Travel and Food

Maybe it’s Because I’m a Londoner…

Spending a week in London in mid-November is not really a good idea for someone who has become used to the Mediterranean climate of Israel, but the arrival there of our son from Las Vegas proved an overriding attraction, so we went. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

Maybe it’s Because I’m a Londoner… Read More »

Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Jews Divide Along Denominational Lines over Thanksgiving Celebrations

“When can we eat?” Not only do we hear this as we gather for Passover, but I am sure this question was asked in many homes on Thanksgiving. It is always the debate. Do you serve Thanksgiving lunch, something between noon and 6 p.m., or serve as the sun sets for dinner? [Cailin Acosta]

Jews Divide Along Denominational Lines over Thanksgiving Celebrations Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Visiting the Gaza Envelope

Recently we followed in the footsteps of many Israelis and traveled south to the “Gaza envelope” (the area of Jewish communities adjacent to the border). We were on one of two buses sponsored by the ESRA organization going to the area where 1,269 Israelis (and some others) were killed, thousands were wounded, and 250+ were kidnapped. In addition to our bus there were many other busses and private cars visiting the area. [Steve Kramer]

Visiting the Gaza Envelope Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food

Are There Jewish Miracles? Yes, 8 Days of Chanukah Among Them

Do Jews believe in miracles? An article on myjewishlearning.com sparked my interest. Miracles appear throughout Jewish texts, from the splitting of the Red Sea to the bush that burned but was not consumed. [Cailin Acosta]

Are There Jewish Miracles? Yes, 8 Days of Chanukah Among Them Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Discusses Science and Holiday Treats

“Growing up, both of my grandfathers were engineers, and I was always told we needed more women in all areas of STEM,” Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) told 3rd to 8th grade girls who attended the All-Girls STEM Society meeting at the Mission Valley Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 23. [Cailin Acosta]

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Discusses Science and Holiday Treats Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Mitzvot and Kindness Mark Visit to a Recycling Center

As I took my bottles and cans to EDCO Recycle this morning, I reflected that the “haul” used to be filled with Diet Coke cans. However, years ago, I switched to SodaStream, an Israeli product that carbonates your water.  I don’t add any syrups.  I simply drink fizzy water.  The volume of my recycling has decreased, but I feel, nevertheless, that I am dong my part for the environment. [Cailin Acosta]

Mitzvot and Kindness Mark Visit to a Recycling Center Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Is Matzah Ball Soup Really a Cure-All?

Matzah ball soup is also known as the “Jewish penicillin.” Whenever I am sick, that is what friends would tell me. “All you need is some matzah ball soup and you will feel so much better.” [Cailin Acosta]

Is Matzah Ball Soup Really a Cure-All? Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Veterans Deserve Our Appreciation on Monday and All Days

Veterans Day weekend is here and almost everyone gets a day off from school, work or just another day for those who are retired. But it is more than a vacation from our daily responsibilities. Those who served deserve to be honored and one day cannot thank them enough for putting their lives on the line for our freedom to be in America. [Cailin Acosta]

Veterans Deserve Our Appreciation on Monday and All Days Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Mending Broken IDF Soldiers

Many Israelis, whether as individuals in groups or associations, have taken it upon themselves to provide ‘extra-curricular’ help to the wounded soldiers, visiting them in hospitals, bringing them food or special treats, and generally doing what they can to improve the morale of sturdy young men who suddenly find themselves in a situation of near-helplessness.[Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

Mending Broken IDF Soldiers Read More »

Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Jewish Trivia Quiz: Bagels

Among ‍the ‍most ‍popular ‍bagel ‍flavors ‍is ‍the ‍everything ‍bagel, ‍typically ‍covered ‍with ‍the ‍combination ‍of ‍seeds ‍and ‍spices, ‍including ‍sesame ‍seeds, ‍poppy ‍seeds, ‍flaked ‍sea ‍salt, ‍garlic ‍flakes, ‍and ‍onion ‍flakes. ‍Everything ‍bagel ‍coating ‍can ‍now ‍be ‍found ‍in ‍many ‍other ‍food ‍products, ‍including ‍which ‍of ‍the ‍following? [Mark D. Zimmerman]

Jewish Trivia Quiz: Bagels Read More »

Business & Finance, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

City Attorney Declines to Bring Charges against 64 Anti-Israel Demonstrators Arrested at UCSD Spurring Protests from Former U.S. Rep. Lynn Schenk, Others

City Attorney Mara W. Elliott’s office has announced that “we do not intend to file criminal charges against the 64 people arrested” at the anti-Israel encampment on the UC San Diego campus last May. According to a statement, the decision was made “after a months-long review” of “substantial body-worn camera footage and all other available evidence.” [Donald H. Harrison]

City Attorney Declines to Bring Charges against 64 Anti-Israel Demonstrators Arrested at UCSD Spurring Protests from Former U.S. Rep. Lynn Schenk, Others Read More »

California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA