By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — One of the things I love about Judaism is our ability to question and argue. Although Judaism does demand that we accept much on faith, we are never forbidden to question why things are the way they are, and to challenge God, and even express our unhappiness about […]
When Jews argue with God, they become obligated Read More »
Jewish ReligionThe Board of Trustees of Yeshiva University has elected Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman as the fifth president of Yeshiva University. He will officially begin his tenure in July 2017. “Rabbi Berman is a dynamic and inspirational leader, scholar and educator,” said YU Chairman Moshael J. Straus, who led the Presidential Selection Committee. “He possesses a
Rabbi Ari Berman: “I’m deeply humbled” Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USAWomen from around the world make 10-day trip to Israel as part of initiative co-sponsored by the government By Times of Israel staff Jewish mothers from around the world taking part in ‘The Great Big Challah Bake’ in Jerusalem on Thursday, November 10, 2016. (Aviram Waldman) Some 500 Jewish mothers from around the world bonded
500 Jewish mothers bake challah for IDF soldiers Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — During my first year of Rabbinical School I had a roommate who dropped out. After studying for a year, he had had enough. He described Judaism as a giant birthday cake. If you have a little, it’s great. But if you eat the whole thing, you will get
The coming tenth famine Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Michael Berk Times of San Diego SAN DIEGO — As I write these words the presidential campaign, mercifully, is winding down. The ugliest, most unseemly, undignified, and dispiriting campaign in my lifetime is finally laid to rest. David Horovitz, editor of Times of Israel, says we have watched “…a great democracy being battered
If only we had a Torah- observant Jewish king Read More »
Jewish Religion, USAAt a summit held in October at the National Museum of American Jewish History, several hundred communal professionals, rabbis, scholars, philanthropists, and young intermarried couples discussed engagement of interfaith families in Jewish life. There is widespread communal agreement that intermarriage has reshaped the landscape of American-Jewish life, but a lack of consensus regarding how best
Rabbi under the huppa may boost intermarrieds’ Jewish engagement Read More »
Jewish Religion, USAA growing number of Jews are using psychedelics to reach spiritual highs, and you might be surprised to learn some Orthodox don’t frown upon the practice By Madison Margolin NEW YORK — Spiritual leader Ram Dass was born Richard Alpert, a nice Jewish boy from Boston. But in 1963, the former psychologist prof was expelled
Was Moses tripping when he saw the burning bush? Should you try? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, USABy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — The story of Noah and the ark is one of my favorites. After the flood, God decided that God would never destroy the world again by flooding because “yetzer lev ha-adam ra mi-ne’urav”-human beings, by their very nature, have an inclination to do evil. God realized that humans are
Why did God choose a rainbow? Read More »
Jewish ReligionSAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Following one of the most bitter, divisive and exhausting presidential races in the history of the United States, the opportunity to celebrate a well-deserved Sabbath as a global community will take place on the very first weekend after Election Day on the Shabbat of November 11th and 12th, the Third Annual
Shabbat San Diego to provide rest after the election Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, USABy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California —The Book of Judges speaks of a time of great social chaos in the generations leading to the formation of the ancient Israelite monarchy. The author of Judges bluntly says, “In those days there was no king in Israel and every man did what was right in
Hillary Clinton and Abimelech Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USANovember 1, 2016: The Reform congregation in Hamburg of Germany has dedicated its very first Jewish Cemetery. The community’s section of the Ohlsdorf cemetery was inaugurated by Rabbi Moshe Navon, head of the Liberal Congregation in Bad Pyrmont, earlier this month. The inauguration was supported with $3,280 worth of gift for plantings at the area
Hamburg, in Germany, Celebrates a Somber, Progressive Jewish First Read More »
International, Jewish History, Jewish ReligionThe Koren Sukkot Maḥzor; Introduction, Translation, and Commentary by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Koren Publishers, Jerusalem, © 2015, ISBN 978-965-301-659-0, p. 1465, $24.95 By Fred Reiss, Ed.D. WINCHESTER, California – When a knowledgeable Jew hears the Hebrew word maḥzor, more than likely an image appears of a sanctuary filled with Jews praying during the High Holidays,
A mahzor for Sukkot Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish ReligionBy Joel H. Cohen NEW YORK — A group of Brooklyn pulpit rabbis, heads of yeshivas and prominent laymen has quietly enacted an informal, non-binding agreement to rein-in “extreme” shuckling. The compact applies to themselves, their students and congregants. The action came in the aftermath of injuries suffered by an unidentified 12-year-old boy, who swayed so
‘Just Kidding’: Regulating extreme shuckling Read More »
Jewish Religion, Joel H. Cohen, Trivia, Humor & SatireFor the second time in days, a Mexican synagogue was vandalized. The walls were sprayed, windows were shattered and furniture broken. Local Jews see this as a reaction to the Mexican vote in favor of the UNESCO decision regarding the connection between the Jewish nation and the Western Wall and Temple Mount and the attendant
Mexican synagogue vandalized Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Middle East