Staff and Bylined Contributors

Lion’s Trail in Golan Recalls 749 Earthquake-Destroyed Synagogue

The Golan Heights had been a significant area of Jewish life. After the earthquake of 749, Jews could not and were not permitted to return to live in the Golan by the occupying Muslim powers and later the Ottoman Turks. Jews could not return to live in the Golan until after the Israeli victory over the Syrians in the 1967 war. [Jerry Klinger]

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Israel, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

‘Sense of Decency’ Doesn’t Deliver on Playwright’s Intentions

By Eva Trieger SOLANA BEACH, California — A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to interview screenplay writer and codirector, Jake Broder, about his world premiere show, Sense of Decency, at the North Coast Rep. After our chat I was very eager to see the show on stage and discover for myself how the

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Eva Trieger, Holocaust, International, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

OpEd: Israel’s Biophilic Society is the Opposite of Gaza’s and Iran’s

In societies that value biophilia, empathy, compassion, and cooperation are emphasized. Social structures and laws are designed to foster a sense of well-being for all members of the community. But necrophilic civilizations are obsessed with death: These societies are characterized by a fascination with destruction, domination, and control. {Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology

A 12-Step Process for Making Candles at Home

Being frustrated with the quality and price of mosquito candles, Sandy decided to make one herself. Sandy successfully made a citronella candle that impressed her sister-in-law when she came for a visit. Naturally, Sandy’s sister-in-law requested that Sandy make her one. When her sister-in-law took the candle back home, her friends saw the candle and asked to put an order in with Sandy. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Lifestyles, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Seders With Prayers for Hostages and Thoughts about Campus Safety

If you are interested in showing up to support Jewish college students at UCSD during the upcoming “Peace in Israel” week, our partner Hillel of San Diego asks that you participate in their webinar, “So You Want to Support Students,” on Wednesday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. Register here. {Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

OpEd: Sara Jacobs, Please Explain Your Political Philosophy and Mideast Outlook

I have asked Lauren McIlvaine, the press secretary in Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Capitol office, for an explanation from the congresswoman about her voting record, specifically about what her guiding principles may be as she considers legislation affecting Israel and the Middle East. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, News Media, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

When ‘Never Again’ Means ‘Never Again!’

Accountability must start with college administrations and faculty members who tolerate or endorse animus toward Israel, romanticizing malevolent figures. Students involved in violent demonstrations should face immediate expulsion, and administrators and faculty who support such actions should resign. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Garvey: Defund Universities that Won’t Protect Students; Strip Tenure from Professors who Support Terror

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Steve Garvey, on a Zoomcast from Hancock Park in Los Angeles, said on Thursday, April 25, that federal funds should be stripped from those colleges and universities that refuse to protect their students from the wave of antisemitic, anti-Israel demonstrations now taking place on college campuses across the nation. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

His ‘Life as a Jew’ is an Introspective Search for Definition

In lengthy, brilliant, and painfully introspective essays, he examines not only conflicts between Jews and their non-Jewish detractors, but also delves deeply into the sometimes- internecine divisions among Jews themselves. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Customs Surrounding Food Told Entertainingly

Ways of Eating does not contain recipes. Instead it is packed with “takeaways” that illuminate food culture. For instance, “restaurant” derives from the “restoratives” of broth served at inns to travelers. The chapter “Medieval Tastes,” aka middle ages, presents a spirited discussion of periodization and geography. [Olivere B. Pollak]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Oliver Pollak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

OpEd: Is Rep. Sara Jacobs a Friend or Foe of Israel?

Jacobs voted Saturday, April 20, in favor of funding for a $95 billion package incorporating aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, but her explanation why she cast that vote prompted a backlash from supporters of Israel. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Year Passover Died

The biblical holiday Passover, a significant event in Jewish history, disappeared entirely when the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 CE. This cataclysmic event marked the end of an era and led to a significant shift in religious practices. However, its name, Passover, was resurrected and given to the holiday Chag Hamatzot, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability of Judaism. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: The ‘Che Guevara Effect’ on College Campuses

I think I wore a Jack Kerouac “T,” but I could have had a “Che” one as well. In both instances, I knew little about the face that I was identifying with. So it is with the crowds of young people who clamor for the victory of Hamas against Israel – which means the Jews. They know nothing except hateful propaganda. [Steve Kramer]

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Antisemitism, International, Israel, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA

Palestine Lawn Day at Balboa Park Walls Off House of Israel

At one point, we had a man and woman from the other side come to the House of Israel. They
did not go inside but they were in our courtyard and they were engaging in a debate with
members of our community. My husband and I lingered close by just in case. One of the police officers made sure to also be very close to the situation. What was a nice surprise, it never went beyond a passionate and respectful debate between the parties involved. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA