my bottles and cans to EDCO Recycle this morning, I reflected that the “haul” used to be filled with Diet Coke cans. However, years ago, I switched to SodaStream, an Israeli product that carbonates your water. I don’t add any syrups. I simply drink fizzy water. The volume of my recycling has decreased, but I feel, nevertheless, that I am dong my part for the environment. [Cailin Acosta]
Mitzvot and Kindness Mark Visit to a Recycling Center Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Arielle Weiss and Asher Gold are home for the Thanksgiving holiday in Chicago and run into each other at the local neighborhood bar as they reunite with others from their Hebrew School class. They immediately locked eyes on each other and stepped away from the group to talk. Each received mixed signals. [Cailin Acosta]
Romance Novella Emphasizes Importance of True Communication Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
About 64% of the respondents were residents of the kibbutzim, 33% of them were the next generation of the families that founded the kibbutz or the Moshav, in which they live. 83% were at home that Saturday October 7, and 45% of them directly experienced the infiltration of the terrorists. 52% reported that they had a family member/close friend who was murdered, kidnapped, or wounded during the events of October 7. [Press Release]
The election results are finally in, and as Americans either celebrate or come to sad terms with the outcome, Israelis watch with equal intensity, evaluating the ripple effects from across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: American Election, Israeli Impact Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Dr. Levant, a renowned psychologist, delves into the underlying emotional and psychological challenges that many men face in contemporary society. He addresses the traditional notions of masculinity that often compel men to suppress emotions, leading to detrimental effects on mental health and interpersonal relationships. The book provides insights into overcoming these stereotypes and encourages men to engage in healthier emotional expression and vulnerability. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Males Buy Themselves Trouble when Suppressing Emotions Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Although I had no control over the progression of her disease, I did have a choice regarding how I could respond to it. I could choose to deny her condition, continue with life as usual, and, in doing so, avoid my aching heart, none of which would cure her or serve her. Or, I could tenderly accept this new reality. [Shayna Kaufmann]
How to Find Liberation Through Acceptance Read More »
International, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Jewish reactions were mixed over Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris — to be expected as he had some strong backers and strong opponents among the Jewish people. [SDJW staff]
Jewish Reactions to Donald Trump’s Presidential Victory Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, Press Release, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
After the fire was contained, the stay-in-place order was lifted, and everyone was able to go home– we learned a student’s apartment had severe smoke damage and she needed a place to stay. We called on our amazing community and a remarkable community family hosted this student for Shabbat and the weekend– ensuring she felt nurtured and cared for. Well-being was our priority. [Karen Parry]
Hillel Responds with Compassion to Fire and Shooting Near SDSU Campus Read More »
Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Mothers may need to process information relevant to the child and the situation efficiently and rapidly (e.g., understanding the threat and quickly evacuating to a safe room), mediate the situation to the child, and regulate her own and the child’s emotions. Therefore, the mother’s ability to effectively convey relevant information may contribute to her ability to respond appropriately to the child in critical moments and strengthen the child’s personal resilience. [Press Release]
Mothers Can Ameliorate Children’s PTSD, Study Finds Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & EducationAs the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees is upon us, I was surprised to learn that no active players on either team are Jewish. [Cailin Acosta]
Baseball’s World Series and Our Fellow Jews Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
How were Jews supposed to celebrate Simhat Torah (simcha means joyous) on the anniversary of the massacre? At our synagogue, ordinarily we would go outside and take turns dancing with the Torah scrolls. This year, in a more sedate manner, we stayed inside and made do with circling around the sanctuary. This was done to denote the subdued atmosphere and for safety reasons, because of the daily rocket attacks, mostly from Lebanon, which attack many areas of Israel. [Steve Kramer]
Diverse days in Israel Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and FoodDuring hol hamoed it is customary to greet people with a joyous statement of celebration like chag sukkot sameach (happy sukkot holiday), mo’adim l’simcha (times of joy) and chagim u’zanim l’sasson (holidays and times for celebrating). [Cailin Acosta]
The End of Sukkot is Nigh Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
This year, I’ll be celebrating Sukkot after returning from my third Solidarity Mission to Israel with Jewish Federation of San Diego, following the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023. [David Bark]
The Evolving Moods of Sha’ar Hanegev Since Oct. 7, 2023 Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA