San Diego County

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

The Family Joy of Purim

I also like hearing or reading about the many different flavors of hamentachen. New ones I saw this year were salted caramel and a peanut butter and chocolate one.  Both sound interesting. [Cailin Acosta]

The Family Joy of Purim Read More »

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

California Court Strikes Down Prejudiced Ethnic Studies Courses

The Santa Ana decision came 18 months after a coalition of organizations sued the district in Sept. 2023, accusing it of violating California’s open meetings Brown Act and not protecting the public, including members of the Jewish community, from intimidation and harassment at board meetings. [Marsha Sutton, Times of San Diego]

California Court Strikes Down Prejudiced Ethnic Studies Courses Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Times of San Diego

Four Local Poets/ Musicians to Be Featured at JCC on March 4

The featured presenters will be Poet Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, Song writers Aaron and Milo Wolpoff of Congregation Ohr Shalom, and Poet Rebecca Leeman, student at Torah Hich School. [Eileen Wingard]

Four Local Poets/ Musicians to Be Featured at JCC on March 4 Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Alone Together’ is a Coming-of-Middle-Age Drama at Pow-Pac

George (Greg Oberle) and Helene (Helen Lesnick) have spent 30 years raising three sons in a comfortable home in Los Angeles. The boy-men are all capable of completing an education and establishing careers and relationships…at least ostensibly.  Yet, for Michael (Benjamin Jacob), Elliott (Josh Click), and Keith (John McCorkle), successfully living away from Mom and Dad has proved elusive. [Eva Trieger]

‘Alone Together’ is a Coming-of-Middle-Age Drama at Pow-Pac Read More »

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

A Few African-American Jewish Entertainers Noted During Black History Month

Where did February go? It is the shortest month of the year but seems to be packed with the most events and celebrations. One of those being Black History Month. Below are a few African-American Jewish entertainers. [Cailin Acosta]

A Few African-American Jewish Entertainers Noted During Black History Month Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Dumisani Washington Rebuilds Bridge Between San Diego’s Black and Jewish Communities

The weekend of February 21-23 was one to remember for me as an African American, as a Jewish American, as a woman. It was deeply rewarding to be affirmed on multiple levels by the teaching and preaching of Dumisani Washington, Pastor and CEO of Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel on the Stronger Together Weekend. [Barrett Holman Leak]

Dumisani Washington Rebuilds Bridge Between San Diego’s Black and Jewish Communities Read More »

Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jason Nevarez on Grief, Mourning and Jewish Tradition

In Jewish tradition, this recognition of personal grief is supported by rituals that provide comfort and connection at every stage of loss — before a person’s passing, in the moment of transition, and throughout burial and mourning. [Elizabeth Ireland, Times of San Diego]

Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jason Nevarez on Grief, Mourning and Jewish Tradition Read More »

Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Times of San Diego