Jewish Religion

The Deeper Meaning of Chanukah and its Symbols

The miracle of the oil is a foundation for why candle lighting, an act of pirsuma d’nisa (publicizing the miracle), is one of the two major commandments of Chanukah, with reciting Hallel as the other. Through lighting candles, we can display our hope, trust, and faith in Hashem and in His role in our lives. When they lit the menorah in the Temple, they did so from a belief, a hope, that the future is not preordained, that the future can truly be altered. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Rabbi Whose Family Were Conversos Now Heads a Colombian Sephardic Congregation

On a recent visit to this port city, I was among a group of four Jews who were escorted by a guide to a five-month-old Sephardic congregation (Sinagoga Sefardi) established by Rabbi Joachim Montoya, a medical doctor who had converted to Judaism after learning that he was descended from a family of Conversos. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Jewish Bones Reburied in Solemn Ceremony after Morocco Earthquake

On the 12th of December 2024, I set out with four colleagues of the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) to meet with members of the rural community of Tafza (Al Haouz province, Marrakesh region), located in the mountain range that bore the horrendous epicenter of the September 2023 earthquake. [Yossef Ben-Meir]

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International, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Yossef Ben-Meir

‘Mysteries of Judaism’ Encourages Readers’ Questioning of the Torah

One of Drazin’s central arguments is that the Bible often raises more questions than it answers. Many biblical terms and events are left undefined or unexplained, such as the meaning of “heaven” in the creation narrative or the significance of humanity being created in the “image of God.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Life and Education of the Biblical Joseph

The biblical portion Mikkets, Genesis 41:1-44:17, is fascinating. It reveals some different, more mature, and intelligent acts by Jacob’s son Joseph than the 17-year-old youngster who tormented his brothers who sold him into slavery. Still, there are some questionable, even troubling, behaviors. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

SRO Crowd at San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir Hanukkah Concert

For the December 15 Hanukkah concert at the Carmel Valley Library, the 17 members of the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir were greeted by an overflow audience. Coming early and waiting in line, I was one of the fortunate to find a seat for this standing-room-only event, with many needing to listen from outside the hall. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Israel’s President Herzog Urges Canada’s PM Trudeau to ‘Act Decisively’ Against Antisemitism

On the heels of a firebombing of a synagogue in a Montreal suburb, a Jewish elementary school for girls – Bais Chana Mushka – in Toronto was the target for gunfire in the early hours of Friday.  Although there was damage, students were permitted to return to school at its regular time. {SDJW Staff Compilation}

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Federation San Diego Announces the Start of the Season Giving Campaign with “Hineni”

As December unfolds, the spirit of giving glows warmly around us. This is a time to embody the word hineni – “here I am” – and to bring light and safety to our community. [Jewish Federation of San Diego]

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California, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Parsha Vayeishev: ‘What Are You Seeking?’

Yosef received a life-changing lesson about purpose and focus. When Yosef was wandering, searching for his brothers, the Angel Gavriel appeared and asked him a powerfully insightful and transformative question: “Mah Tevakesh?” – “What are you seeking?” Read and repeat that to yourself. “Mah Tevakesh?” – “What are you seeking?” Do you know? [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

We Prepare for Chanukah

Boxes of Chanukah candles – check; chanukiyot cleaned and ready – check; oil, potatoes, sour cream, applesauce bought and ready – check. Phew, getting everything ready for the Eight Crazy Nights is a tough job, but someone has to do it, and in this house that someone is ME. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA, Videos