Staff and Bylined Contributors

One Misstep Away: How Campaign Momentum Can Vanish in an Instant

If Trump were to lose the election partly due to backlash over Hinchcliffe’s controversial remark, it would serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the outsized impact that offhand comments from affiliates can have on a campaign. Even remarks by peripheral figures—like rally speakers—can become serious liabilities, particularly in tight races. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

One Misstep Away: How Campaign Momentum Can Vanish in an Instant Read More »

Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Compassion and Civility Keys to Improving the World, Says Activist Rabbi

Rabbi Yanklowitz spoke with San Diego Jewish World about the roles compassion and civility can play in people’s personal interactions, in the run-up toward America’s Nov. 5 presidential election, and in the ongoing war between Israel and Iran and Iranian proxies. [Donald H. Harrison]

Compassion and Civility Keys to Improving the World, Says Activist Rabbi Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Some Jews in Philadelphia are Boycotting Certain Restaurants over Politics

If the Jewish version of BDS takes flight, then fans of Vice President Kamala Harris must shun Hymie’s Deli in Bala Cynwyd forever. Not to mention the McDonald’s in Feasterville, Bucks County, where former President Donald J. Trump dropped in for a photo shoot. Meanwhile, in Philly’s Queen Village, Trumpsters must now evade the Famous 4th Street Deli. [Bruce S. Tickere]

Some Jews in Philadelphia are Boycotting Certain Restaurants over Politics Read More »

Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Editorial: Kamala Harris for President and a Democratic Slate for Congress

I am disgusted by the rhetoric at the Trump rally in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday and alarmed that such major news organizations as The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times have decided to make no endorsements in the presidential race. I was mulling endorsements before, but now I feel the time is imperative to take a stand, even though I know that whichever way I decide, I’ll disappoint some of our readers. [Donald H. Harrison]

Editorial: Kamala Harris for President and a Democratic Slate for Congress Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Israel, Opinion, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Some Theorize Elijah Was Pinchas Reincarnated

Virtually every Jew—regardless of age—has heard of Elijah, whose presence inspired the “Cup of Elijah” ritual seen at every Passover celebration. Elijah’s name is also evoked in the Havdalah ceremony in a special prayer expressing our hope that Elijah will be the precursor of the Messianic Era. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

Some Theorize Elijah Was Pinchas Reincarnated Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Biography: Herbert Marcuse, Anti-Western Revolutionary

Marcuse was born into an assimilated Jewish family. After the Nazis came to power in Germany, he emigrated to Switzerland and then to the United States. From 1940-50 he worked for the Office of Strategic Services and the State Department. Since 1950, Marcuse devoted himself fully to academic teaching as a professor at Columbia, Harvard, Brandeis, and the University of California-San Diego. [Alex Gordon]

Jewish Biography: Herbert Marcuse, Anti-Western Revolutionary Read More »

Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Diverse days in Israel

How were Jews supposed to celebrate Simhat Torah (simcha means joyous) on the anniversary of the massacre? At our synagogue, ordinarily we would go outside and take turns dancing with the Torah scrolls. This year, in a more sedate manner, we stayed inside and made do with circling around the sanctuary. This was done to denote the subdued atmosphere and for safety reasons, because of the daily rocket attacks, mostly from Lebanon, which attack many areas of Israel. [Steve Kramer]

Diverse days in Israel Read More »

International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food

Comparing Trump to Hitler is Immoral, Misleading, and Potentially Dangerous

Comparing Trump—or any modern figure—to Hitler ignores the unique atrocities committed by Hitler, who orchestrated the genocide of six million Jews and millions of other marginalized people. The Nazi regime’s campaign of systematic extermination is unprecedented and incomparable to any contemporary American political situation. Equating Trump’s actions with Hitler’s dilutes the severity of the Holocaust and risks turning its horrors into mere political rhetoric, disrespecting the memory of those who suffered under the Nazis. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Suspicious Device, Not a Bomb, Forces Evacuation of International Cottages

Numerous international cottages of Balboa Park’s House of Pacific Relations were shuttered Saturday, Oct. 26, as police and the FBI investigated a suspicious package that had been hoisted on the flagpole of the House of Israel. [Donald H. Harrison and Miriam Gershenson]

Suspicious Device, Not a Bomb, Forces Evacuation of International Cottages Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Jewish Religion, Traditions, and Animals

Recently I was reading that in Halakhah (Jewish law), animals are to be fed before humans. I had to laugh since if I tried to make my coffee before giving my angora rabbit, Freckles, a snack, she is right there with her paws on my legs and letting me know, she comes first. [Cailin Acosta]

Jewish Religion, Traditions, and Animals Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share

Emanuel Ax Flawlessly Performs Mozart in San Diego Symphony Concert

Ax is a no-nonsense player, performing flawlessly, with elegance and grace. There were no histrionics, no dramatic gestures, there was just honest perfection.  And the orchestra, with reduced strings, one timpani, one flute and pairs of oboes, bassoons, trumpets and horns, provided beautiful, nuanced support under Raphael Payare s direction. [Eileen Wingard]

Emanuel Ax Flawlessly Performs Mozart in San Diego Symphony Concert Read More »

Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors