Staff and Bylined Contributors

Joshua Bell to be Featured May 6 at Baker-Baum Concert Hall

The La Jolla Music Society’s performing arts center, The Conrad, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. It is the recent recipient of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology’s 2024 Architecture Honor Award for its Baker-Baum Concert Hall, recognized as one of the most acoustically excellent venues in the world. [Eileen Wingard]

Joshua Bell to be Featured May 6 at Baker-Baum Concert Hall Read More »

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

Russian-Israeli Immigrant to U.S. Leads Weekend ‘Alignment Retreat’

After October 7th, it was natural for her to organize a Community Healing Circle for the Jewish community which she facilitates with Keren Zuzan. With event organization and mastering the journey of self-healing and finding belonging, it was fitting that Pinhas facilitated the Alignment Retreat. [Miriam Gershenson]

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California, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Miriam Gershenson, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Out of This World Singing in ‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812’

Let’s talk about the songs- this cast can sing!  It’s hard to focus my accolades on any particular actor because the entire cast is so incredibly talented.  Even with all the talent, Ceja’s wonderfully playful expressions telegraphed much about her character and made her stand out in the lead role. [Sandi Masori]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

A Time for Israel to Decide: Herzl or Rav Kook

Herzl and Rav Kook differ greatly in both their diagnoses of what ails the Jewish people, and their programs for what needs to be done. For Herzl the problem is antisemitism, and the solution is an internationally recognized Jewish state achieved through negotiations. For Rav Kook the problem is Exile and the solution is for Jews to return to the Land of Israel. [Rabbi Philip Graubart]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Israelis’ Sense of Confidence, Optimism Go Up, Down as Peace Hopes Vanish

And so we try to stay optimistic and carry on as before as much as possible, but with the constant nagging awareness that the situation is probably going to go from bad to worse before there can be any improvement. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Biography: Eduard Bernstein, Socialist Reformer

In 1878, Bernstein read Friedrich Engels’ just-published book Anti-Dühring, under the influence of which he became a Marxist and entered into correspondence with the author of the book, who later became his friend. Engels accused the philosopher Eugene Dühring of “Judophobia exaggerated to the point of caricature.” [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Exodus Reenacted in San Diego by Israeli American Council

Picture this: we all dress up as Israelite slaves to really feel what it was like back then. Then, we listen to the story with our very own Moses and Pharaoh. After that, Moses crosses the Red Sea for us and we follow him hiking into the desert. Okay – not for 40 years—but just for a family-friendly 1-mile hike. But it’s about the experience, right? (Naomi Chen)

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

On the Doorpost of Your Home: Mezuzah’s Meaning Told

Albert stuck the mezuzah to the door frame and said the prayer. Just like that, the process was done. Is this what we waited for? As a matter of fact, yes. While the physical aspect was so quick, it is the spiritual side that was filled and is overflowing. [Miriam Gershenson)

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Albert Kreimerman, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

How Will Israel Respond?

In the moment, I’m writing while rockets and drones from Iran have just attacked Israel. The American president’s “Don’t” didn’t deter Iran from unleashing 300 drones, rockets, and missiles against “the little Satan,” Israel. Now is the time for Israel to switch from its defensive posture to an active offense against Iran. There will never be a more opportune time! [Steve Kramer]

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Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA