Israel is home to the Israel Primate Sanctuary which has provided sanctuary to monkeys and other primates for almost 30 years. What other connections exist between monkeys and Judaism? [Mak D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Monkeys Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Disraeli was born into a middle-class London family in 1804, when the capital’s Jewish population numbered just over 20,000. He was the eldest son of a literary man who left the Jewish community a year before his son’s bar mitzvah, and was baptized according to his father’s will. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Veterans Day weekend is here and almost everyone gets a day off from school, work or just another day for those who are retired. But it is more than a vacation from our daily responsibilities. Those who served deserve to be honored and one day cannot thank them enough for putting their lives on the line for our freedom to be in America. [Cailin Acosta]
Veterans Deserve Our Appreciation on Monday and All Days Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
One would think that a play based on a Greek tragedy would be heavy and slow, but that is not the case with Hadestown, now playing at Broadway San Diego. With charismatic characters and ear-wormy tunes, it feels a bit more like a celebration than a tragedy. [Sandi Masori]
Hadestown is One Helluva Show Read More »
San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
I came across an exhibit behind a glass cabinet sponsored by the Gourd and Basket Guild San Diego, California. Its goal is to preserve, promote and perpetuate the appreciation of gourd and basket art by providing a supportive, sharing and educational environment. [Cailin Acosta]
Campers Find a Tree of Life in Cardiff-by-the-Sea Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Although I had no control over the progression of her disease, I did have a choice regarding how I could respond to it. I could choose to deny her condition, continue with life as usual, and, in doing so, avoid my aching heart, none of which would cure her or serve her. Or, I could tenderly accept this new reality. [Shayna Kaufmann]
How to Find Liberation Through Acceptance Read More »
International, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors
No matter what political conditions surround us, it is our sacred mission to continue to build Jewish communities and leaders who will work for true equity, justice, and democracy for all. [Cheryl Cook]
OpEd: Under Trump, We Jews Will Have to Rely on Our Values, Traditions Read More »
Antisemitism, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The global surge in antisemitic rhetoric and violence triggered by Hamas’ October 7th massacre reminds us that antisemitism remains a potent threat to the fabric of democratic societies. The incident in Amsterdam should be viewed as Europe’s new Kristallnacht – a stark warning of the dangers of unfettered hate. (Sacha Roytman-Dratwa)
Mobs Attack Israelis, Other Jews in Amsterdam following Soccer Match Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Opinion, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors“Twas the night after the Elections and all through the house. Not one political postcard received, not even one political ad shown!” [Cailin Acosta]
All’s Quiet on the Election Home Front Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Playing Cards suggest a gallery of portraits of the people most influential in your life; bobbleheads might immortalize the people you put on a pedestal; scented candles might bring back favorite aromas such as burning leaves in Fall (now outlawed for reasons of air pollution) or perhaps the smell of a relative’s pipe tobacco. [Donald H. Harrison]
‘Gift Shop of Gratitude’ Links Common Souvenir Items to How Readers Experience Life Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Many Israelis, whether as individuals in groups or associations, have taken it upon themselves to provide ‘extra-curricular’ help to the wounded soldiers, visiting them in hospitals, bringing them food or special treats, and generally doing what they can to improve the morale of sturdy young men who suddenly find themselves in a situation of near-helplessness.[Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Mending Broken IDF Soldiers Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The Torah instructs us to reconnect with the essence of our souls by leaving behind “your land,” which represents our attachment to materialism. Even if we feel trapped in a state of depression or worldly concerns, the path to liberation lies within those very circumstances, the Torah offers us a path forward. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Lech Lecha: Leaving Our Comfort Zones Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When I think about how Kamala Harris ran her campaign, she faced significant challenges, some of which stemmed from her campaign’s messaging strategies and public perception issues. Here are several key factors that played into her campaign’s difficulties: [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
OpEd: Dissecting Kamala Harris’ Losing Campaign Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
I woke up from my sleep today
To learn Trump had his win.
And I feared for our democracy
And the purges he’ll begin. … [Laurie Baron]
Satire: ‘I’m Proud to be a Californian’ Read More »
California, Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA