Jewish Religion

Jews of All Movements Should Support Trump’s Measures against Antisemitism

Hillel’s enduring maxim, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” (Pirkei Avot 1:14), urges Jewish communities to stand firm against the rising tide of antisemitism, a deadly threat that has plagued Jews from ancient massacres to modern hate crimes. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Blood and Comic-Con

Eight weeks have come and gone and my time to donate blood reoccurred this week. A few weeks before I am eligible, my cellphone starts ringing with pleas to make an appointment. I am always so honored to receive these calls since it shows how much I mean to the San Diego Blood Bank. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Contemporary Torah: K’doshim Calls for Love and Ethical Behavior

We find at its core two seemingly distinct yet deeply intertwined commandments: “You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin” (Leviticus 19:36), and the often heard principle, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Business & Finance, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parallels Between the Musical ‘Hamilton’ and Counting the Omer

On the surface, a hip-hop musical about an American Founding Father might seem worlds away from the Counting of the Omer (which we are doing now, on our way to Shavuot). However, when we delve into the underlying themes of both, some intriguing parallels emerge, especially concerning progress, reflection, and the anticipation of something significant. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Parashiot Acherei-Kedoshim: Share the light of Torah

There’s a common trap we all fall into – becoming so absorbed in our own lives that we lose sensitivity to the experiences of those around us. We stop hearing, stop seeing — not because we’re cruel, but because we’re too self-focused to notice. The Torah, with its eternal wisdom, confronts this human tendency head-on. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Contemporary Torah: This Week’s Portion Warns against Evil Speech

The Torah’s association of tzara’at with spiritual failings serves as a cautionary tale against evil words. We must remain persistent in calling for healing words: legislation that unifies, that promotes inclusion of everyone, not promoting one group over another, or falsely blaming or attacking another group for allegedly having what we want but don’t have. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors