NEW YORK — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said a U.S. Supreme Court decision handed down Wednesday night blocking state officials from enforcing a cap on religious gatherings in coronavirus hot spots in Brooklyn and Queens is “irrelevant from any practical impact” because those areas are no longer designated virus hot spots.He said the decision, […]
The portion (Va-Yetzei) starts by telling us where Yaakov left, something we already knew. Why didn’t it just say, “And Yaakov went to Charan?” Rashi, the great classical commentator, explains a specific lesson from the seemingly extra phrase. When Yaakov, great Tzaddik (righteous man) that he was, departed Be’er Sheva it made an impact. Likewise, when he arrived in Charan it made an impact. That is what happens when a saintly person leaves a place and arrives somewhere else; it makes an impact. The influence of the holy is profound and enduring. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]
A Word of Torah: A Giant’s Presence Read More »
Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi
The world has never been more advanced than it is now. Humans have found cures for many of the major illnesses that threaten us; we can travel across the globe in a matter of hours; and we can communicate with each other almost instantaneously. Virtually every problem humans have historically had, besides suffering caused by other people, has been mitigated to some degree. Why is it then that so many of us are still unhappy? Daniel Cordaro says that the problem doesn’t lie with the state of the world, but with the state of our internal being. [Shor M. Masori]
Contentment, Mindfulness and Judaism Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shor M. Masori
Following are programs of scholarly and popular Jewish interest that can be accessed via the Internet from Nov. 29 through Dec. 4, 2020. All times are Pacific Standard Time. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Streaming Jewish Programs (Nov. 29-Dec. 4, 2020) Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
The parasha covers; Jacob’s escape to Haran; his stop at Beth El, where he had a dream of a stairway to heaven with angels on it; his conditional vow to subject himself to God if he received certain survival measures; his arrival at Haran where he meets and falls in love with Rachel; his stay with his uncle Laban and a work deal for her hand in marriage; Laban’s deception, ending in a twice-long work period for both his daughters; the birth of eleven children over time between Leah and Rachel and their maids; a mandrake (aphrodisiac) dispute between the sisters; Jacob’s outfoxing Laban to accumulate herds; Jacob’s escape from Laban with a final peace agreement between them. I have chosen three passages, for comparison, via the internet, with writings attributed to ancient Israel’s neighbors. [Irv Jacobs, MD]
Comparing Torah (Va-Yetsa) with Ancient Practices Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion
One can imagine a crowded seder at the White Housed during Passover week next year, with President-elect Joe Biden and his First Lady Jill Biden observing and perhaps taking a turn reading the Haggadah as guests of honor. Biden’s son by his first marriage, Hunter, is married to South African filmmaker Melissa Cohen, while Ashley, daughter of the President-elect and the First Lady-designate, is married to plastic surgeon, Dr. Howard Krein. There might be plenty of other Jews there, starting with the Second Gentleman (as perhaps he will be called) Doug Emhoff, the attorney who is husband to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. [Donald H. Harrison]
Imagining the next White House seder! Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, USA
I’m reminded of the little boy who was out flying his kite on a windy day. The wind was terrific that day and the kite was soaring high into the clouds. A man walked by and asked the boy what he was doing. “I’m flying my kite,” said the boy. The man looked, couldn’t see any kite and said, “I don’t see any kite. How do you know you’re flying a kite?” The boy answered, “Mr., because I can feel the tug.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Feeling the Tug of God Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Parshah Toldot, which was read this weekend in synagogues, tells the story of Isaac’s two sons, Jacob and Esau. Jacob is the third of our three forefathers—our line of ancestors who came before—the first three generations who formed the foundation of Judaism. Abraham and Sarah had Isaac. Isaac married Rebecca in last week’s story. This week, Rebecca gives birth to twin sons. The second one born (the “younger” son), Jacob, was born holding the heel of his brother, Esau. [Marcia Berneger]
Torah for Children: Does the End Justify the Means? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Marcia BernegerThis week’s Torah portion is titled ‘Toldot’, which means generations. The portion begins, “And these are the generations of Yitzchak the son of Avraham, Avraham gave birth to Yitzchak.” Not only does this wording seem redundant, but it is repeating itself. If Yitzchak is the son of Avraham, obviously Avraham gave birth to Yitzchak. What is the Torah trying to tell us here in addition to Yitzchak’s lineage? [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]
A Word of Torah: Like Father Like Son Read More »
Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-RabbiThis essay covers: In Utero ‘fighting’ between twins; selling of a birthright; adultery punishment; contention over water; competition for father’s blessing. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Comparing Torah (Toledot) with Ancient Practices Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion
The book Places in the Parasha is a very good book, with chapters for each of the more than fifty Torah readings in synagogues on the Shabbat as well as the special readings on holidays. It identifies the location of places mentioned in the portions and gives us information about these places. As a result, we learn more about what the Torah is saying and get a deeper understanding of the events that are mentioned. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Mapping the Bible, Correcting Misconceptions Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish ReligionFollowing are academic and popular programs of Jewish interest that will be available on the Internet Nov. 22-26. All times are Pacific Standard Time. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Streaming Jewish Programs (Nov. 22-26, 2020) Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, Middle East, USAWith all the election stress, COVID stress, societal stress, marital and family stress, stress of kids at home, stress about increasing crime, stress about racial divisiveness and financial stress swirling about, wouldn’t a love story right about now be welcome? Welcome Toldot, a magnificent parasha filled with wisdom about love. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
The love story of Isaac and Rebecca Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reported the hate crimes are on the increase in the United States, prompting quick reaction from a variety of Jewish organizations. Here is alphabetical order are news releases from some of those reactions [Press Releases follow]
Jewish organizations react to FBI hate crimes report Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, USA