Jewish Religion

‘Sacrifice’ in Judaism not transactional; it’s transformational

Whenever I read the Book of Leviticus, I find myself asking: What is the purpose of sacrifices—especially for people living in the 21st century? Leviticus may not have the excitement of Genesis or Exodus, but I do believe there is much we can learn from its lessons and laws. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Thoughts at the conclusion of a district convention of Women of Reform Judaism

It started with the Playing Together Project, bringing together African American and American Jewish neighbors over Shabbat dinners to heal communal divides, and evolved into pitching a Jewish Solidarity Tent at the local Juneteenth Freedom Festival in San Diego. These moments were my “Small Alephs”—quiet calls to serve. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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

Irish Jews remembered ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up. It is not a Jewish observance, but there are many Irish Jews in history. Rabbi Isaac Herzog was the first chief rabbi of Ireland from 1921 to 1936. He was Ashkenazi and born in Poland but moved to Ireland. When Abraham Kook, Chief Rabbi of Israel died, Herzog was elected and moved to Jerusalem. [Cailin Acosta]

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Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Appreciation for the people and institutions of the Jewish community, especially in times of stress

Last night, after a very long and stressful day, I had the honor of leading a Rosh Chodesh session at my synagogue, one of several events happening across our Jewish community last night. There were nearly 50 women there to set intentions for the month ahead, explore themes of renewal and of hope, and to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Opinion: United Jewish community needs to call for full funding of National Security Grant Program

Clearly, we all must be as well-prepared as Temple Israel was for such an attack, which is why we encourage everyone to call on Congress to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides essential security grants for synagogues and Jewish institutions. [Halie Soifer]

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Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Today’s Jewish birthday: Yonatan Netanyahu

Yonatan Netanyahu (March 13, 1946 – July 4, 1976) was an Israeli military officer who commanded Sayeret Matkal during the Entebbe raid. The raid was launched in response to the 1976 hijacking of an international civilian passenger flight from Israel to France by Palestinian and German militants, who took control of the aircraft during a stopover in Greece and diverted it to Libya and then to Uganda, where they received support from Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. [Wikipedia]

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Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Parsha Vayakhel: Shabbat brings with it an extra soul

On Shabbat, we receive an expanded vitality: heightened joy, deeper peace, expanded capacity for gratitude, and a profound sense of wholeness. It is as if God breathes fresh life into us anew, allowing our souls to “catch up” and even surpass the pace of the week. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors