FROM THE GATES OF THE NEGEV


Front Line Resident's Diary—January 4

By Ulla Hadar

KIBBUTZ RUHAMA, Israel, Sunday, January 4--The news of one soldier killed and another critically hurt has just been released in the media.

The act of entering the Gaza Strip is putting our forces in a more vulnerable situation than having the air force bombarding.

Although it has been known for some time now that the army was going to do something on ground level, I  had preferred to tell myself "maybe it won’t happen and the troops won’t need to enter.”

In Israel the children who join the army and become soldiers are precious to all of us.   If a soldier is hurt or killed we all feel the pain. There is a huge concern for the losses of the soldiers in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, here in Kibbutz Ruhama, one bomb shelter was prepared for use by children between the ages of infancy and two years, and another for the children between two and four years.

It has been important to enable older children to go to their kindergartens and regular school classes to establish a routine. Some of the parents have the opportunity to return to work, at least through the morning hours. The bomb shelters  function from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There have been fewer rockets fired at Israel than in the last week. But still quite a few have landed in several places.

Israelis have been sending to each other a clip on YouTube of an Arab television interview that backfired: Gary Grant, a legal expert on international law defended Israel's actions in Gaza. I have the feeling he will not be invited back. Here is a link.

Bureau chief Hadar may be contacted at hadaru@sandiegojewishworld.com


          


SAN DIEGO JEWISH ACADEMY January 27 Kindergarten program

To visit the school's website, please click on the advertisement above.




LETTER FROM JERUSALEM


Keeping the hell of war within bounds

By Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM—"War is Hell," according to someone who knew first hand. General William Tecumseh Sherman burned the South from Atlanta to the sea, and then northward through the Carolinas.

Israel's campaign in Gaza is not as extreme. Coming almost 150 years after Sherman, and managed by a country that honors the norms of international law enacted since then, destruction is accompanied by shipments of food and other supplies meant to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

The IDF has dropped leaflets advising residents to leave areas destined for attack. It collected 90,000 telephone numbers prior to the operation, and has phoned individual families telling them to clear out of sites that will be destroyed.

Nevertheless, it is far from pretty. The pictures show great destruction, screaming civilians, and bloodied children being carried to hospitals already jammed with the injured, the dead, and panicked relatives.

Israel justifies the destruction of homes, and a mosque during a time of prayer on the basis of their being used to store munitions. Those who support Israel's operation say it came after more than 10,000 rockets fired toward civilians since 2001. Many accept the carnage as the costs of a defensive war. Numerous heads of important governments have also recognized the justice of Israel's actions. Against them, however, are Arabs and Jewish leftists from within Israel, and crowds of demonstrators in many capitals.

The shrillest opponents are Muslims in the Middle East, Europe and North America who are prepared to condemn Israel on a daily basis before it does anything. Some who think Israel is justified do not accept its extent. The Palestinian death toll since December 27th is above 500 and the injured in the several thousands, while the latest figures show five Israelis dead and fewer than 100 injured, most of them lightly. While the principal weapons of Hamas are home made missiles that fly a few miles, are impossible to aim, and often fall short to kill Palestinians, Israel is using the some of the most destructive weaponry from its own workshops and those of friendly countries.

One can believe Israeli assertions that it does not aspire to rule Gaza. It is not clear if it means to destroy Hamas and leave Gaza without a government of Palestinians. Fatah leaders from the West Bank are not likely to claim Gaza as the spoils of Israeli bloodshed. It may not be easy to find countries acceptable to Israel that will send troops to guarantee whatever agreement will end the fighting, and to police a population bound to be restive

Israel's primary concern is to assure that its citizens do not have to suffer daily threats of a rocket exploding on their home, workplace, or their children's school.

Arab governments warned Hamas about the consequences of continued firing at civilians. Israel's weapons, and the record of what it had done in the past, rendered Hamas foolish in the extreme. Its actions were a piece with its litany from the Khartoum resolution of 1967: no peace, no recognition, and no negotiations with Israel.

Israelis do not expect to live in peace with Gaza, but hope that the length of quiet will follow from the extent of the death and destruction.

 Anyone claiming to be humane may find that calculus uncivilized, but it may be the only way to deal with neighbors whose fanatic hatred has no limits. 

One must also be prepared for something wider and more apocalyptic than what is happening in Gaza. Iran and Hizbollah are threatening to attack Israel from the north. If that comes, it could widen the war to Lebanon and Syria, and lead Israel to attempt the destruction of Iran's nuclear program. That could provoke Iranian missile attacks against Israeli cities, and whatever Israel chooses to do in response.

Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University.  He may be contacted at msira@mscc.huji.ac.il

UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO January 29 Men's Event, February 24 options

FROM THE SIDELINES

Hamas’ destruction is Israel’s purpose

By Rabbi Dow Marmur

JERUSALEM—Whatever the official Israeli statements may be saying, there’s much to suggest that the real purpose of its current war in Gaza is to destroy Hamas and thus bring its rule of terror there to an end. I heard retired general Moshe Sneh, a former deputy minister of defense, say so explicitly in a radio interview this morning.

It seems that the Fatah-run Palestinian Authority and several neighbouring Arab countries hope that Israel will succeed. In this sense, it’s doing what they themselves greatly desire but cannot accomplish. But whether Israel will be able to reach is presumed goal remains to be seen.
           
Unlike in the beginning of the second Lebanon war two-and-a-half years ago, Israeli spokespeople today don’t make triumphalist pronouncements but warn the public that this war is going to be neither easy nor brief. Experts suggest that the invasion that began last night is only the second of several stages. The fact that many more army reservists are being called up supports this assessment.

The official Israeli line is that its only objective is to silence the guns that have made life dangerous for people in the south of the country. The massive barrage of missiles reaching further and deeper into Israel after Hamas formally broke the fragile truce of the previous six months has rendered the present Israeli initiative inevitable. The land invasion became necessary when the rockets continued to fall on Israeli towns and settlements with even greater ferocity during the air attacks of last week.
 
“The international community” - a nebulous designation of many countries with very diverse agendas, presented in the media with equally diverse perspectives - is working on several ceasefire proposals. I surmise that Israel fears that none of them will be conducive to freeing Gaza from Hamas rule. Yet sooner or later it’ll have to comply. Hence the current intensified Israeli efforts to try to destroy Hamas before powerful diplomacy kicks in.

It seems that Israel’s vigorous international representations are  in the context of the international war on terror.  They are led by foreign minister Tzipi Livni who hopes, one assumes, that her success in this realm will match the military success of defense minister Barak and silence, or at least subdue, their chief opponent Binyamin Netanyahu in the forthcoming elections.  Anti-terror is a language that many political leaders understand, especially as they themselves aren’t immune to terrorist attacks in their own countries. That includes neighbouring Egypt and Jordan as well as other Arab states in the region.

Cynical-to-hostile media continue to display episodes of uncharacteristic understanding for Israel’s position. Even Al Jazeera, which we can view in Israel both in English and in Arabic, seems to be journalistically responsible. This morning it warned viewers not to believe the propaganda that Hamas is putting out.

“The world” - another nebulous concept - knows the score and wouldn’t be distressed if Hamas were to suffer a decisive and well deserved defeat. It would serve as a warning to its sister organizations, notably Hezbollah, as well as provide a real opportunity for creating a Palestinian state run by moderates like Abu Mazen.

Something good, or at least a little better, may still come of all this, even if the current situation isn’t pretty and the mood in the country reflects it.                                                      

Marmur is rabbi emeritus of Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto.  He now divides his time between Toronto and Jerusalem.  He may be contacted at marmurd@sandiegojewishworld.com





TIFERETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE







THE VIEW FROM JINSA

Why Fatah has muted reaction to Gaza War

By Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Demonstrations against Israel have been stronger, louder and longer in Europe than in the West Bank. There are, in part, two reasons.

Palestinians in the West Bank have lived for the past six years under a combination of Israeli security and Fatah political control. This has provided stability and, recently, improved economic and social conditions. There are Palestinians who regret the emergence of Hamas although lots of Palestinians voted for it: some because Fatah was corrupt, and some because they liked Hamas's plans for killing Jews.

Hamas is proving (again) that it will kill Palestinians as well as Israelis. Khalid Abu Toameh reports in The Jerusalem Post that since the beginning of the Israeli offensive, more than 75 Gaza Palestinians have been shot in the legs or had their hands broken, and more than 35 have been killed - by Hamas operatives who called them "collaborators."

Those "collaborators" are no more than Palestinians who accept the need for a long-term modus vivendi with the State of Israel - the ones Israel, the Quartet and others call the "moderates." They are not Zionists; "peace" may be beyond them and even "moderate" is a term of art. But there they are - Palestinians who may not even have helped Israel, but who know that Hamas isn't helping them. One man said his hands were broken when he cheered for an IDF airstrike. According to Abu Toameh, the dead were already held in Hamas prisons; the decision to murder them was out of fear of an Israeli rescue attempt. Isn't it against the Geneva Convention to kill prisoners?

This is potentially a signal moment in Palestinian politics.

For a long time, the goal of Israel and the Quartet has been to "strengthen Abu Mazen," perhaps in hopes that his popularity among Palestinians would improve. Despite the fact that his term of office ends next week and even before the operation in Gaza he was unwilling to either stand for election or stand aside, we have to hope Abu Mazen has been sufficiently strengthened to assert the obvious - a relationship with Israel is the best mechanism for the advancement of Palestinian political and economic maturation.

If he can't go that far, perhaps Abu Mazen could at least point out that Hamas is committing war crimes by a) directing fire at Israeli civilians; b) using Palestinian civilians as human shields; c) calling for the destruction of a UN member; and d) executing prisoners. (The first three crimes were enumerated by Alan Dershowitz in The Wall Street Journal; the fourth was not yet public.)

If he can't go that far, perhaps the Quartet could do it for him.

Abu Mazen has called Israel's operation "criminal," but said Hamas was responsible because it ended the "truce." Hamas called him a collaborator and no doubt hopes for an opportunity to eliminate him with the others.

Bryen is special projects director for the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA). Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, a longtime JINSA supporter and national board member.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE


Please click the ad above to learn more about JFS Economic Crisis Response Program





FREEDOM AT ISSUE


Limiting media rights during wartime

By Bruce Kesler

ENCINITAS, California--The primary and overriding obligation of a government and its military during war is to accomplish its objectives.  Support among its own public and that of influential outside powers is surely important, particularly the longer the armed engagement.

The press’ role can be either constructive toward this, or not.  The government may, or may not, be correct in its management of the war and of the press, but it is the government at war that has the requirement to decide, not the press. 

It is argued, often correctly, that the press in a war sometimes sees more clearly than the government or offers useful additional insights.  Still, it remains that it is the government and its people that suffers from failing to meet war’s objectives, not the press.  Failure at war is a far more grievous harm than can be recompensed by a corrections column or apologetic retrospective re-analysis in the newspaper.

Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, in Gaza and the West Bank, have always focused on this priority.  All journalists and stringers there are under their strict control, only allowed access to those areas and stories chosen by Hamas and the PA, and physically penalized for straying into criticism or embarrassment of Hamas or the PA.  The Western media has gone along with this, in virtual silence and even cover-up, in order to retain any access at all.  Meanwhile, the world’s media has had unlimited access and freedom to report anything it wishes in and about Israel.  Mostly hewing to excess Western sensitivities and even to anti-Israeli attitudes, much of the world’s media have in effect been active accomplices of Palestinian propaganda.  Western and world audiences have thereby been manipulated into undue negativity toward Israel and sympathy toward Palestinians.

Israel recognizes this imbalance and in the current Gaza offensive has taken measures to restrain the press’ undermining of its war effort.

A lengthy article, much more detailed than here, offers a useful summary of the measures that Israel has taken, and of the establishment press’ opposition.  Among Israel’s new approaches is going around the West’s established reporting screen and filters by going directly to the increasingly influential alternative media outlets, including YouTube.  As reported in the Jerusalem Post: “'In terms of communicating our message, new media is the future', Brig.-Gen. Avi Benayahu, the IDF's spokesman, told The Jerusalem Post.”

The ending observation made by the Israeli Defense Force spokesman gets to the heart of the matter: “An army has to fight, not to spend its time in front of television cameras.”  Israel is not allowing journalists in Israel to enter Gaza at will, to flash emotional scenes – often stage managed by Hamas – to incite the natural distaste the world’s civilians have toward the hell that is war.  For that matter, Egypt is also barring entry for journalists via Egypt.

The Israeli Supreme Court, in the manner of a civilized state, has ruled that some safe pooled entry will be allowed.  Egypt has no such civilized, independent court.  The response by the Western media, from its Foreign Press Association in Israel: “We believe the Israeli Government should ensure unfettered access for the world's media to Gaza during this crisis.”  Of note, there is no such press entity or hue allowed in Egypt, but that is not mentioned or mentionable by these Western press representatives.

It is not the responsibility of Israel to cut its own throat by allowing the sensationalist emphasis, negativity and bias of much of the West’s media “unfettered access.”   

Kesler is a freelance writer based in Encinitas, California. He may be contacted at bnksd1@aol.com






SOILLE SAN DIEGO HEBREW DAY SCHOOL




Please click on the ad above to visit the website of Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School

REFLECTIONS

Israel's use of power insures future peace


By Sheila Orysiek


SAN DIEGO—Bravo to Bruce Kesler on his Jan. 2 article "Choice between better and lesser peace." 

One might ask if there is such a thing as a “lesser peace?”  Is a war better than such a peace if that war purchases a “better peace?”  Peace does not always have to occur between two willing nations – it can occur and endure through the convincing victory of one side.

The world is not what we want it to be - it is what it is and we have to deal with it as we find it.  The Covenant at Sinai was not a Covenant for self-destruction, but was a Covenant for life and the necessity to defend life even with the use of force - though deplored - was understood.

It's wonderful to have an ideal life affirming view - but if one's neighbor does not and will not share that view, then the view is not based on mutual reality.  Would a limited war against Hitler and therefore a “lesser peace” have sufficed?  Would sending in food supplies to the guards at the concentration camps or the starving citizens of Berlin before final victory have made us feel better about it all or would it have prolonged the war? Just like the German people who elected Hitler, the people of the Gaza Strip bear responsibility for having knowingly elected Hamas.  Hamas was open about its objectives toward Israel. 

Israel didn't create the hatred in the Moslem world - and nothing it has tried has alleviated that hatred.  The only thing that has worked among the saner nations is the use of power and the conviction that Israel will use that power to defend itself - thus a better peace with Jordan and Egypt.

The leftwing countries of Europe have moved steadily away from supporting Israel and its right to defend itself - no matter what words they mouth; their actions and votes in the UN speak otherwise. If the situation on the ground were reversed, would they call for "humanitarian" aid for beleaguered Israelis?  I remember well the resolution in the UN equating Zionism with racism and the nations who voted for it.  How about equating Moslem hatred - jihad - as racism? 

The worldwide left will spare no hallowed institution in its pursuit of Israel; even the Nobel Peace Prize has been tainted with the names of Arafat and Carter.  The International Red Cross barred Israel's participation for fifty years and the UN has never allowed Israel a rotating seat on the Security Council - the only country in the world excluded.  And when only 31 percent of people here who identify as Democrats support Israel’s right of self defense (as referenced by Kesler in his article) it makes me wonder what has happened to the left here, too, and why do concerned Jews continue to support the left?

I agree with Bruce Kesler when he writes in his column that this would be a good opportunity for President-elect Obama to state unequivocally his support for Israel to defend itself.  That wouldn't be overstepping the bounds of "one president at a time."  A leader - even a leader-elect - doesn't equivocate when it comes to the right to defend life.  However, I recall his chosen secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, exchanged kisses with Arafat's wife.  She didn't do that as a private citizen - but as First Lady.  Obama’s long term relationship and support of Rev. Jeremiah Wright does not auger well for supporting Israel.  The very next day after addressing AIPAC he nuanced and watered down his support for Israel. 

Speak out Mr. Obama.  Don't give the terrorists hope with your silence.  Rockets and rejection of a cease fire by Hamas are not nuanced actions.  Meanwhile, once again the United States, under President Bush, holds off UN Security Council condemnation of Israel (which is meeting as I write this) and gives Israel both time and space.  And, yet, for his steadfast support of Israel he has received precious little recognition from the Jewish community.  As an outgoing two-term president his actions are not in pursuit of votes, but done out of true conviction.  There’s nothing nuanced about it.

I am afraid that in the world's view it is "normal" for rockets to fall on Israel – with the hope of hitting a kindergarten.  But it is inhumane - a war crime - for Israel to try to stop those rockets.   

Isn’t it amazing that whatever means Israel uses to defend itself – whether a military response or a fence – it is always “disproportionate?” 

Columnist Orysiek oil painted on canvas the image of the "Soldier at the Wall" used as an illustration with this article. she may be contacted at orysieks@sandiegojewishworld.com

LAWRENCE FAMILY JCC, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS

Reclaim, Rework, Recreate: The Gotthelf Goes Green

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – The Gotthelf Art Gallery, part of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS, is pleased to announce the new exhibition Reclaim, Rework, Recreate: The Gotthelf Goes Green, running through February 25, 2009. Art is for sale, with all proceeds benefiting the Gotthelf Art Gallery.

This second exhibit of the 2008-2009 utilizes only recycled and repurposed materials. In an effort to be more environmentally and ecologically aware, the Gotthelf Art Gallery is proud the present a wonderful array of usual art. This exciting show explores the whimsy and creativity of Tony Berlant, Liz Mamorsky, Marilyn Mitchell and Jody Silver.

“Becoming more environmentally aware and going “green” are two concepts that have become a necessity in today’s world. This show is an effort to show our support of that philosophy and to encourage the community to think of ways to recycle and conserve resources in our everyday lives,” said Randy Savarese, chair of the Gotthelf Art Gallery. “By making small, reasonable adjustments in our lives, we are taking the first steps to conserving our resources and making the world a better place.”





LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Where was the outcry over rocket attacks on Israel?

Editor, San Diego Jewish World

Your article on 'The intricate calculus of war and morality' couldn't have been more fair and balanced.
While those of us who have children living in Beer Sheva (the southern part of Israel, where now Hamas rockets are reaching) as well as other cities in Israel, and are spending more time in bomb shelters than living normal lives, I couldn't agree more with your analysis.

One has to wonder where the outcry from the rest of the civilized world was when hundreds, no thousands of rockets landed in Sha'ar Ha Negev, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva and other southern townships. Where were the European Nations then? Where was the UN?

Can you imagine if Mexico decided to launch an attack on the US from Tijuana and bombs landed in Chula Vista? How long would the US have stood for that? Can you imagine the anger and rhetoric from the citizens of this country? In a nanosecond, there would have been action taken!

Funny how the world sees what it wants and then judges. No matter what Israel does, it's never enough.

The citizens of Israel have the same rights any other civilized nation's citizens have and that is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I'm sure the good citizens of Gaza want the same for their children and families. Unfortunately, they are being used as pawns by Hams to sway world opinion.

Am I glad that Israel took a stand?

Yes and No!

Yes, because enough was enough.

Could it have been settled through negotiations? Well, the peace that Egypt brokered was always in default because of the rocket barrages. How much longer could it have been left alone?

No, because I don't see war as a means to the end.

That said, as long as my children and grandchildren and my neighbors' children and grandchildren are in harm's way because a fanatical group of terrorists don't want peace but the total destruction of Israel, some things just have to be.

Hopefully, the more moderate Arab nations want peace more than they want to play the blame game and when they come to the table, an honest-to-goodness, even-handed and viable treaty will be worked out.

From my lips to God's ears!

Carol Davis
San Diego





JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION



For more information about the Jewish Community Foundation, please click on the
advertisement above




THE JEWISH GROTTO

A Jewish group studies national health

By Gary Rotto

SAN DIEGO—President-Elect Barack Obama has been credited with quickly moving to assemble both a Cabinet and a greater leadership team.  In fact, he has moved at lightning speed compared to previous administrations-in-waiting.

Now that the leadership team has been selected, the President-elect has given the go-ahead to the Health Secretary-designate, Tom Daschle, to engage the public in a discussion on health care.  Daschle initiated a process of grassroots living room conversations that took place last month. I participated in such a group host at the Scripps Ranch home of Paulette Millander and Bill Kirsch.

This particular group of 18 folks was almost exclusively Jewish, with several members of the Torah study group at Chabad of Scripps Ranch and community members affiliated with the Jewish renewal and Reconstructionist movements.  Some of us have experience in health care related fields:  a retired pharmacist, a holistic health practioner, a dietitian.  The group included a single mom with two young sons, a professional couple without kids, a single dad with a school-aged child and several retirees.  We all had ideas, notions, and stories but, above all else, agreed that health care for the society as a whole needs to change.

One woman, aged 61, doesn’t have health insurance. She can’t afford it due to pre-existing conditions. Since she needs medical care she crosses the border into Tijuana and sees a medical doctor there at a significantly reduced cost.

Another woman, aged 51, shared that after her husband lost his job the cost of a post-employment insurance policy (COBRA) was $1200/month. Unemployment was paying much less. Medical insurance became unaffordable for this couple.

One man, aged 45, shared that the cost of medical insurance was significantly shrinking his paycheck. He wondered why he bothered to work.

In our ninety-minute discussion, we reached consensus on several ideas:  that there should be a basic health care plan provided and paid by the federal government for all citizens; that additional coverage options should be available to anyone who wishes to purchase “gold” plans and that employers should be encouraged to offer these additional plans as enticements for keeping and attracting workers; that all doctors should be required to accept the basic plan and must maintain a certain number of basic plan members.  We talked about the importance of prevention and wellness, even suggesting that one should earn points for wellness and preventive practices that could be redeemed later for additional health care services – an upgrade to a better, less basic plan when it is needed.  We also agreed that the Food and Drug Administration should be given the power by Congress and the President to regulate cigarettes and specifically, nicotine.

While we talked about our own experiences, we tried to look beyond our needs to those of people in less favorable economic circumstances. We didn’t craft the definitive plan, but have ideas that our facilitators will forward to the Obama Transition team.  If you are interested in participating in health care conversations, you may contact the transition team through www.change.gov.

Rotto is a freelance writer based in San Diego. He may be contacted at rottog@sandiegojewishworld.com

CAROL ANN GOLDSTEIN

PEOPLE OF THE BOOKS

Encyclopaedia of exotic Judaica enchants

by Joel A. Moskowitz M D

LA JOLLA, California--As a Skeptical Optimist and a devotee of secular magic, this reviewer’s interest was alerted by a book titled “The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic and Mysticism." Compiled and written by Rabbi Geoffrey W. Davis, from a congregation in Flower Mound, Texas and published by Llewellyn Publications in Woodbury, Minnesot, this tome wouldn’t likely alert mainstream readers. Over a thousand entries in 313 pages reveals, possibly for the first time to a general readership, the esoteric stories, practices and teachings of Judaism. They are combined alphabetically for easy reference and easy reading.

How many Synagogue and Temple attendees fail to achieve a sense of spirituality or an excitement of even intellectual curiosity and wonder from the typical worship services? Why not? Judaism is replete with mystical elements. Not only Kabbalah, which some shun, but the Midrash and the Bible itself contain mystical references. Few, almost none of the rabbis in this Jew’s experience explore, educate or excite their congregants to perhaps not accept but to think of the colorful magical ways that early students of Jewish practices analyzed and interpreted life. Do they dare to comment upon Ha Shem and the myriad of ways that the People of the Book thought and prayed?

Even many of those who like to think of themselves as deeply religious and following the tenets of the Bible, Jews and Christians alike, would probably fail if they were asked questions about subjects which form the basis of contemporary practices. How many would know that Maccabees I and Macabees II are not parts of the Bible but of the Christian Testament? While this is not a feature of this otherwise comprehensive book many other interesting items are: Did you know that G-d only created the world for the sake of music (p177); Seven is one of the greatest power numbers in Judaism (in Las Vegas as well) (p 188) Monday is a bad luck day - the only day in the Creation that he didn’t bless...because he created Gehenna on that day (Monday blues?) (p57); Curses, comets and meteors, women, circumcision, weddings, the Zohar, and Chabad, are some of the many entries only vaguely known by those who frequent Shuls. But these historical stories have left their stamp on Judaism and are described in this enlightening tome.

If you experience Shabbath services as dull, tiring and repetitive and you don’t have the fare or inclination to go to Congregation Kol Ami in Flower Mound, Texas, where Rabbi Dennis undoubtedly provides stimulating expositions in his teaching, then this book is the next best thing.

Moskowitz, a retired physician and devotee of the magical arts, resides in La Jolla.





SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGES


Please click on the above ad to learn about the many programs of the San Diego Community
College District




BALLOON UTOPIA



Please click the ad above to visit the Balloon Utopia website





WHAT'S GOOD TO EAT IN SAN DIEGO


Restaurant Week: great way to forget 2008

By Lynne Thrope

SAN DIEGO—No question 2008 was a bust of a year with the economy tanking, the paying of ridiculously high gas prices, corruption in too many corporations (and most likely lurking still in unnamed unknowns), and with no end in sight for the desperate people of Darfur. For my part, I’ve decided to focus my memories on the best the past year has delivered which can be easily summed up in one bountiful and beauteous word – friends – for without them, I wouldn’t be writing this particular column and without them, I wouldn’t have a positive perspective entering 2009.

With music, merriment, and mirth my friends were consistently present for me and for my family during the toughest times 2008 wrought. I was reminded of this gift of goodness once again when a gift card to San Diego’s 5th Restaurant Week was given to me the fifth time I lit the Chanukah lights. Do my friends know me, or what?

Restaurant Week is always my favorite time to dine out to try some of San Diego’s newest, adventurous, and most expensive restaurants at fixed prices of $40, $30, and $20 (excluding beverage, tip, and tax). Here is a link with the complete listing of restaurants and menus.. Check out the alluring menus of The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Thee Bungalow, 333 Pacific, and Sally’s and then run to the phone and make your reservations. Last year, they went very quickly. “San Diego’s standing as a dining city has been fueled by the power of San Diego Restaurant Week” said Ingrid Croce, event chairwoman. Last year, 250,000 diners went to 150 restaurants. This year, Restaurant Week is partnering with the Girl Scouts of America who will provide their cookies to participating restaurants. Jeff Rossman of Terra created a sensational cheesecake using the Girl Scout’s Samoa® and Dulce de Leche® brands. He graciously agreed to share his recipe with the readers of San Diego Jewish World:

Girls Scout Samoa® Cheesecake

with Dulce de Leche® Cookie Crust

For the crust:
4 oz. melted butter
1 box Dulce de Leche® cookies
1 Tbls. butter
1lb.+12oz. softened cream cheese
¼ cup sour cream
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 limes, juiced
1 box Samoa® Girl Scout cookies, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 325º.

Mix melted butter with Dulce de Leche® cookie crumbs to form the crust.

Grease a spring form pan with the butter and firmly pack the crust onto the bottom. Place a piece of plastic wrap (large enough to fold up the sides of your pan) on a clean work surface. Wrap the pan in the plastic wrap and fold the edges up to the top so that no water will seep in after you place it in a water bath.

In a Kitchen Aid or mixer with the whip attachment, combine the cream cheese, sour cream and sugar and whip for about 5 minutes until light and airy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Then add the lime juice. Fold in the Samoa® cookies so they don’t break up and then pour the mix into the spring form pan. Take a casserole dish large enough to fit the pan and place the pan in the casserole dish. Fill the dish with warm water so the water comes up to but not over the plastic. Bake mixture in the water bath for about 1.5 hours or until the center is set.

From the recipe files of Chef Jeff Rossman, copyright © 2008 Terra Restaurant & Catering

Restaurant Week begins Sunday, January 11 and runs through Friday, January 16, 2009….B’Tayavon

Lynne Thrope can be contacted at thropel@sandiegojewishworld.com

To hear the world's most beautiful music, please click on the advertisement above




AMERICA'S VACATION CENTER

Nancy Harrison
cruise & tour specialist

(619) 265-0808

nancy.harrison@americasvacationcenter.com

San Diego Jewish World says "there's a Jewish story everywhere." I help get you to the locales of such stories. I work hard to find you the best prices!

Return to top

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History

Editor's Note: To create a permanent and accessible archive, we are reprinting news articles that appeared in back issues of various San Diego Jewish newspapers. You may access an index of the headlines of those articles by clicking here. You may also use the Google search program on our home page or on the headline index page to search for keywords or names.

Council Inaugurates New Program
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 21, 1950, page 7

Mrs. David Doctor, Pres. Of the local chapter of the Nat’l Council of Jewish Women, announced that on Tuesday, July 11th an orientation group for the Emigrees was started, under the leadership of Mrs. Phillip Rand.  Mrs. Rand explained the purpose of these Tuesday evening sessions to the Group.

Rose Anderson, Secretary of the Jewish Welfare Society, spoke on the importance of emigrees learning
English. She stated that the newcomers two main problems are English difficulty and securing a position.  In her opinion, mastering the English language is of major importance.  She stressed that the Emigrees make every effort to learn English since it is the key to finding a position.

Mrs. Harriet Rubel, the overall chairman of Service to Foreign Born, for the Council of Jewish Women who was on hand with delicious cookies “a la Lucille Rubel,” which were served with tea. It was an interesting evening for all.

The Orientation group is in need of teachers. If you wish to devote a few hours of service to our New Americans please contact Rose Anderson at F-1803.


Jr. Pioneer Women
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 21, 1950, page 8

By  Mrs. Charles I. Turner, Pub.

Due to the observance of the Jewish Holiday “Tish-a-Bov,” the Jr. Pioneer Women Square Dance scheduled for July 22nd has been postponed to Saturday, August 26, 8:30 p.m. at Temple Center

Purpose of this dance, in addition to giving everyone the good time they had at the last one, is to raise money to id in the rehabilitation of displaced persons and to settle them in Israel.

Everyone is sure to enjoy themselves while listening and dancing to the calling of Mr. Mount. 

For reservations call T. 1-7526.

At the beautiful candlelight ceremony of installation held July 11 in Temple Beth Israel, the Jr. Pioneer Women presented Mrs. Theodore Hermann with a silver lighter and ash tray set, as a token of esteem for her fine leadership last year.  Mrs. Hermann was reelected President for the coming year.


J.C.R.A.
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 21, 1950, page 8

By Anna B. Brooks, Publicity

Vacation time is play time, not only for school children but for the whole family.  Why not give Mom a rest by treating her to a meal home cooked by someone else.  On Sunday, August 13, the J.C.R.A. ladies are serving a turkey dinner with all the trimmings at Mission beach from 12:00 noon until as long as the food holds out. Sandwiches and soft drinks will be served for mid-afternoon snacks.  To top it off, the Birdie Stodel B’nai B’rith booth will feature delicious sweets.

Tables for the picnic have been reserved near the South entrance of the Mission beach Plunge.  A large assortment of packages and merchandise on display will be auctioned during the afternoon.

It is good to  have pleasure for more than the sake of pleasure alone. Proceeds of this picnic will go to the treatment of sufferers of Tuberculosis

“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our indexed "Adventures in San Diego Jewish History" series will be a daily feature until we run out of history.





JEWISH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE



Please click on the advertisement above to visit the Jewish American Chamber of Commerce,
of which San Diego Jewish World is a member.



Jewish Internet Favorites
To see previous selections, please click here to go to our archive index

Isaac Stern rehearses Mozart concerto in Beijing ... A seven-minute documentary narrated by Stern, to his music, about rehearsing with a mainland Chinese orchestra.

Marc Chagall slide show—Set to music, this slide show reprises over nearly six minutes some of the artists's best known works.

Yair Nitzani explains the "three kinds of Jews" ... An Israeli comedian explains our differences to some non-Jewish friends. Clip forwarded to us by Hillel Mazansky

SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD: THE WEEK IN REVIEW



Sunday, January 4, 2009 (Vol 3, No. 3)

GAZA-ISRAEL WAR
Front Line Resident's Diary—January 2-3 ... by Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel

Who, if anyone, wants to rule Gaza? ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

The intricate calculus of war and morality... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego

LETTERS
Miko Peled column on Gaza situation in San Diego Union-Tribune draws rebuttals ... from Gerry Burstain in Escondido and J.J. Surbeck in Encinitas

ARTS
Jewish history helps father, son reconcile ... by Gail Feinstein Forman in San Diego

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
July 21, 1950: Beth Jacob Sisterhood
July 21, 1950: Beth Jacob Congregation
July 21, 1950: Temple Sisterhood
July 21, 1950: Cottage of Israel

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
Amedeo Modigliani—A review of the Italian Jewish artist's paintings, especially his long-necked women

Jascha Heifetz plays Paganini Caprice No. 24—There may possibly have been some violinists as good as Heifetz, but none better!

Marilyn Monroe-Jack Benny comedy sketch, 1953 ... On a cruise Jack Benny dreams he is with Marilyn Monroe, and, by golly, he is!


Friday-Saturday, January 2-3, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 2)

WAR IN GAZA
Aliyah continues despite Gaza War ... by Ze'ev Bielski in Jerusalem

Should Israel be the David or Goliath?... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem

Explosive New Year 2009 in Israel, Gaza... by Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel

Choice between better and lesser peace ... by Bruce Kesler in Encinitas, California

LETTERS
San Diegan finds Israel calm in wartime... from Guenter Cohn in Ramat Bet Shemesh

LIFESTYLES
Resolution for more balance in 2009... by Sara Appel-Lennon in San Diego

ARTS
Morton Gould: A personal tribute (Part II)... by David Amos in San Diego

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
July 21, 1950: News of the Fox
July 21, 1950: S.D. Lasker Hi-Lites
July 21, 1950: Beth Jacob Ladies Auxiliary
July 21, 1950: Labor Zionist Organization~Chaim Weitzmann Branch of San Diego

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
Al Jolson singing "The Wedding Song"

Groucho Marx singing "Its Only Money"with Frank Sinatra, 1951

Jonas Salk tells Academy of Achievement about discovery of polio vaccine


Thursday, January 1, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 1)

WAR IN GAZA
Hamas increases the circumference of danger with the firing of bigger rockets... by Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel

The great debate in Israel: how much more warfare before Hamas learns its lesson? ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

LETTERS
Jewish Agency for Israel puts war diaries online ... from Boaz Meir in Los Angeles

NATIONAL
Nixon Library provides a 7-year-old with introduction to U.S. presidential history ... by Donald H. Harrison in Yorba Linda, California

ARTS
Thursdays with the Music of Hal Wingard:
—39, No Reason
—197, Softly, Love
—139, Love

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
July 21, 1950: You Name It
July 21, 1950: Cross Discussion
July 21, 1950: Alpha Phi Pi
July 21, 1950: Cushman Publishes New Weekly

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
Jerry Lewis "typewriter" skit from Who's Minding the Store?

Milton Berle vs. Arnold Stang

Milton Berle vs. Statler and Waldorf (Muppets)

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 311)

WAR IN GAZA
Thoughts of an Israeli war front resident ... by Ronit Salomon in Kibbutz Or Haner, Israel

Notes from our correspondent in Kibbutz Ruhama ... by Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel

Bombing halt may be in Israel's interest... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem, Israel

War should impress Hamas that rocket attacks on Israel have a very heavy price ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

How quickly Europeans forget WWII lessons... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.

AUSTRALIA ... A roundup of stories by Garry Fabian in Melbourne
—Million dollar school gift
—Josh's special journey
—Repeated calls for hate crimes unit
—Shule Judaica sells for $400,000
—Opportunity Shop's future threatened by rent hike
—Shifting the balance
—New federal JNF head mooted

LETTERS
Israel seeks to help civilians, destroy terrorists ... from Boaz Meir in Los Angeles

Arabs see no evil in their internecine massacres... from Norman Mann in San Diego

ARTS
A Vegas-style present from the Jersey Boys... by Carol Davis in Las Vegas, Nevada

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
July 21, 1950: Big Sisters Elect Mrs. Rubel
July 21, 1950: Dollars and Sense (Editorial)
July 21, 1950: Histadrut Council of San Diego
July 21, 1950: Pioneer Women Negba Club
July 21, 1950: Esther Moorsteen To Speak To Methodist Group On Israel

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
Cantor Yosef Rosenblatt sings My Yiddishe Mama

Shelley Berman on Life's Little Embarassing Moments

Steven Spielberg Accepting Oscar in 1994 for 'Schindler's List'

COMMUNITY WATCH
United Jewish Federation: Expert Terrorism Analyst Brigitte Gabriel to speak at UJF’s Options 2009

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 310)

INTERNATIONAL
Has Israel's response been proportional? ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

Beware of well-meaning hypocrisy ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem

Where seconds can determine if you'll live ... by Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel

Controlling the terms of the war ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.

LETTERS

Some facts and statistics about the Gaza War ... from Eyal Dagan

A final shalom to columnist Dov Levy ... from Elizabeth Levy

ARTS
A Ladino wedding song: Noches, Noches ... by Cantor Sheldon Merel in San Diego, with a recording of his performance of this song

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
July 7, 1950: S.D. Post No. 185 Jewish War Veterans
July 7, 1950: Labor Zionist Organization~Chaim Weitzmann Branch of San Diego
July 7, 1950: Home For The Aged
July 7, 1950: S.D. Lasker Lodge Hi-Lites

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
Albert Einstein Explains E=MC squared
Sandy Koufax pitching
Three Stooges: Curly's Sweater

Monday, December 29, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 309)

INTERNATIONAL
Israeli voices in the Gaza war ... roundup of unofficial and official correspondence

Bike ride plans continue, despite Gaza War ... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego

LIFESTYLES
Knishes for Christmas Dinner ... by Sheila Orysiek in San Diego, with a reprint of her knish recipe

Jewish Internet Favorites: We begin collecting Jewish musicians on video, including vocalist Barbra Streisand, pianist Arturo Rubinstein and violinist David Oistrakh.

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
July 7, 1950: J.C.R.A.

July 7, 1950: San Diego Bay City B’nai B’rith Women Chapter No. 713

July 7, 1950: Jewish War Veterans

July 7, 1950: S.D. Birdie Stodel B’nai B’rith Chapter No. 92

Link to previous editions

< BACK TO TOP

Copyright 2007-2009 - San Diego Jewish World, San Diego, California. All rights reserved.