Are we in the “dog days of summer?” According to History.com, the phrase has nothing to do with dogs barking or panting in the oppressive heat. It referred to the ancient civilizations that tracked the seasons by looking at the sky. [Cailin Acosta]
‘Dog Days of Summer’ About the Heavens, Not About Pooches Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Since when do college kids want to sit through hours of boring meetings? Then I found out, they get paid for their “activism.” Amnesty International is one such employer as this advertisement posted in Seattle, Washington, demonstrates. [Miriam Gershenson]
OpEd: Pro-Israel Volunteers Needed to Counter Paid Pro-Hamas Students Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The Acosta family set out on Friday to conquer the San Diego County Fair. We arrived and were on a scavenger hunt to find hidden Jewish items. We laced up our running/walking shoes, filled up our water bottles, cellphones all charged and were ready to take on the challenge. [Cailin Acosta]
Finding Lots of Jewish Stories at San Diego County Fair Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
This weekend Rabbi Mathew Marko will lead his last Shabbat services as the spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. He resigned at the two-year mark of a three-year contract. His explanation, in a letter to the Conservative synagogue’s congregants, should help us understand how sometimes life brings extraordinary pressures and stresses upon a congregational rabbi. [Donald H. Harrison]
Emotional Times Take Toll; Rabbi Mathew Marko Resigns Tifereth Israel Synagogue Pulpit Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The results have shown significant progress for extreme right parties across Europe, which was a major concern for Jewish communities around the continent in the lead-up to the election, as the situation for European Jewry had already been dire in recent months due to an unprecedented rise in antisemitism following Hamas’ October 7th terror attacks against Israel. [Simone Rodan-Benzaquen]
AJC: Worrying Trends in European Elections Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I think that The Color Purple, now playing at New Village Arts theater in Carlsbad may just be the best play I have seen there yet. The cast is uber talented and cohesive, and wow! what powerful voices. [Sandi Masori]
‘The Color Purple’ is Powerful, Emotional, and Well Worth Seeing Read More »
San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
This year marked the dividing line of this generation: before October 7 and after. Thanks to a strong national Federation system, powerful ties with international and local partners, a deep relationship with Sha’ar HaNegev, and a robust Community Security Initiative, we met the moment, and we continue to do in so many ways, both here in San Diego and in Israel. {Heidi Gantwerk]
Jewish Federation of San Diego Meets the Moment Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAThursday night was the perfect night for cold, poured-from-the-tap ciders and making new friends. The Jewish Federation of San Diego hosted the Young Adult Delegation from Sha’ar HaNegev at Bivouac Ciderworks Adventure Lodge in North Park. [Cailin Acosta]
Young Adults from Sha’ar HaNegev, Israel, Enjoy San Diego Hospitality Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
One of the most striking differences between American and Israeli communication is the approach to politeness and directness. Americans are generally known for their politeness and often indirect communication style. They use euphemisms, hedge their statements, and tend to avoid direct confrontation. This is rooted in a cultural preference for maintaining harmony and avoiding offense. For example, an American might say, “That’s an interesting idea,” even if they disagree, to soften the blow. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Getting to the Point Here and There Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
President Biden accused former President Trump of being an admirer of Adolf Hitler, and Trump accused Biden of favoring Palestinians over Israelis in a wild, hard-swinging debate Thursday night moderated by CNN reporters/ anchors Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, who are both members of the Jewish community. [Donald H. Harrison]
Biden, Trump Clash in First Debate Over Israel, Charlottesville Neo-Nazis Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
As we close out another remarkable year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the unwavering dedication and resilience of Jewish Federation of San Diego. [David Bark, Board Chair, Jewish Federation of San Diego]
A Word from Your Federation: Meeting the Moment, Commitment and Relevance Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Imagine the scene – the Jewish People, fresh out of the incredible Exodus experience, find themselves faced with a choice: embrace the positive or succumb to the negative. Tragically, they chose the latter, disqualifying the miracles they had witnessed and viewing life through a filter of excessive bleakness. It’s a cautionary tale that resonates even today with a world filled with depression and anxiety. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Shelach: Don’t Let Your Fears Get in Your Way Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
History, culture and gastronomy collide in this collection of photographs that depicts the American Jewish palate, fashion and routines of Brooklynites from 1970 to 1985. As an art major of Brooklyn College Halperin sought out subjects for her medium. She landed on Dubrow’s cafeteria as a spot to hone her skill. Though it was in her own Flatbush neighborhood, she’d never been inside. [Eva Trieger]
Dubrow’s Cafeteria Comes Back to Life in ‘Kibbitz & Nosh’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eva Trieger, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
“No police officers were injured. It would therefore be extremely difficult for (prosecutors) to prove any charge other than trespass at trial,” explained Assistant District Attorney Stephen Millan. [Bruce Ticker]
OpEd: Dropping Charges against Columbia University Trespassers Sends Wrong Message Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA