By Arkady Mamaysky TARRYTOWN, New York — The word “soul” is repeated in many different situations by the adherents of various religions. But God has not given us the capacity to fully understand what a soul is. Most religious people believe that humans are not just physical and biological creatures. What makes us love or […]
Some reflections on the soul Read More »
Arkady Mamaysky, Jewish Religion
Story by Donald H. Harrison; Photos by Shor Masori SAN DIEGO – They fractured the lyrics of numerous popular American songs, and twisted the tale in the Book of Esther to fit those lyrics, but nobody objected. In fact, the audience loved it. It was the annual Purimshpiel on Wednesday evening, March 23, at
Annual shpiel twists plot, lyrics in Purim fun Read More »
David Ogul, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Shor M. Masori
God and Politics in Esther, 2nd Edition, by Yoram Hazony; Cambridge University Press; (2015); ISBN-10: 1107583454; $18.27 on Amazon. Rating ***** out of 5 Stars. By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Yoram Hazony’s exposition of the Book of Esther is priceless. In my Judaism 101 class, everyone read a little bit from God
God needs worthy people as partners for His miracles Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi
By Donald H. Harrison LAFAYETTE, California – It has been a quarter century since Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz came to this Northern California community after serving as a rabbi in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But the soon-to-retire senior rabbi of Temple Isaiah has remained intimately involved in Latin America as a
Anachnu: Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Ben Kamin OCEANSIDE, California — Purim, or “Lots,”—a woman’s heroic story based in historical facts—begins Wednesday evening, March 23. The Scroll will be merrily read, recounting the rescue of the Persian Jews in 357 BCE from genocide. It should be noted that God is neither mentioned nor quoted anywhere in the text. God
When God is silent, Jews find a proxy such as Esther Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Not all Zionist pioneers came to Eretz Yisrael to till the soil as a way of building a new society where Jews would be like all other nations. There were those who came in the belief that only in the Land of Israel could Judaism be renewed. It was
Zionist dream of renovating Judaism unrealized Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO –When the singer Madonna, who is a disciple of the Kabbalah Center, decided that she wanted a Hebrew name, I found it ironic that she chose “Esther.” Esther is not a Hebrew name. Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther in the Bible, informs us that Esther’s Hebrew name was
Distinction between Jew and non-Jew is permeable Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Yaakov Marks SAN DIEGO — The momentous occasion had arrived. After months of dedicated and selfless work, the Mishkan (the portable tabernacle) was completed and assembled. Moshe and all the people stood in awe and trepidation as they watched G-d’s glory descend and rest upon the Mishkan. The nation rejoiced, viewing this as a
Weekly Torah portion: Vayikra Read More »
Jewish Religion
The Passover Surprise by Janet Ruth Heller; illustrations by Ronald Kauffman; © 2015; Fictive Press; ISBN 978-1-927663-17-1; 35 pages including glossary and discussion drive. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO –A lot of ground is covered in this story for middle schoolers. It begins with a pre-teenage girl, Lisa, competing with her younger brother, Jon,
‘The Passover Surprise’ is brief yet topic rich Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, USABy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — When I was growing up one of my rabbi’s favorite sayings was: “Rich or poor, it’s good to have money.” Judaism has never disparaged living comfortably and encourages us to enjoy all of God’s blessings. However, at the same time we must always be mindful to share our
Turning wealth into something truly sacred Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Yaakov Marks SAN DIEGO– One of the most dedicated and trusted leaders in history was Moshe. He left a wonderful life and his family in Midian, journeying a great distance to Egypt to fight for his people’s freedom from slavery. He constantly put his life in danger while approaching pharaoh, demanding and bargaining
Weekly Torah portion: Pekudei Read More »
Jewish Religion
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – In my mail came a book of poetry for review, unbidden, a gift from its author, a stranger to me. Titled Above History, Behind Time, it contained the thoughts of Nathan Carliner Goldman, PhD, who is a professor of government at the College of the Mainland in Texas
Poet Nathan C. Goldman reflects on Jewish themes Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo has a lot in common with the late Rabbi David Hartman. Cardozo is, as Hartman was, an Orthodox rabbi. Both immigrated to Israel in the belief that only here can Orthodoxy, indeed Judaism, renew itself and remain relevant. Both created institutions in Jerusalem, one the
Orthodox peers shun Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — If you haven’t come across the ubiquitous word “mindfulness” over the last year or so, perhaps it’d be a good idea to read this. You see, there’s a love fest going on with mindfulness and it has captured the attention of nearly every magazine, self-help and coaching-therapy
Jewish mindfulness — being fully aware and accepting Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell