Donald H Harrison
Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com
Israeli ‘When the Smoke Clears’ examines PTS
Making the rounds of Jewish film festivals is the Israeli documentary When the Smoke Clears, which recreates the battles in which several IDF soldiers were wounded and then follows each of these soldiers on the road...
Two children’s books for Jewish holidays
Author Sandra Feder notes that Judaism acknowledges a duality in life: with the bitter often will come the sweet, and vice versa. “Sweet wine or grape juice is used to welcome Shabbat on Friday...
More products on the market for the Jewish consumer
We hear often about declining rates of affiliation in the Jewish community, but retailers apparently are not overly concerned. Affiliated or not, many Jews still identify with Jewish traditions, customs, and history, and therein...
Novel probes stress between Jews and Blacks
Whoever said money can’t buy you happiness would have received resounding agreement from Jay Gladstone, the fictional philanthropist, real estate developer, and professional basketball team owner who is the protagonist of this novel. This...
Survivor Ruth G. Sax impresses Comic- Con audience
Although Ruth Goldschmiedova Sax of Chula Vista conceded that she didn’t grow up with comics, or even know about Superman, whom she subsequently came to admire, she was clearly the hit of a panel...
Declining language, politics
Perhaps I am becoming my own grandfather, a gentle architect born in the 19th century who prided himself on being a proper and decorous man. Recently, I wrote a column decrying the bitter partisanship that...
‘Jewish Libya:’ background for the next James Michener
Jewish Libya is an anthology about a place that no longer exists. Since Israel’s successful 1967 war against several Arab armies, Jewish Libyans have thoroughly scattered to friendlier lands, chiefly Israel and Italy, and all...
‘Path of Blood’ includes candid Al Qaeda home movies
As one can glean from the title, the subject of Path of Blood is not pleasant, but for those who are not Islamic extremists, the insights it provides are necessary to learn. Documentary film maker Jonathan...
Going the way of movable type and printing presses
Paul Aken operates the Platen Press Museum which is located, appropriately enough, in Mt. Zion, Illinois. Although it is coincidental, the religiously themed name of Aken’s city harkens back to the primary use of...
Animation may help teach youngsters about the Shoah
SAN DIEGO – What started as a family research project has developed into an intriguing way to tell the stories of Holocaust survivors that may ignite the interest of younger generations.
Sarah Kamaras, an independent...