Vice President Kamala Harris, in a Pennsylvania Town Hall moderated by Cable News Network’s Anderson Cooper, offered three suggestions Wednesday night for fighting antisemitism. [Donald H. Harrison]
VP Harris on Antisemitism, Israel, Queen Esther and Prayer Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors
These stories, spoken with raw emotion and courage, offered a window into the profound loss and resilience of a community forever changed by the tragedy. As voices broke and tears were shed, the room was united not only in grief but also in the hope that these memories would ensure the lives taken would never be forgotten. [Miriam Gershenson]
Stories of Oct. 7, 2023 Losses and Resilience at San Diego Event Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Simchat Torah is such a joyous time to celebrate with friends and family. It marks the completion of reading the Torah and the anticipation of starting it all over again. [Cailin Acosta]
Some believe that Israel and Arabs who reside in Gaza and the West Bank could live in peace and partner together to build prosperity for all parties. That is doubtful. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Death of Sinwar Brings Lasting Peace Between Israel and Gaza No Closer Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Suddenly this year, in the midst of the war and tragedy that has befallen us, there was a beam of light. The Israel Barrocada Ensemble, which plays on period instruments and has been giving concerts in Tel Aviv, announced that it was returning to Abu Ghosh, and would start with a performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ The sublime music, using texts taken from Isaiah, Psalms and other books of the Bible, has always inspired me and uplifted my spirit. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ at Historic Church in Abu Ghosh a Welcome Respite from War’s Impact Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Courtesy of Wikipedia Gummo Marx (October 23, 1892 – April 21, 1977) was an American vaudevillian performer, actor, comedian, and theatrical agent. He was the second youngest of the five Marx Brothers. Born in Manhattan, he worked with his brothers on the vaudeville circuit, leaving the act when he was drafted into the US Army in 1918 during World War I and replaced by
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Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The low point of his comments came when he said, “This man was strong and tough, and I refuse to say it, but when he took showers with the other pros, they came out of there, they said, ‘Oh my God, that’s unbelievable.'” [Laurie Baron]
Satire: The Unexpurgated Donald Trump Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USADuring 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
Courtesy of Wikipedia Jeff Goldblum (October 22, 1952) is an American actor and musician. He has starred in some of the highest-grossing films, such as Jurassic Park (1993) and Independence Day (1996), as well as their sequels. Goldblum made his acting film debut in Death Wish (1974) with early roles in California Split (1974), Nashville (1975), and Annie Hall (1977). He gained wider attention for his roles in Invasion of
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Jewish Celebrities, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Israel Baal Shem Tov (1700-1760) originated modern Hasidim. Since his death, much like the many diverse Christian Protestant groups, Hasidim today is made up of many different groups with similar and dissimilar ideologies. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The Origin of Hasidim Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
As we approach the one-year anniversary [on the Hebrew calendar] of the devastating attack on Simchat Torah, a day celebrated as one of the most joyous in the Jewish calendar, we are confronted with a profound paradox. Over 1,200 people were murdered, and hundreds more were taken hostage. How can we reconcile such joy with such deep sorrow on this powerful day? [Rabbi Shmuly Begun]
Simchat Torah: Should We Dance or Cry? Read More »
Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Manufacturers and retailers look to expand their business, while not necessarily knowing about the holiday, its rules and its customs. What product is for sale this Sukkot that is getting attention because the product is flawed? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Sukkot Products Read More »
Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
The poet Semyon Nadson (1862 – 1887) lived for 24 years. He is known for being the first poet of Jewish descent to achieve national prominence in the Russian Empire. In 1886, Nadson was awarded the Pushkin Prize of the Academy of Sciences, the most prestigious literary award in pre-revolutionary Russia. [Alex Gordon]
Semyon Nadson, Philosemitic Russian Poet Read More »
Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Courtesy of Wikipedia Benjamin Netanyahu (October 21, 1949) is an Israeli politician, serving as the prime minister of Israel since 2022, having previously held the office in 1996–1999 and 2009–2021. He is chair of the Likud party. Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history, having served a total of over 17 years. Born to secular Jewish parents, Netanyahu was raised
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