Staff and Bylined Contributors

A Tree of Life is Sculpted in Ma’ale Adumim, Israel

At first glance, the Tree is a giant, massive, dead olive tree.  But, like the Jewish people, when you get closer to it, scan the upper truncated Tree arms, and coming out of them is life, renewed, fresh shoots of green leaves.  Atop the highest of the tree arms, on the highest branch of green leaves, is a Dove.  The Dove is the most heartfelt symbol of peace all recognize and desire in this contentious land. [Jerry Klinger]

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Israel, Jerry Klinger, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Elaine Bromka Portrays First Ladies Johnson, Nixon, and Ford in ‘Tea for Three’

Much of the content for this one-woman show came from Bromka’s extensive research. She armed herself with the 800+ page diary of Lady Bird, autobiography and diaries of Betty Ford, and writings of White House press secretaries. The multi-talented actress told me that “librarians are my heroines/heroes.” [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

ADL: Antisemitism on the Rise in San Diego County

In the San Diego region, ADL recorded an unprecedented total of 108 local incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism in 2023, a 200% increase from 2022. This dramatic spike in antisemitic acts includes 58 incidents occurring after October 7th, comprising 54% of total incidents. This reflects a global trend as Jewish communities worldwide face heightened tensions and hatred in response to the Oct 7 massacre and ongoing conflict – on campuses, in the public square and at anti-Israel demonstrations. [Fabienne Perlov]

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Antisemitism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Cornel West Evades CNN’s Question about Whether Israel Should Exist

Phillip confronted West during an interview last Thursday night after he announced the appointment of his running mate, Melina Abdullah, who appeared with him. They both blamed Israel for the war in Gaza and refused to condemn the terror group Hamas, which touched off the war with its Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel. Maybe they blame Israel for Iran’s massive bombing attack on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Israel, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

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]

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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