San Diego University President’s ecumenical statement expressing sympathy for the loss of life on 10/7 and the ensuing war in Gaza was condemned as “hateful and divisive” by the school’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, I composed an innocuous template for such presidential statements in the future. [Laurie Baron]
A Satiric Review of 2024 Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
I read somewhere that people stick to their New Year’s Resolutions for only two weeks. Two weeks after New Years Day, people give up. I found that a little sad.[Cailin Acosta]
New Year’s Resolutions Are Kept for an Average of Two Weeks Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
This book written for children between the ages of 4 and 9 will have adults chuckling and children delighted. The collaboration between author Sutton and illustrator Chappell prompts readers to wonder who is babysitting whom. [Donald H. Harrison]
In Children’s Book, Is Zayde the Babysitter or Vice Versa? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Arik Einstein (January 3, 1939 – 26 November 2013) was an Israeli singer, songwriter, actor, comedian and screenwriter. He was a pioneer of Israeli rock music and was named “the voice of Israel.” [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Arik Einstein Read More »
Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Alas, the best-laid plans of mice, men, and holiday hostesses often go awry! This I recently learned. We were scheduled to host eight Algerian exchange visitors for a “traditional” Thanksgiving meal. The group was in town for a few days as part of a multi-state tourism education program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. [Karen Galatz]
Matzo Chronicles: Halal and Back Read More »
Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Mia, having learned from Edie Rose, makes a list and goes around to an interreligious and interracial group of neighbors in the building, who immediately agree to contribute foods for a seder … [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Tale Tells of a Kindness Being Reciprocated at Passover Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
– This week, as we read וַיִּגַּשׁ (Vayigash), we encounter what many consider to be one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the entire Torah. We witness the remarkable story of Joseph—the first person in the Torah to teach us how to heal and transform the way we think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Vayigash: Joseph Found Divine Meaning in Adversity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Robert Wexler (January 2, 1961) is an American politician and lawyer from Florida. He is the president of the Washington-based S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Robert Wexler Read More »
News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaMy family and I have a tradition of staying in on New Year’s Eve and I do a Thanksgiving repeat of the Tofurkey surrounded by veggies and my mushroom gravy, salad, macaroni and cheese and Julian apple pie for dessert. [Cailin Acosta]
A Vegan Celebration of the New Year Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Last year, forensic expert Miguel Lorente said a test of the bones on view at Seville Cathedral indicated that Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. But what of another cache of bones also said to be those of the controversial 15th century explorer that are kept in a mausoleum at the Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic? [Donald H. Harrison]
Could There Have Been Two Columbuses? One Italian and One Jewish? Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The story, intended for children between the ages of 4 and 9, teaches several lessons. Author Kierzenblat’s main message reinforces the ethical concept of being kind to animals. Another is the fact that Jews lived throughout the Diaspora, incorporating into their daily lives the customs of the people around them. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Book Teaches Kindness to Animals in an Exotic Jewish Locale Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share
Ronald Perelman (January 1, 1943) is an American banker, businessman, investor, and philanthropist. MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, his company, has invested in companies with interests in groceries, cigars, licorice, makeup, cars, photography, television, camping supplies, security, gaming, jewelry, banks, and comic book publishing. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Ronald Perelman Read More »
Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
It is crucial to influence the public about Jews and Israel. Americans and other people worldwide have regularly bashed Israel, and that must be changed to diminish antisemitic actions. However, the Jewish people face steep obstacles to this end. I can run down a series of steps along different tracks that can help us, but no amount of money is going to boost Israel’s standing so long as the present government remains in power. [Bruce S. Ticker]
OpEd: Israel’s New PR Effort Hampered by Fact Netanyahu is Still PM Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
After the kids took some rides, we made it to the Menorah Candle Lighting Ceremony with Elmo at Big Bird’s Wave Pool Lawn. Courtney Adams, Assistant Supervisor of Talent Operations, sang the brachot and since Oscar the Grouch was not invited to the lighting, he unplugged the menorah. A quick fix from the crew, the menorah was lit for the sixth night celebration. [Cailin Acosta]
Elmo and Friends Celebrate Chanukah at Sesame Place Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA