News Sources

Three Women Hostages Freed in Ceasefire Deal Between Israel and Hamas

Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher–three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023—were returned to Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, amid worldwide media coverage of the first phase of a Middle East ceasefire in which Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison. [SDJW Staff]

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International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Biblical Imagery Brightens Poet’s Bleak Account of Life in the Arizona Desert

Poet Allisa Cherry is entranced by Hebrew Scriptures, turning to them to express her anguish over the tragic lives of the members of a Mormon family. A grandmother had a double mastectomy; a father died of radiation poisoning caused by nuclear testing in the desert; a brother died in a car accident before he was 20; and a wife, caught in a loveless marriage, divorces her ne’er-do-well husband. [Donald H. Harrison]

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

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Katey Sagal

Katey Sagal (January 19, 1954) is an American actress and singer. She is known for playing Peggy Bundy on Married… with Children (1987–1997), Leela on Futurama (1999–2003, 2008–2013, 2023–present), Cate Hennessy on 8 Simple Rules (2002–2005), Gemma Teller Morrow on the FX series Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014), for which she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama in 2011, and Louise Goldufski-Conner on The Conners (2018–present). [Wikipedia]

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Jewish Celebrities, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Some Highlights of the Upcoming San Diego International Jewish Film Festival

The 35th annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival will take place in-person from Jan. 27 through Feb. 8 and will continue virtually.  Film enthusiasts can attend in-person screenings at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, while virtual film screenings are available on demand beginning on Feb. 9 and will remain available through Feb 11. [Hoa Quach, Times of San Diego]

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San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Times of San Diego

Kol Tefillah Band Specializes in Music for Praying and Reflecting

Something ignited when Debbie Mishek, M.D., traveled to Congregation Beth Am in Los Angeles to attend a presentation about Kol Tefillah (The Voice of Prayer) a few years ago.  The program was about “reimagining Jewish prayer and making it more relevant and more inspiring,” the developmental pediatrician recalled.  “There is something about music and prayer that is so spiritual.  I access my spirituality through music.” [Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: Predicting the International Impacts of Trump’s Second Term

Israel will have a less conditioned ally, and with this new administration, the political scene of the Middle East may be transformed. This will stop Iran from bragging and showing its strategy of military allies (proxy armies), and finally, it will bring peace. Shalom. [José Galicot]

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International, Israel, Jose Galicot, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Roundup: U.N. Develops Plan to Combat Antisemitism; Biden Appoints New Members to U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council

“The WJC has worked closely with the UN in the development of this Action Plan, and we value the genuine cooperation and willingness of Mr. Moratinos and his team to listen to the voices of Jewish communities worldwide. The inclusion of Jewish organizations in the process has been crucial in ensuring that the plan reflects the needs and concerns of those most affected by antisemitism.” [WJC]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Press Release, USA

Frances Perkins, Nation’s First ‘Madam Secretary’ Tried to Help European Jewish Refugees

Struggling against American xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism in the 1930s, Labor Secretary Frances Perkins—the first woman to serve in a President’s Cabinet – sought in several ways to spare German Jewish refugees from annihilation by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Good Deeds, Even Little Ones, Change the World for the Better

In a big city, a little girl notices that a swing has become unhooked on one side so that it hangs limply.  Another swing has some off both hooks and is lying on the ground. She wants to fix them. With the help of her grandmother, she rehooks the swings. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors