Jewish Religion

Comparing and contrasting Halloween and Sukkot

The month of October unleashes a tension of sorts in our predominantly Jewish Pico-Robertson neighborhood in Los Angeles.  As one walks farther from Pico Boulevard, the ubiquitous sukkot on front lawns give way to macabre Halloween decorations. Jewish kids must grapple with a continuum of responses to trick-or-treating: for the far right, it’s as if the holiday doesn’t exist. In a non-COVID year, Modern Orthodox might allow their kids to make the rounds seeking kosher candy and haunted houses, but downplay any outward signs of participation. Sadly, Jews of other denominations are more likely to be carrying a light saber than a lulav. [Sam Glaser]

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Jewish Religion, Sam Glaser, USA

OpEd: Two Jewish Issues the Biden Administration Must Clear Up

The Biden administration’s actions beg two disturbing Jewish-themed questions: Why would a president lie about such an insignificant detail as visiting a Pittsburgh synagogue? How can a U.S. Foreign Service officer be effective at his job when he demeans Jews and homosexuals? [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, USA

Koren Publishes New Version of the Tanakh

Koren Publishers Jerusalem has just published an excellent single 2033 page volume of the entire Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, with the beautiful classic Koren Hebrew font and a new, modern, readable translation of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings by the recently deceased Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, and other scholars. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion

Jewish Trivia Quiz: Rosh Hashanah 5782

Some Sephardic and Mizrachi communities have traditionally included a seder as part of their Rosh Hashanah celebration. The tradition comes from the Talmud, Horayot 12a, where Abaye suggests that people should eat a variety of foods, including pumpkins, leaks, and dates. What else is traditionally included on the Rosh Hashanah seder plate, and why? [Mark D. Zimmerman]

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Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Moving Forward, Onward, Upward Together

Last week we read in Nitzavim about standing in place and on this coming Shabbos we read about moving and transitioning in Vayelech. Are we ready to get up and move? I’m not talking about physical exercise, but rather spiritual growth, renewing ourselves from one year to the next. Vayelech [“And he went…”] represents our recognition of the power of moving “forward onward, upward together.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

Good News from Israel (September 5, 2021)

In the September 5, 2011 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
–Israeli oral treatment can protect against all Covid variants.
–An Israeli low-cost health company is coming to the USA.
–An Israeli hi-tech company only employs autistic individuals.
–Free hi-tech industry training for new English-speaking Israeli immigrants.
–With Israeli technology you can star in a movie trailer.
–Israeli swimmers won six gold medals at the Tokyo Paralympics.
–A tree grown from a 2,000-year-old seed produced a bumper crop of dates. [Michael Ordman]

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Business & Finance, International, Jewish Religion, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, The World We Share, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA