Staff and Bylined Contributors

An Israeli-American Perspective: Navigating Youth Culture in Both Countries

My early 20s in Florentin, a neighborhood in south Tel Aviv near Jaffa, were truly magical. I was part of a local band, living in the bohemian heart of the city, feeling carefree and immersed in the moment. We were a generation connected by shared experiences, yet separated by the vast cultural currents flowing through our lives. Most of us were fresh out of the IDF, eager to enjoy the freedom we had fought for. [Shahar Masori]

An Israeli-American Perspective: Navigating Youth Culture in Both Countries Read More »

Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Memorial Mixes with Celebration at Jerusalem-San Diego Zoos’ Fete

Like a Jewish wedding, at which celebration is mixed with sad remembrance of the destruction of the Temple (as symbolized by the breaking of a glass under the groom’s foot), so too was this year’s annual luncheon on Wednesday, August 7, celebrating cooperation between the Jerusalem Zoo and the San Diego Zoo tinged with sadness. [Donald H. Harrison]

Memorial Mixes with Celebration at Jerusalem-San Diego Zoos’ Fete Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USA

Parsha Devarim, Shabbat Chazon: Lessons of Trauma, Dignity

This week’s parsha relates that when first instructed to leave Mount Sinai and head towards Canaan, the Israelites were overcome with fear and mistrust, interpreting Hashem’s actions as hatred rather than love. This reaction demonstrates how trauma can distort perception and hinder progress. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parsha Devarim, Shabbat Chazon: Lessons of Trauma, Dignity Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Vegan Tefillin, Mezuzot, and Someday a Vegan Torah

With a friend, software engineer Austin Weisgrau, whom he met in his high school B’nai B’rith chapter, Lantry decided to research whether tefillin – the phylacteries which observant Jews utilize in morning prayer – could be made from plants instead of animal hides. [Donald H. Harrison]

Vegan Tefillin, Mezuzot, and Someday a Vegan Torah Read More »

Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology

The Tragedies of Av; the Triumphs of U.S. Jewish Olympians

The month of Av has started which is known as the saddest month in the Hebrew calendar. This month encompasses the sin of the golden calf, the destruction of both Temples, the long subsequent exiles, the expulsion from Spain, the beginning of World War 1 and so many other terrible things in Jewish history.  [Cailin Acosta]

The Tragedies of Av; the Triumphs of U.S. Jewish Olympians Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Iran is to Blame for Mideast Turmoil and for Fostering Anti-Semitism

The mullah’s hatred of Israel is due to their perverted view of their religion that they feel mandates anti-Semitism. Therefore, they will not relent until they are gone, or Israel is gone, G-d forbid! We see, thanks to the Abraham Accords, that peace with the Muslim world is possible for Israel and fruitful for everyone. Clearly then, it is specifically the anti-Semitism of the mullahs fueled by their fanatical hatred that is the cause of the instability and suffering of the war and of the deaths in Israel, in Lebanon, and in Gaza. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]

Iran is to Blame for Mideast Turmoil and for Fostering Anti-Semitism Read More »

Antisemitism, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Analyzing Rav Soloveitchik’s Views on the Holocaust

After the Shoah one would have expected Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, the Rav, to analyze and lecture on this unique tragedy and period of Jewish suffering. Although the Rav refers to the Shoah, he does not provide his students with a comprehensive explanation for this horrific period. [Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg]

Analyzing Rav Soloveitchik’s Views on the Holocaust Read More »

Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Reactions to Tim Walz as Harris’ VP Pick

SAN DIEGO (SDJW staff) — Reactions from Jewish organizations and politicians almost immediately began to hit our email box after Vice President Kamala Harris announced she wanted Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket. Halie Sofer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, had this to say:

Jewish Reactions to Tim Walz as Harris’ VP Pick Read More »

Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

From Bachfest to Bookfest

I was lucky enough to be able to participate in the first annual Bookfest, held in the nearby village of Gouzon and organized by two enterprising young women, Judi Alexander Castille and Vicky Eveleigh. The event enabled authors to display and sell their books, and also to give a reading to the assembled audience. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

From Bachfest to Bookfest Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Judaism in Colonial America Pictured in Story Book about Sukkot

In this story, Papa who has been traveling on business in Europe sends a letter to his wife and children, Aaron and Leah, that he has purchased in Corsica a beautiful etrog (citron), and that he hopes to be home in time for the High Holy Days.  However, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur go by and he still hasn’t arrived.  [Donald H. Harrison]

Judaism in Colonial America Pictured in Story Book about Sukkot Read More »

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