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‘Tortured Soles’ is a celebrity gossip book with a double-entendre title

This was a fascinating memoir, and I enjoyed reading about someone working behind the scenes in entertainment journalism, chasing celebrity gossip and experiencing the adrenaline rush that came with it. Weinstein notes that she is now retired and enjoying every minute of it. [Cailin Acosta]

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Eighth-grade students commemorate the Holocaust by painting ceramic butterflies

La Mesa Arts Academy’s eighth-grade Social Studies classes, taught by Mrs. Debra Lunamand and Mrs. Heather Filippelli, participated in The Butterfly Project just before the end of the school year as students completed testing and finalized semester grades. More than 300 plaster butterflies were painted. [Cailin Acosta]

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Jewish composer Justin Hurwitz featured at final concert of the semester at La Mesa Arts Academy

Composer and songwriter Justin Hurwitz, who wrote the music for La La Land, is Jewish and of Russian, Polish, Syrian, and Lebanese descent. Hurwitz attended Harvard University, where he was roommates with director Damien Chazelle. The two later collaborated on La La Land and several other films. [Cailin Acosta}

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Forgotten video provides insights into Holocaust survivor Edith Eger’s life, philosophy

Dr. Edith Eger, who was a Holocaust survivor, author, psychologist, and longtime resident of La Jolla, California, passed away on April 27.. Her family recently came across one of the last videos she recorded, which shows her wise, warm, fierce, and full-of-joy message. [Cailin Acosta]

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Novel probes what an immigrant star did during World War II

This historical novel is loosely inspired by Audrey Hepburn, the Dutch Resistance, and the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age. It follows two sisters as they reunite after World War II and embark on a journey filled with justice, survival, and long-buried secrets against the backdrop of the Red Scare in Hollywood. [Cailin Acosta]

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Children’s book presents Jewish legend of 15th Century Spain

This historical fiction novel explores the lives of Jews in 15th-century Spain through the perspective of a young girl named Loma (Paloma) and the struggles faced by her family. The author researched her own Spanish Jewish heritage, which inspired her to write this novel, suitable for children ages 8–11.
[Cailin Acosta]

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The coming of Shavuot spawns many local celebrations

The seven weeks of counting the Omer are coming to an end soon, and we celebrate with receiving the Torah on Shavuot. Many celebrations include dairy products. Many celebrations include dairy products.  The Israelites didn't have time that night to kasher their non-dairy foods. [Cailin Acosta]

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Grossmont College exhibit highlights Holocaust survivors who made their homes in San Diego County

Every survivor’s story is unique, each one a miraculous testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. Holocaust survivors have spent decades rebuilding their lives in the United States — raising families, starting successful businesses, and daring to celebrate life again after unimaginable loss. [Cailin Acosta]

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Centennial celebration for building that houses Ohr Shalom Synagogue and previously Temple Beth Israel

Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents its “Centennial Celebration and Gala” at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 3. The event includes a rededication ceremony, cocktails, a gala dinner, music, an auction, and a paddle raiser. [Cailin Acosta]
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‘Art Alive’ features works of Toulouse Lautrec

Another featured performer was May Milton, also a prominent figure at the Moulin Rouge in 1895. Known for her pale, almost theatrical appearance, Milton was celebrated for her agility and innovative choreography. The floral interpretation mirrored her likeness with cascading white moth orchids, reflecting both the shape of her dress and the tone of her complexion. [Cailin Acosta]

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