Ohr Shalom Synagogue November 14 Zamru service



UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO January 29 Men's Event



Please click on the ad above to register for the UJF Men's Event




To visit the website of the Jewish Community Foundation, please click on this ad



TIFERETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Please click on this ad to visit the website of Tifereth Israel Synagogue

KIBBUTZ RUHAMA, Israel-- There are times when Kassam missiles are hitting the Sha'ar Hanegev municipality that residents want to take to the streets and demand that the Israeli government do more to protect the citizens, but Mayor Alon Schuster says to give into such emotionalism is a bad idea.

A demonstration against the government  would only serve to encourage the Hamas terrorists who are launching the missiles from Gaza, he said during an interview at the guesthouse on this kibbutz.  “They would get the idea that we are weak,” he explained.  “It’s important for us to remember who are real enemies are.”

Although the constant threat of Kassam missiles is psychologically wearying,  Schuster , a member of the Labor party, said he understands why the Israel Defense Ministry headed by the leader of the Labor Party, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak,  shows the restraint that it does.

He said that  the alternative of sending Israeli troops into Gaza for what could be a full-scale war with the Iranian-backed Hamas forces could result in far more casualties and deaths than ever will be sustained as a result of the Kassam missiles.

Whereas people who read about Kassams falling on Sha’ar Hanegev feel that they would be 100 percent unsafe if they were to visit the area, he said most of the 6,000 residents of his sprawling municipality along Israel’s border with Gaza recognize that the chances of their being injured or killed by a Kassam are very slight.  The overwhelming percentage of the Kassams fall harmlessly on fields.

Whereas the mayor minimizes the physical danger of the Kassams , he conceded in an interview that their psychological impact of the rockets has caused some residents to move away and also has caused potential new citizens to change their minds.

To counteract this tendency-and to encourage growth of his community notwithstanding the threat—Schuster suggests that the Israeli government provide tax incentives for people to remain in Sha’ar Hanegev, an area that is important to the realization of the dream of Israel’s founding prime minister David Ben-Gurion to make the Negev Desert an important area of population.

 He said the Israeli government ought to provide funds for people living alongside the Gaza border to “harden” their homes against the rocket and mortar attacks from terrorists in Gaza.  Moreover, he said, the government ought to recognize the sacrifice residents of this kibbutz and the nine other kibbutzim and a moshav in his municipality are making to maintain an Israeli presence in the Negev.   He suggests that the government provide more infrastructure for the residents—better roads, more money for the schools, and other  amenities.

Although it has been delayed again and again, a railroad connection to Sha’ar Hanegev from Tel Aviv is in the offing.   The railroad which will continue on from the Sderot/ Sha’ar Hanegev stop to the city of Be’ersheva  originally had been planned for completion this year.  Then it was taken out of the government’s budget, and subsequently put back in again.  Schuster said the new estimate for completion is 2010 or 2011.  He said currently there are test archaeological digs being made along the route—a  government requirement for any construction in view of the antiquities that potentially are buried in Israel’s soil.

When the train comes to a stop between the city of Sderot and  Kibbutz Nir Amn (one of the Sha’ar Hanegev communities), it is expected to represent both good and bad news in terms of Sha’ar Hanegev’s dream of increasing its population substantially.

The bad news is short-term, according to Schuster, whose own Kibbutz Mefalsim has constructed apartment buildings to generate kibbutz revenue.  Students of Sapir College in Sderot who live in Te; Aviv or Be’er Sheva may decide that it is more convenient to live at home and commute by train to the college than to rent accommodations.

In the longer run, people who work in Tel Aviv may decide they would prefer to live in a house in Sha’ar Hanegev, where they can obtain far more real estate for the money.  Were it not for the Kassams, Schuster says, Sha’ar Hanegev already would be enjoying population growth because of its picturesque scenery coupled with big skies.

If the city is successful in its fundraising effort to build a school that not only Is able to withstand Kassam rocket hits but also becomes known as the most modern and advanced in Israel, Schuster believes that it too will spur growth.


Harrison may be contacted at editor@sandiegojewishworld.com

TEMPLE SOLELNovember 8 Synaplex featuring Rabbi Daniel Gordis

To visit the Temple Solel website, please click on the ad above





LIFE & TERM INSURANCE SERVICES


To learn more about Life & Term Insurance Services, please click the ad above to visit
its website

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




SARA-N-DIPITY PLACE

Handler handles adversity with humor

By Sara Appel-Lennon

LA JOLLA, Califonia--Evan Handler, known as Harry Goldblatt, the Jewish lawyer from Sex and the City, visited the San Diego Jewish Book Fair at the Lawrence Family JCC, the tenth city stop on his 22=city tour in 18 days.

News articles refer to his character as chubby and untraditionally handsome. A new age definition of “handsome” has hit the TV screen, contrasting the Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise stereotypes.  Handler’s estimates 75 percent of his fans are Jewish men who thank him personally for portraying his TV character.  

While I am not a Sex and the City devotee, I was most impressed with the candor Handler showed when discussing his personal life.   In 1985 at the age of 24 while acting in the play, Biloxi Blues, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia of the bone marrow.  His doctor, who he referred to as Richard Nixon,  stated that the bone marrow is incurable and there is only a 10% rate of full recovery with a new procedure, Handler focused on the possible 10% rate of recovery, validating that he is a self-described extremely optimistic pessimist.

As he became healthier, he claims that some of his doctors became grumpier.

He states that he received his antibiotics 3-4 hours late and was often treated without human kindness. During his 20 years of being nose to nose with the leukemia, he admits that he received the worst and best of medical care. During his stay in the hospital he asked his family for a laptop where he cathartically purged his thoughts and feelings about his illness. His writing,  family support,  willingness to risk a new procedure, and his attitude allowed him to check out of the hospital instead of requiring him to check out of life.  He then wrote the book, Time on Fire: My Comedy of Terrors.
 
Handler mentioned that he did not have a religious upbringing and his family did not belong to a temple. While researching his back story, I discovered that when he was diagnosed with the leukemia, a Jewish chaplain performed an old Jewish custom to fool the Angel of Death. He changed Evan Handler’s first name on his birth certificate, which still stands today. It worked since Handler made a full recovery 20 years later.

During his harrowing experience, at the age of 24 many people asked if he believes in God. He said that he has decided to remain undecided about God.     

Interestingly, Handler said he experienced 27 relationship break-ups in the course of 10 relationships. He tells of the first time he met his current wife from Italy.  He commented about her wearing black fishnet stockings... He said black fishnet stockings had a connotation in America as burlesque, to which she retorted, in Italy they’re only stockings. It was a great example of agreeing to disagree without either partner taking offense.

Evan Handler made a full recovery from what was considered incurable leukemia, he wrote a book about his harrowing ordeal, and started acting again in a top rated TV show. To top it all off, in his personal life, he married the love of his life, had a child. and he has the stamina to make public appearances in 22 cities in 18 days. What a comeback!

Appel-Lennon may be contacted at appels@jewishsightseeing.com





LAWRENCE FAMILY JCC, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS


To visit the Lawrence Family JCC website, please click on the advertisement above




SOILLE SAN DIEGO HEBREW DAY SCHOOL



Please click on the New Year's greeting above to visit the website of Soille San Diego
Hebrew Day School

Reuben Klamer Game of Life Leadership Program at Soille Hebrew Day

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Peer Mediation Group: The Middle School Peer Mediation Group at Hebrew Day had their first training session on Wednesday at school under the leadership and guidance of Therapist Larissa Adler, Leadership Supervisor Sarah Davis, and Principal Harriet Herman. The six students who are involved in the program were recommended by the middle school staff. Hebrew Day’s future peer mediators are: Celia Benchetrit, Yaakov Adatto, Ashira Marks, Steven Wechsler, Kelilah Federman, and Anthony Taitz. Theses peer mediators are being trained to help resolve differences between two or more people or groups by listening to the entire story from all people involved. The qualities to be a good mediator include openness, understanding, empathy, neutrality, good listening skills, self‐awareness and responsibility to name a few.

The students all shared their enthusiasm about the program and asked excellent questions about confidentiality, how to gain the trust of the people involved and also asked about several possible situations that they felt may occur. The next session will include some role playing to practice the art of listening and making a difference.

For 46 years, Soille San Diego Hebrew Day has championed Jewish day school education: instilling Jewish values and inspiring students to aim for excellence in a value-based, family environment.  The school serves children from infants through eighth grade, and offers generous financial aid grants to families to make a Jewish day school education affordable to all.  For more information on the school, visit the web site at http://www.hebrewday.org/ or contact Audrey Jacobs, Director of School Advancement at 858-279-3300 ext. 106 or ajacobs@hebrewday.org

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

.
Please click the ad above to learn more about JFS "On the Go" program for seniors. To read
a San Diego Jewish World story on the program, please click here


Help Jewish Family Service provide a joyful holiday season for those in need

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—The Embrace-a-Family Program of Jewish Family Service of San Diego anonymously matches individuals, families, and groups in the community with families in need for the December holidays. With the recent economic crisis, the number of families in need has grown considerably. Jewish Family Service is matching more than 400 families with embracers this year, up from 300 last year. Embracers adopt the family and ensure a joyous December holiday celebration by providing holiday presents including new toys, new clothes, staple food, gift certificates and more. More than 200 families are still in need of Embracers this year.

Embracers are provided with an anonymous description of the family, including gender and ages of children, and the family’s holiday wish list. They then provide new, unused toys and/or other gifts, grocery scrip or gift certificates used to create a holiday basket. Cash donations are also greatly appreciated for last minute gift purchases for families.

Donations are accepted between December 5, 2007 and December 7, 2007 at Jewish Family Service's headquarters, the Turk Family Center, located at 8804 Balboa Ave., San Diego, 92123. Donations can also be made online at www.jfssd.org. For more information on how to embrace a family contact (858) 637-3050 or visit www.jfssd.org.

ABOUT JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF SAN DIEGO
Jewish Family Service was founded in 1918 by a consortium of women’s clubs who sought to address the myriad of human needs of the time. Today, JFS is a comprehensive human service organization with nine locations throughout San Diego County and an office in Palm Desert, serving the Coachella Valley. From its early grassroots origins, the agency now serves over 25,000 people annually. Its programs and services include: Adoption; Case Management; Counseling; Crisis Services; Family Violence; HIV; Jewish Connections; Refugee Resettlement; Older Adult/Senior Services; Parenting, Youth & School-based Services; and Training/Education. Learn more about why JFS is One Source for a Lifetime of Help at www.jfssd.org

SAN DIEGO JEWISH ACADEMY November 18 Kindergarten program

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

 



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

Friends: The slogan of San Diego Jewish World is "there's a Jewish story everywhere." I can help you travel to the locales of such stories. I'll work hard to find you the very best prices!

Return to top

“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

RHODES MARKETING GROUP




Please click on the advertisement above to visit the website of the Rhodes Marketing Group






SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD: THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Thursday, November 13, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 271)

INTERNATIONAL
Sha'ar Hanegev teachers keep teaching notwithstanding missile attacks from Gaza ... by Donald H. Harrison in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel

ARTS
Thursdays With The Sons of Hal Wingard:
#98 Swan Song

#94 Retirement

#291 Get Up and Go

COMMUNITY WATCH
Jewish Family Service: Supporting Jewish Single Parents discusses interfaith issues

San Diego Jewish Academy: SDJA's 'Shelly and Kelli' Present Workshop at National Mathematics Conference

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Preschool 3’s plant in Soille Hebrew Day’s new “Gan Eden”

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
—April 28, 1950: Council of Jewish Women
—April 28, 1950: Sisterhood’s Kitchen Jamboree
—April 28, 1950: San Diego Hebrew Home for the Aged
—April 28, 1950: Cottage of Israel

INTERNATIONAL/ NATIONAL

Juicy details of Israel's municipal elections ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

TV show fails to help Orthodox candidate ... by Judy Lash Balint in Jerusalem

The Jews Down Under, a roundup of Australian Jewish news by Garry Fabian in Melbourne:

—Jewish hopefuls pound election pavement
—Jewish Scout Group leads the pack
—Children of Jewish dads will be recognized
—Jewish Groups slam Israel - Iran warfare game
—Top of the Bible Quiz
—Warning on Right-Wing Extremists
—Deaf Society seeks clues about Jewish benefactor
—Horse Racing - The Jewish Connection
—World Union of Progressive Judaism offers cut price trips
—School fosters cross-cultural links
—Torah "House Calls"
—Well over a century of Jewish education
—New Shaliach arrives in Queensland
—Honouring the Memory of a righteous Australian
—Australian Prime Minister at odds with sections of the Jewish community

LIFESTYLES

I’d eat a mushroom off everyone’s plate: Camp Mountain Chai Women’s Retreat... by Marissa Palin in Camp Mountain Chai, California

ARTS

Culture Clash's Water & Power fluid ... by Carol Davis in San Diego

Jewish Book Fair explores Jewish genetics ... by Gail Feinstein Forman in La Jolla, California

COMMUNITY WATCH

Jewish Family Service: Stars of David Adoption provides support for Jewish adoptive families

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Israeli soldiers visit Soille Hebrew Day

Tifereth Israel Synagogue: Special Shabbat lecture Saturday, November 15 by Dr. Suzanne Brody

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY

—April 28, 1950: News of the Fox
—April 28, 1950: United Synagogue Held Conference in L.A. May 7th
—April 28, 1950: Jewish War Veterans Post No. 185 and Auxiliary