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
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
In Israel, the war is about survival. In the U.S., it becomes a question of diplomacy, alliances, and public opinion. And for those of us with a foot in both places, it’s a balancing act between these two realities, one where we are trying to protect what we hold dear and the other where we’re trying to make sense of how it fits into the broader global narrative. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: The War in Israel and Its Ripple Effect Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
For an answer to grow with, investigate the Talmud, Sanhedrin 38a. Here we are told that if we came first, as some might haughtily believe we “should,” we and our children might erroneously believe that the creation of the world was NOT entirely Hashem’s doing, that somehow, we humans were co-architects, co-authors, of the world with Him. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Bereishit: Humans Were Created Last for a Reason Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Vice President Kamala Harris, in a Pennsylvania Town Hall moderated by Cable News Network’s Anderson Cooper, offered three suggestions Wednesday night for fighting antisemitism. [Donald H. Harrison]
VP Harris on Antisemitism, Israel, Queen Esther and Prayer Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors
These stories, spoken with raw emotion and courage, offered a window into the profound loss and resilience of a community forever changed by the tragedy. As voices broke and tears were shed, the room was united not only in grief but also in the hope that these memories would ensure the lives taken would never be forgotten. [Miriam Gershenson]
Stories of Oct. 7, 2023 Losses and Resilience at San Diego Event Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USASimchat Torah is such a joyous time to celebrate with friends and family. It marks the completion of reading the Torah and the anticipation of starting it all over again. [Cailin Acosta]
Some believe that Israel and Arabs who reside in Gaza and the West Bank could live in peace and partner together to build prosperity for all parties. That is doubtful. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Death of Sinwar Brings Lasting Peace Between Israel and Gaza No Closer Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Suddenly this year, in the midst of the war and tragedy that has befallen us, there was a beam of light. The Israel Barrocada Ensemble, which plays on period instruments and has been giving concerts in Tel Aviv, announced that it was returning to Abu Ghosh, and would start with a performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ The sublime music, using texts taken from Isaiah, Psalms and other books of the Bible, has always inspired me and uplifted my spirit. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ at Historic Church in Abu Ghosh a Welcome Respite from War’s Impact Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The low point of his comments came when he said, “This man was strong and tough, and I refuse to say it, but when he took showers with the other pros, they came out of there, they said, ‘Oh my God, that’s unbelievable.'” [Laurie Baron]
Satire: The Unexpurgated Donald Trump Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USADuring hol hamoed it is customary to greet people with a joyous statement of celebration like chag sukkot sameach (happy sukkot holiday), mo’adim l’simcha (times of joy) and chagim u’zanim l’sasson (holidays and times for celebrating). [Cailin Acosta]
The End of Sukkot is Nigh Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
Israel Baal Shem Tov (1700-1760) originated modern Hasidim. Since his death, much like the many diverse Christian Protestant groups, Hasidim today is made up of many different groups with similar and dissimilar ideologies. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The Origin of Hasidim Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
As we approach the one-year anniversary [on the Hebrew calendar] of the devastating attack on Simchat Torah, a day celebrated as one of the most joyous in the Jewish calendar, we are confronted with a profound paradox. Over 1,200 people were murdered, and hundreds more were taken hostage. How can we reconcile such joy with such deep sorrow on this powerful day? [Rabbi Shmuly Begun]
Simchat Torah: Should We Dance or Cry? Read More »
Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Manufacturers and retailers look to expand their business, while not necessarily knowing about the holiday, its rules and its customs. What product is for sale this Sukkot that is getting attention because the product is flawed? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Sukkot Products Read More »
Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA