Jewish Religion

Learning from Isaac Leib Peretz’s Masterpiece ‘If Not Higher’

I consider Peretz’s story “If Not Higher” the best of his tales. In it, the Hasidim of the town of Nemirov believe their rabbi is so holy that he ascends to heaven each year during the Penitential Prayers, which are recited in synagogues every Friday morning before the New Year holiday Rosh Hashanah. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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

Need a Breast Cancer Screening? ‘You Are Not Alone’

Many of us women realize it is time to focus on our health and start to get screenings we did not think we would need. My dear friend, Andrea Schnieder will be sharing her breast cancer story at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30, for Chabad of East County. All those in attendance will receive a signed copy of her book You Are Not Alone. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Betty Weiser, Torah teacher at San Diego Hebrew Day School

The curriculum Betty created, and refined over the next 36 years, engendered special pride within her students, and provided them with an understanding of Jewish philosophy, the purpose of Mitzvah fulfillment, the value of family, and respect for the Divine plan in creating Man and Woman. [Weiser Family]

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Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

A World War II Story for Lag B’Omer, May 25

The women hitchhikers for whom Rabbi Rabinowitz stopped were on their way to meet up with comrades at the pyramids for a Lag B’Omer celebration.“The Galilean village of Meron [site of the most famous Lag B’Omer festivities] transported to Gizeh [in Egypt],” the rabbi marveled, “and Palestinian songs and dances in the shades of the Pyramids.” [

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Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Celebrating Lag B’Omer Personally and as a Community

Prior to Lag B’Omer, I would start receiving invitations to weddings and upsherin (when a three-year-old boy receives his first haircut, allowed on Lag B’Omer). Families also plan picnics and outside gatherings as the weather has warmed up and enjoying a bonfire with smores makes the occasion more festive. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County

Behar: The Restful Pleasures of Shabbat; Dangers of Malicious Speech

It is in these precious moments of a blessed mindset filled with respite that we rediscover the true meaning of “Shabbat shalom” – a profound peace that transcends the physical realm and infuses our very being with a sense of spiritual wholeness and emotional harmony. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

French police kill man trying to burn down synagogue

Published by Euronews (English) A man allegedly trying to set fire to a synagogue in northern France was shot and killed by police on Friday, according to French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. Officers in Rouen “responded to a report of smoke near the synagogue,” a police source said. “The man was armed with a knife

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Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Nordot

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Closing Weekend of the RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust Exhibit

With the exhibit having its closing ceremony (it will remain open until June) I thought of Rose Schindler’s words and wondered, now what? Who is going to continue to tell the story? Our survivors are sadly aging and passing so it relies on us to tell the stories and to not forget. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, San Diego County

Mourning and Celebrating All in One Night at Tifereth Israel

The night started with standing together in silent solidarity as we listened and closed our eyes to the sound of a siren. Leberman noted that not only do we observe and honor the fallen Israeli soldiers but unfortunately this year we also have to include the hostages, families, and all of Israel that is hurting. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Parsha Emor: Not Simply a Guardian of Shabbat but a Guardian of Torah

Sure, a shul may seem to be “crowded with prayers,” but those prayers are more “show-mer” than “shomer,” authentically rising to Hashem. Our religion’s observances and practices aim to enliven our spiritual awareness, our religious development, not our self-interest. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Agriculture, Sharing, and A Dollop of Torah for Toddlers

Shavuot arrives this year on Tuesday night, June 11.  This hard-cover book is intended to introduce your toddler to the holiday of Shavuot, getting your hands dirty gardening, the joy of sharing, and the names of the seven species of ancient Israel. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share