San Diego County

List of 60 Universities Under Investigation for Antisemitism

“The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year. University leaders must do better,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.  [Press Release]

List of 60 Universities Under Investigation for Antisemitism Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

The Soille Family Makes an Impact in San Diego

Rabbi Soille davened at the Beth Jacob synagogue which was located at the time in North Park.  While the synagogue did not have a mechitza, Rabbi Soille would daven in the front area by the bimah which was surrounded by a metal rod iron wall.  Rabbi Soille was very close with the Rabbi of the synagogue, Rabbi Baruch Stern, and they would eat over at each other’s homes on Shabbat. [Avraham Dimenstein]

The Soille Family Makes an Impact in San Diego Read More »

International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

The Soille Family Hides During the Holocaust

Esther Soille decided to go up the ladder through the back window to the apartment, for she believed that if the Nazis found a man up there, they would shoot immediately but would hesitate for a woman. [Avraham Dimenstein]

The Soille Family Hides During the Holocaust Read More »

Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

An Ethical Will from a Fallen IDF Soldier

Inside was an ethical will written by Staff Sgt. Shachar Fridmann, who was killed in Gaza in action defending the state of Israel. He was only 21 years old. In his own words, “Be Good People. Smile. Strive to make every person you meet smile too. ..”

An Ethical Will from a Fallen IDF Soldier Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

SDSU, Hillel Responded Forcefully to Vandalism Targeting Jewish Fraternity

Hillel of San Diego is incredibly proud and deeply grateful for the unwavering support and unity demonstrated by the San Diego State University community in response to the recent antisemitic incident at the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity house. [Karen Parry]

SDSU, Hillel Responded Forcefully to Vandalism Targeting Jewish Fraternity Read More »

Antisemitism, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Researcher Assembles Biographies of the Late Rabbi Henry & Rebbetzin Esther Soille

All the Jewish fundraisers knew they could count on a sizable donation by stopping by the second floor of the mustard-colored apartment building at 4501 Ohio St. in the North Park district of San Diego.  This had been the residence of Rabbi Henry and Esther Soille (pronounced Swall) since the early 1960’s. [Avraham Dimenstein]

Researcher Assembles Biographies of the Late Rabbi Henry & Rebbetzin Esther Soille Read More »

International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

March 21 Shabbat Dinner Incorporated into Blue Water Film Festival

The event will kick off at 5 PM with opening remarks by Consul General of Austria Michael Postl followed by a Shabbat family style
dinner. Once dinner is completed, screenings of Ripple Effect, Wild City, and San Diego: America’s Wildest City will be shown followed by Q&A discussions with the attending filmmakers. [Press Release]

March 21 Shabbat Dinner Incorporated into Blue Water Film Festival Read More »

International, Israel, Press Release, San Diego County, The World We Share, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Reflections on Turning 60: Being Enough

Then came the “crossing the threshold” ceremony. I was asked to reflect on what I wanted to leave behind in my 50s and what I wanted to welcome into my 60s. The answer came instantly:”enoughness.” I wanted to release the old stories that whispered, “I haven’t done enough,” “I haven’t served enough,” “I haven’t tried hard enough”—all feeding the belief that I am not enough. [Shayna Kaufmann]

Reflections on Turning 60: Being Enough Read More »

Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Women of the Bible: Esther Was a Courageous Queen

One of my favorite times of the year is coming soon. Each year, I volunteer at the annual Temple Emanu-El of San Diego’s Purim Carnival. I serve my community by handing out tickets and dispensing snacks and drinks to the colorfully costumed and joyful children and their adults. [Barrett Holman Leak]

Jewish Women of the Bible: Esther Was a Courageous Queen Read More »

Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Community Ally: Iranian-American Dentist Stands with Israel

At a time when advocacy for Israel has become increasingly contentious, Farhoud Rastegar, a dentist with Smile Makeover Center in Mission Valley, has made his position clear: he stands with Israel and its right to defend itself. [Claudia Katsale]

Jewish Community Ally: Iranian-American Dentist Stands with Israel Read More »

Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA