Michael Mantell

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — What sustains you through inevitable setbacks in life? Is it your self-confidence? After all, pop psychology would have us believe that what it takes is simply true belief in yourself. But this week’s parasha, Vayechi, teaches us that what strengthened and motivated Joseph was a genuine understanding

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In the midst of the formidable challenges that we’re grappling with, especially since October 7th, it’s high time for a profound, spiritual awakening. This week’s parasha, Vayigash, unfolds with captivating lessons that beckon us to elevate our lives to a whole new level. Drawing inspiration from the

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — If you’re not feeling the magic of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” let’s chat. Picture this: back in 1963, Jewish composers Eddie Pola and George Wyle (aka Bernard Weissman) crafted the catchy lyrics and music for that very song. Now, if you’re scratching your head

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — What an incredible week we’ve got coming up! With the joyous celebrations of Chanukah and the always-awaited Shabbat, it’s a whirlwind of excitement. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and the festive happenings, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly on the move. But

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Thank you, Jacob. For what, you may well ask. For teaching us the value of never missing an opportunity in life to do good, to say a kind word, to recognize that the present is all we have. Jacob, in a simple act, showed us to avoid

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Thanksgiving. No, not the holiday that comes this week on November 23. Rather, what the Torah portion we read this week, Vayeitzei, teaches us about giving thanks. The root letters of “odeh” – “I will give thanks,” form the basis of the name that Leah chose for

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In the enchanting pages of Toldot this week, we uncover a love story that stands as the very first chapter in the sacred book of Torah. It’s a tale that ignites the flame of passion and unity, reminding us that in love, we’re destined to become one.

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Sarah lived to be 127 while Abraham lived to be 175. Chayei Sarah, can be translated as “The Lifetime of Sarah.” From the Talmud we learn, “the righteous are called living even after death.” Perhaps this is why the prominence of Sarah’s life is highlighted in the

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — And here is where, it seems, many of our current troubles all begin, more than 4,000 years ago. Careful reading of this week’s parasha may help us understand some of the mysteries enveloping today’s events. And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In this, the third Torah reading of this remarkably eventful new year, we learn in Lech Lecha of the spiritual trajectory of our lives. Hashem tells Avraham, “Lech Lecha,” go for yourself, “me’artzecha,” from your homeland, “mimoladitecha,” from your birthplace, “u’mi’beit avicha,” and from your father’s house

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Look at the world Noach lived in. Greed, oppression, corruption, sexual excess, and worse. Wait. What’s changed? Look at our world. How do we cope without an ark to escape into? Floods, figuratively at least, surround us. Our response, our Jewish response, is to continue to be resilient,

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.  SAN DIEGO — As we learn from “The Parsha Song” from Torah Island by Suki and Ding, “With Bereishit we begin learning Torah, How precious we hold our Mesorah, Bereishis, Noach, Lech Lecha, Vayeira, Chayei Sarah, Sarah lived for 127 years…” And on we go. Yes, new beginnings often combine excitement

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This year, we read Torah portions Nitzavim and Vayeilech, on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashana. It asks us where we stand as we enter the new year. The parasha teaches that G-d tells us, “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. You