Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Letters for Life’ Worthy of Keeping as a Trusted Companion

As I’ve seen in my own practice over the many years, I’ve turned more and more to the healing power of Torah study and this leaps off the pages of this essential read, as we see the need for emotional wellness guidance and education more than ever. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Two-Night ‘Henry 6’: An Enjoyable Time- and Gender-Bending Spectacle

This production marks a pretty significant achievement, in that it completes the Shakespeare canon for the Globe, meaning that over the course of its history, The Old Globe has produced all of Shakespeare’s plays, thereby joining a very small club of theaters that have done so.  [Sandi Masori]

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San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

The Moods in Israel: Despair and Resilience

Evacuees from the north, who have been displaced since early October have no idea where they’ll be in a month, where their children will go to school in September, or when they will be able to return home. People are without jobs and the divorce rate is soaring. How can I be optimistic? Read the poem below and you will see what I see: the resilience of our People is unparalleled. [Russell F. Robinson]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Zooming into Calabria, Italy’s Jewish History

So many Italian names have Jewish meanings, links or describe Jewish occupations. Her website has a section devoted to this study.  For just a small sampling, Bonanno means good year, Shana Tova. Ferrari was the name given to the Jewish craftsmen who were skilled wrought iron workers from Spain. The names were useful in making shidduchim, and served as a sort of “Jewish Geography.” [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

New Zealand Salmon and Other Delights at Tunaville

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a tuna and salmon sashimi tasting event.  Owner Tommy Gomes, who you may recognize as The Fishmonger from TV if you watch the Outdoor channel, partnered with Sieko sushi and Sushi on a Roll to bring some great tasting fish bites to the harbor.  [Sandi Masori]

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California, International, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Woman Who Stickered House of Israel Assigned to a Diversion Program

Under the program’s terms, defendant Parnia Vafaei was required to violate no laws, perform 24 hours community service, stay 300 yards away from all international Houses in Balboa Park, have no contact with any representative of the House of Israel, and pay restitution to the City of San Diego for the cost of cleaning up the vandalism. [SDJW staff]

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Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Educators May Turn Their Students’ Challenges into Strengths

For Jewish educators, this parsha serves as a reminder of the resilience and potential within every student. Just as Balaam’s curses were transformed into blessings, in order for educators to bring out the best in their students, they are called to help their students turn challenges into opportunities and strengths. [Rabbi Simcha Weiser]

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

San Diego: A Place for Shell-Shocked Israelis to Unwind

Over the past few weeks, we hosted two delegations from our sister region of Sha’ar HaNegev, offering the opportunity for processing and respite. It was a chance to take a moment, with their San Diego family, to come back to themselves and breathe. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Beating the Heat During Jewish-Event-Filled Summer

is the heat getting to be too much in the middle of the day? Temple-Emanu-El offers a safe COOL place to get out of the heat. If you need a place to hang out to beat the heat and enjoy air-conditioning, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share

An Israeli-American Perspective: The Military’s Impact on Society

about leadership, resilience, and the importance of unity. The military in Israel is existential. Surrounded by countries that are often hostile, our military is essential for our survival. This creates a society that is always alert and deeply connected through shared experiences of service. In contrast, military service in the United States is voluntary, unless there’s a mandatory draft due to war. [Shahar Masori]

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Israel, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Satire: The Political All-Star Game

The second day of the Republican National Convention coincided with baseball’s All-Star Game.  Worried that most viewers would watch the game rather than the convention, Donald Trump challenged Joe Biden’s team to a one inning game of baseball pitting the Milwaukee MAGAs against Biden’s team which Trump dubbed the Washington National Insiders.  Here are some highlights. [Satire by Laurie Baron]

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Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA