The Torah’s narrative regarding the events leading to the acceptance of the Torah at Mount Sinai through Moshe Rabaynu is somewhat ambiguous, leaving scholars and commentators grappling with the persistent question: what precisely occurred? [Rabbi Daniel Reich]
Parsha Yitro: What Happened at Sinai Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
He and his wife Lina Gutherz privately funded the Nathan Straus Pasteurized Milk Laboratory to combat infant mortality, and opened in Lakewood, New Jersey a Tuberculosis Preventorium for Children. During the Panic of 1893, his milk stations sold coal for the low price of 5 cents for 25 pounds. He opened homeless shelters for 64,000 people who paid a nickel each to get a bed and breakfast. He funded 50,000 meals for one cent each. At Abraham & Straus, he established a subsidized company cafeteria. [SDJW staff]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Nathan Straus Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA
When I watched the unwatchable news on October 7, and then later doom scrolled through November and December and into 2024, inhaling episodes of rape and slaughter and captivity, but also excruciatingly moving scenes of incomplete family reunions, of young soldiers breaking down at funerals, and, of course, of women and children blown to bits in Gaza City and Khan Younis, a whispered prayer sometimes escaped my lips, “God, we don’t need any more stories.” [Rabbi Philip Graubart]
Jews and Palestinians, History and Memory Read More »
Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I agree with the Torah, Hillel, Akiva, Ben Azzai, and others that the first basic principle is to treat others as you want them to treat you. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
My List of Three Basic Principles of Judaism Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Like Moshe, burdened by his flock, we often wear ourselves thin in service. But just as Yitro offered wise counsel to Moshe to share the burden, remember that neglecting your own wellspring weakens you and those you serve. Self-care isn’t indulgence, it’s sacred stewardship. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Yitro: Care for Yourself, as Yitro Instructed Moses Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
He believed demonstrations should be novel and considered sit-ins to be passé. He once threatened to ship a thousand rats to City Hall, which he described as a form of integration. He had long lines of supporters exchanging their pennies for dollars at banks, and threatened to have a “piss in” at Chicago O’Hare Airport. [SDJW staff]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Saul Alinsky Read More »
Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA
License plate maven Melanie Rubin spotted 4UBubby on a California-licensed car in San Diego. We figure the owner of the car is one happy grandma.
Beginning January 1st when I resumed my former position as publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World, we have been taking steps to expand and improve our coverage of the Jewish communities in San Diego, elsewhere in the U.S., Israel, and around the world. [Donald H. Harrison]
Letter from the Editor: How San Diego Jewish World is Changing Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, San Diego Calendar, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA
Which of the following is true about Levi Strauss and Levi’s jeans? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Levi Strauss Read More »
Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
The Jews know not to create idols, but what about idols they did not create! What friends and allies they have not ascribed to themselves in their long history of torment! It is a tragic trait of a persecuted people to seek real and imaginary supporters. [Alex Gordon, Ph.D]
Napoleon and the Jews Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The movie viscerally reenacts the wrenching of Edgardo from his home, the anguish it caused his family, and the divisions it created among Italian Jewish leaders who worried that overt protests would jeopardize their already precarious position in the Papal States. [Laurie Baron]
SD International Jewish Film Festival Preview: ‘Kidnapped’ Read More »
Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Lambert’s big break came in 2009 when he finished as runner-up to singer Kris Allen in Season Eight of American Idol, covering such songs as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Black or White,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Mad World,” “If I Can’t Have You,” “One,” “Cryin’,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and “No Boundaries. [SDJW staff]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Adam Lambert Read More »
California, International, Jewish Celebrities, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
“They shouldn’t have sent him out of prison,” Koubi said. “I knew that he would make a lot of trouble. Sinwar had murderous eyes. He hates Israelis, Jews, and the ‘infidels’ — a very deep hating. He knew the Koran by heart and the charter of Hamas by heart. He told me even that they were planning to kidnap more Israeli soldiers. He was right unfortunately.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Former Shin Bet Interrogator Profiles Hamas Leader Yahya al-Sinwar in SDJW Interview Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
“I’m not adding to the vitriol. My goal is to do my small part to help move the HRC away from that and into the effective, on-the-ground work that it was meant to do.” [SDJW staff]