During 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
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
The gathering brought together community members, local politicians, religious leaders, and artists, all united by the shared goal of combating antisemitism, supporting Israel, and fostering strong bonds between Christians and Jews. [Miriam Gershenson]
Christians and Jews Celebrate Israel, Fight Against Antisemitism Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The Dickensian setting, in impoverished London, serves as the backdrop for Todd’s quest to locate his daughter and dispatch Judge Turpin and Beadle Bamford (Hunter Brown) who have destroyed him and robbed him of his life, family and liberty. [Eva Trieger]
‘Sweeney Todd’ A Cut Above at the Coronado Playhouse Read More »
Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Aaron Barnett, a non-descript accountant living in Chicago in 1985, is unceremoniously transported to the United Nations building in the year 2042 … {Donald H. Harrison]
Jury Members Snatched from Different Times to Deliberate Time-Traveling Murder Case Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This psychological probe into the life of Klaus Barbie, the Gestapo Butcher of Lyon, is highly readable piece of historical fiction starting with his boyhood as an abused illegitimate child and ending with his death in a French jail and reflections from contemporaries on his life and that of his most famous victim, Jean Moulin, leader of the French resistance. [Donald H. Harrison]
Though the Bard is regaled and celebrated as a most prolific playwright and sonnet producer, not everybody is a fan! I Hate Hamlet, Lamplighters Community Theatre’s delightful comedy, exposes why not everyone adores his 38 scripts. This comedy will reach every funny bone with its clever dialogue, quirky humor and time travel. [Eva Trieger]
‘Hamlet’ Haters Beware: This Comedy May Change Your Minds Read More »
Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
While the political systems in Israel and the US differ in many ways, their election strategies, messaging, and public engagement highlight distinct national characteristics and challenges. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: The Differences in Election Campaigns Read More »
Israel, News Media, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USASAN DIEGO – Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur and is named after the booths or huts in which Jews are supposed to dwell during this week-long celebration. Typically, it is to honor our ancestors who made the 40-year trek of wandering in the desert after escaping slavery from Egypt. These temporary shelters
Camping Out in the Sukkah Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Will the new year be better than the previous horrible one? It’s hard to believe that it won’t be, given the last year’s continuous warfare. At this juncture, Israel has ruptured Hamas in Gaza and killed its leader Yahya Sinwar, leaving the major problems returning our hostages and eliminating the remnants of the Hamas fighting forces. [Steve Kramer]
5785: A good year for the Jews? Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a broadcast carried by American news media, confirmed on Thursday, Oct. 17, that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar “has been eliminated” adding that the war in Gaza will continue until all the hostages kidnapped from Israel a year and ten days before are returned to Israel. [SDJW]
Netanyahu, Jewish Leaders React to Killing of Yahya Sinwar Read More »
International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA