Judaism

Parashat Vayechi: What Sustains You Through Setbacks in Life?

What sustains you through 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 of Divine providence. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parashat Vayechi: What Sustains You Through Setbacks in Life? Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

Yale Strom’s Search for Jewish Music throughout Eastern Europe

In retrospect, ethnomusicologist Yale Strom probably owes a thank you to the local klezmer band members who turned down his request to play violin with them.  That rejection prompted him to decide to form his own band.  However, he resolved that before doing that, he ought to search for material that other klezmer musicians weren’t playing. [Donald H. Harrison]

Yale Strom’s Search for Jewish Music throughout Eastern Europe Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Travel and Food

A Trip to Tiberias on the Kinneret’s Western Shore

With about 45,000 residents, Tiberias is a relatively small town located on the western side of Lake Kinneret. The lake is one of Israel’s most popular holiday destinations, for tourists and Israelis alike. Named for the Roman Emperor Tiberius, the city is famed for the legendary rabbis who resided there, for its hot springs, and for Tiberias’ colorful lakeside promenade. [Steve Kramer]

A Trip to Tiberias on the Kinneret’s Western Shore Read More »

Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food

Second Ancient Synagogue Found at Migdal, Israel

A 2000-year-old synagogue from the Second Temple period was recently discovered in Migdal, a large Jewish settlement from this period. Migdal served as the main base for Yosef Ben Matityahu (Flavius Josephus) in his war against the Romans in the Galilee during the Great Revolt. This is the first time that two synagogues have been found in a single settlement from the Second Temple period, the time when Jesus of Nazareth was active. [University of Haifa]

Second Ancient Synagogue Found at Migdal, Israel Read More »

Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East

Memoir: The Soviet Man’s American Dream

My grandmother brought up her sons, my father and his brother, in the spirit of loyalty to Communism. She herself could not have been a Bolshevik, for in her youth she had been tainted by her membership in the Menshevik Party. She did not hide her biography and taught her children to be honest and frank with their motherland and the Bolshevik party. In the upbringing of my uncle, her eldest son, my grandmother had tremendous success. [Alex Gordon]

Memoir: The Soviet Man’s American Dream Read More »

International, Jewish History, Middle East, USA

Richard Lerner, who led Scripps Research to greatness, dies at 83

Richard Lerner, the masterful biochemist who guided Scripps Research on its way to becoming an elite center for biomedical science and helped develop Humira, the highest-selling therapeutic drug in the world last year, died on Dec. 2. He was 83. The private, nonprofit institute told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Lerner died of cancer at his home in La Jolla. [San Diego Union-Tribne]

Richard Lerner, who led Scripps Research to greatness, dies at 83 Read More »

Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Torah Reading for December 11, 2021

For those who cherish the gift of life and all the possibilities it brings, striving for a gentle life makes sense. Forgiveness is one path to a more peaceful, soothing, and kinder life. This week’s Torah reading provides a way to move towards this life, with Joseph’s heroism, understanding, tolerance, and compassionate forgiveness as our blueprint. After all, forgiveness, redemption, and growth are always central to our lives, and especially in current times. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Torah Reading for December 11, 2021 Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

‘There Are Jews Here’ Documents A Dwindling World

There are Jews here. This can be a simple statement of fact, but it is often phrased: There are Jews here?! Small towns are not where we usually expect to find Jewish communities. Such small town shtiebels are the subject of a documentary film, There Are Jews Here through America Reframed and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. [Eric George Tauber]

‘There Are Jews Here’ Documents A Dwindling World Read More »

Eric George Tauber, Jewish History, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Joseph and the Power of Conscience

Philo’s treatment of the Joseph trilogy is unique in many respects. Not only does he explain the peshat–the contextual meaning of the biblical text—he also spends considerable time developing the psychological portrayal of the various biblical personalities in a style that makes the entire narrative seem almost contemporary. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

Joseph and the Power of Conscience Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi