News Sources

Recipient Announced for 2024 Peter Chortek Leadership Award

Peter Chortek Leadership Award recipients receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to establish a Donor Advised Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, and a professional video made about their project. This year the awards committee, comprised of two generations of the Chortek family and other community leaders, selected Hayden Crocker as the 2024 PCLA recipient. [Press Release, Jewish Community Foundation]

Recipient Announced for 2024 Peter Chortek Leadership Award Read More »

Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

A Word From Your Federation: Empowered Jewish Women: Leading the Way with Compassion and Collective Impact

As we near the end of Women’s History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable contributions of Jewish women to our community. For nearly 90 years, Jewish Federation of San Diego has been a beacon of hope, a force for good, and a pillar of support for the Jewish community – both locally and across the globe. [Heidi Gantwerk]

A Word From Your Federation: Empowered Jewish Women: Leading the Way with Compassion and Collective Impact Read More »

Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Hounding the Headlines: The Interview

What scares me more is that some condos and independent living communities either ban dogs or require that they weigh no more than 25 pounds.  This is blatant sizeism. At a svelte 50 pounds I don’t want to take Ozempic to get down to the qualifying weight.  Of course, I could go on the canine anorexic diet of eating lots of grass and purging. [“Elona” Baron]

Hounding the Headlines: The Interview Read More »

Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Budd Schulberg

In 1941, Schulberg’s first novel, What Makes Sammy Run?, was an indictment of Hollywood’s studio system. Its cold-blooded, driven protagonist, Sammy Glick, was so obviously Jewish that Schulberg was accused of antisemitism. When a higher-up in the Communist Party of the USA demanded that Schulberg make changes in the novel to conform to Communist dogma, he quit the party. [SDJW staff]

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Budd Schulberg Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA

Some La Mesa Residents Oppose City Council’s Ban on Remote Testimony; Ban was Implemented to Curb Hate Speech

East County Magazine recently interviewed La Mesa activists Janet Castaños, PhD, and Gene Carpenter, who raise concerns over La Mesa City Council’s Feb. 27 decision to end remote public comments.  The action came after antisemitic comments were made by several callers at the previous meeting, though the city’s stated reason for ending the public’s ability to call in with comments was that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. [East County Magazine]

Some La Mesa Residents Oppose City Council’s Ban on Remote Testimony; Ban was Implemented to Curb Hate Speech Read More »

Antisemitism, California, East County Magazine, Miriam Raftery, News Media, USA

Parsha Tzav: Gratefulness Can Inspire Others

Dr. David DeSteno and his colleagues reveal a profound truth – that gratitude is a powerful force, capable of igniting a radiant chain reaction of goodness and compassion. Perhaps this is what is behind the good Moshe delivers to Aharon…not so much “making” him “feel good,” but rather when one’s heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings received, it becomes a wellspring from which kindness and generosity flow forth. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parsha Tzav: Gratefulness Can Inspire Others Read More »

Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Viktor Frankl

Shortly after the Holocaust, during which Frankl survived four concentration camps, he wrote Man’s Search for Meaning.  It became an international best seller after it was published in English.  The Library of Congress and the Book of the Month Club on the basis of a 1991 survey said it was one of the ten most influential books in the United States.  [SDJW staff]

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Viktor Frankl Read More »

Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Today's Jewish Birthday

Jewish Public Affairs Committee Sponsoring 10 Bills in California

David Bocarsly, JPAC executive director, said, his organization “is working with the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and our member organizations to sponsor a package of impactful bills that further antisemitism education, enhance secure infrastructure, and respond to violence and harassment in our schools and throughout our society.” [Press Release, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California]

Jewish Public Affairs Committee Sponsoring 10 Bills in California Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, Press Release, San Diego County

KPBS Receives $3 Million Gift from Irwin and Joan Jacobs

KPBS, San Diego’s public broadcasting TV and radio station, has announced it has received a $3 million gift from Irwin and Joan Jacobs to fund the KPBS Democracy Project, which will include a new journalism team focusing on election coverage and local government reporting, ranging from school boards to city councils, over the next three years. [Rick Griffin, Times of San Diego]

KPBS Receives $3 Million Gift from Irwin and Joan Jacobs Read More »

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

‘Ordinary People’ Examines Family Members’ Response to Loss

Lucinda Moaney and Stephen Pickens in a therapy session in 'Ordinary People' now playing at the PowPac theatre. (Photo: Steve Murdock)

Each member of the family processes the loss in his/her own way, clearly without being seen, heard or understood by each other. The sense of isolation, guilt, and grief are palpable in each character whether they are withholding or exploding with the overwhelming emotions.  [Eva Triegere]

‘Ordinary People’ Examines Family Members’ Response to Loss Read More »

Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast