Can you imagine what life would be like if it were truly built on love? … Not sentimental love. Not selective love. But a steady, grounded way of living in which dignity, respect, and care shape how we move through the world. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parshiot Acharei-Mot & Kedoshim: Love, love, love… Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) on Wednesday brought together Jewish leaders from four communities directly impacted by violent antisemitic hate crimes to urge members of Congress to act on critical legislative priorities in the face of an unprecedented wave of attacks against Jewish institutions. [Press Release]
Violently attacked Jewish groups lobby Congress for protection Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
This Midrash beautifully underscores the Jewish preference for the wrestler over the effortless saint. Angels may be flawless, but they cannot truly fulfill mitzvot that demand overcoming desire. Only flesh-and-blood people, locked in Sartre’s No Exit with their own cravings, can achieve the profound moral heroism the Torah celebrates. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Who is more meritorious? An angel in heaven or a human struggling with conscience? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Yom Ha’Atzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day, which began in 1948, when Israel was declared a state. On the Hebrew calendar, it lands on the 5th of Iyar, which this year begins at sundown on Tuesday, April 21, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, April 22. [Cailin Acosta]
Multiple celebrations in San Diego County of Israel’s Independence Day Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Guests sampled a variety of traditional foods tied to Jewish holidays. Passover offerings included matzo ball soup, charoset, matzo, and gefilte fish. Chanukah favorites featured latkes served with sour cream and applesauce, along with hummus. Rosh Hashanah treats included apples with honey, while a classic Jewish brunch spread offered bagels with cream cheese and lox. Beverages included Dr. Brown’s sodas and tea served with sugar cubes. [Cailin Acosta]
Innovative exhibit teaches children and neighbors about Judaism Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWhen a religious leader pours the “milk” of unconditional pacifism into the “meat” of a life-and-death military struggle, the result is a curdled moral confusion. This mixture makes it impossible to digest the hard reality of defense, leading to a “forbidden” policy that benefits neither the state nor the soul. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Just wars: Pope ignores Thomas Aquinas, Maimonides Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
My positions on Israel are clear and unwavering. I support Israel’s right to defend itself decisively against Hamas, Hezbollah, and any other terrorist groups that seek its destruction. I do not believe a two-state solution is viable or responsible until Hamas, Hezbollah, and all military opponents are completely disarmed and deradicalized. Only then can lasting peace and security be possible for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region. [Stan Caplan]
Congressional candidate switches parties to oppose Sara Jacobs on Israel Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
In April 1944, Tuwim published an article titled “My, Żydzi Polscy” (We, Polish Jews). The always ironic and witty poet mourned the murdered Jews of Poland, among whom was his mother, killed in the ghetto. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish biography: Julian Tuwim, Polish poet Read More »
Alex Gordon, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
AMCHA Initiative on Monday expressed support for the motion filed by seven Jewish UCLA faculty members seeking to intervene in the pending federal civil rights case against the University of California. [Press Release]
As audiences take their seats at Cygnet Theatre, they’re immediately pulled into a world already in motion: stock prices flicker across the walls, the year 2008 looms, and the collapse that impacted global finance is foreshadowed before a single line is spoken. [Sherrie Rose]
‘The Lehman Trilogy’ turns financial history into riveting stage drama Read More »
Business & Finance, Jewish History, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
One of the workshops that I attended on media advocacy called for the same courage. Led by two men named Noah, they shared their personal and professional experiences in dealing with antisemitism. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Education and collaboration are crucial in fighting antisemitism Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Now in its sixth year, the event has become a new tradition during the days between Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah VeHaGevurah) and Israeli Independence Day (Yom Ha’Atzmaut). It gives renewed expression to the vision of the Declaration and strengthens the connection between Jerusalem, Israel, and the Jewish world. [Press Release]
Israel’s Declaration of Independence chanted in sixth annual ceremony Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Press Release
Our bodies are not just our own; they are entrusted to us by the Divine. Taking care of them is not simply a lifestyle choice, it is a spiritual practice. [Betzy Lynch]
Lifting the heavy weights of wellbeing Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Something happened… Schneider’s skull was laterally crushed by a heavy object. Though very near their port of destination, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Schneider was hurriedly buried at sea. The body could have been brought to Halifax, only a few days’ sail away. His remains could have been returned to his parents for Jewish burial in the United Kingdom. [Jerry Klinger]
Accident or murder on the Isle de France Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors