-Updated April 7 with School Trustee Shana Hazan’s comments–
Fabienne Perlov, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, on Tuesday, April 1, urged the San Diego Unified School District and Lewis Middle School to take allegations “seriously” about antisemitism, racism and bullying at Lewis Middle School. [Donald H. Harrison]
Liz, the great-aunt of Abigail, Michael, and Amalia, had released a book titled Saving Abigail, which recounts the harrowing and miraculous story of her family’s experience on October 7, 2023—the day of the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. [Miriam Gershenson]
Author Tells Harrowing Story of 3-Year-Old Israeli Hostage Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
What marijuana product, certified Kosher-for-Passover by Rabbi Yaakov Cohen and Whole Kosher Services, is being offered for the first time in 2025? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Passover Food Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire
His poems were enjoyed by all Soviet children. Marshak’s poetry for children is a world of goodness, fun, fairy tales, original images and ringing, beautiful rhymes. He was an innovator, the creator of energetic, major, fast, inventive, cheerful and witty children’s verse. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Samuel Marshak, Soviet Children’s Writer Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
In this book, a compilation of his weekly Torah insights, he rebuts the Christian missionaries who say that God replaced Judaism with Christianity. He argues that their “proofs” of the divinity of Jesus either misinterpret Jewish Scripture or intentionally distort it. [Donald H. Harrison]
Citing Biblical Verses to Counter Arguments of Christian Missionaries Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I raised the tariffs
On both U.S. friends and enemies. I raised the tariffs
I’m a genius on economies. … [Laurie Baron]
Satire: I Raised the Tariffs Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
4 Paws of Love is a non-profit that takes trained and personable poodles to visit senior residences, memory care facilities, and any place where the residents can benefit from seeing, petting, and talking to a loving poodle. [Mimi Pollack]
Volunteer of the Month: Robin Kaufman, Founder of 4 Paws of Love Read More »
Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When you’re face-to-face with antisemitism—or any brand of hate—the fury is real. It burns through your gut and shreds at your soul. Every instinct screams to scream back. To curse. To retaliate with the same venom that’s being hurled at you. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
When Hate is Aimed at Us, Let’s Not Respond in Kind Read More »
Antisemitism, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Lahav Shani, the tall, young Israeli conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), came on stage with confident stride and mounted the podium at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa for the final program of the IPO’s USA tour. This March 26 concert was preceded by appearances in New York City, Miami, Palm Beach, San Francisco and Los Angeles. [Eileen Wingard]
Prior to dictator Benito Mussolini’s alliance with Adolf Hitler, Italian Jews had the ability to immigrate to the West or even to neighboring Switzerland, which maintained a German-biased neutrality. However, lugging the trunk, which Vigevani nicknamed “The General” was an arduous affair, especially because Vigevani was reluctant to depart his beloved Italy. [Donald H. Harrison]
‘The Trunk’ is a Poignant Story of the Holocaust Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors
It’s a novel based in San Diego County about a pro-Palestinian campus demonstration in which a Mexican-American student is fatally shot while trying to save the life of his Jewish friend. [Donald H. Harrison]
Novel Envisions Trial of a University for Not Protecting Jewish Students Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Every Monday morning, our entire Federation staff sits down for a 30-minute “huddle.” We talk about what’s happening in the world, share joyful simchas and heartbreaking tragedies, reflect on the past week’s “wins,” and brief everyone on what’s coming in the week ahead. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A Busy Week for San Diego’s Jewish Federation Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
This narrative bursting with the anticipation of sacred inauguration, abruptly descends into the chilling silence of loss. The joyous celebration, the culmination of meticulous preparation, is shattered by the sudden, devastating demise of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons – a consuming fire that leaves Aaron speechless. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Contemporary Torah, Parsha Shemini: Loss, Grief and Community Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
La Mesa Pizzaworks (kosher pizza establishment) made an announcement they had a new menu item: Cheese pizza with Skittles candy …. April Fools! [Cailin Acosta]
April Fools Reflections Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors