Jewish Religion

A Tour of the Machpelah and the Jewish Section of Hebron

Today the tomb is divided between Jewish and Muslim sectors and is used as a place of worship and gatherings. Inside the Jewish areas are six large memorial markers for the three couples (patriarchs and matriarchs) buried far below. It has special opening hours. “Isaac’s Hall” is normally reserved for Muslim prayer but ten days a year, on Jewish special holidays, it’s reserved for Jewish worship. Wherever there is enough space, there are worshippers saying prayers. [Steve Kramer]

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Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food

Halakhah Challenged by Space Travel, Documentary Explains

Before Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon on July 21, 1969, Jewish religious authorities were debating whether Jews were permitted to go to space. Naysayers cited Psalms 115:16 which is rendered by the Stone edition of the Tanach: “As for the heavens, the heavens are Hashem’s, but the earth He has given to mankind.” [Donald H. Harrison]

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

Two Years Since Oct. 7 Massacre to Be Commemorated Oct. 9

Jewish Federation of San Diego, together with the Lawrence Family JCC and the Israeli American Council, will present an evening of remembrance and resilience marking two years since the October 7 attacks on 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share

Adat Yeshurun’s Blue & White Zone: Where Torah and Longevity Meet

Perhaps the most powerful reminder was that healthy living is not only about diet or exercise, but about how we move through life with meaning, relationships, and balance. Communities that thrive emphasize walking, gardening, social connection, stress reduction, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s striking how closely this mirrors the Torah’s blueprint: Shabbat, family, mitzvot, gratitude. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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

‘The Shabbat Effect’: A Weekly Reset to Restore the Soul

As a Rhodes Scholar, anthropologist, filmmaker, and founder of The Mussar Institute—author of acclaimed works like Everyday Holiness and Climbing Jacob’s Ladder—Morinis presents Shabbat not as a burdensome ritual but as a vital, rejuvenating pause amid modern life’s chaos. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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

Children’s Book Omits Key Details in Story of Interreligious Harmony

Tilly’s Jewish family hosts an Iraqi Muslim family for a week while the community readies an apartment for the refugee family to occupy. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

East County Chabad Celebrates Opening of its Permanent Headquarters

The sounding of the Shofar during the month of Elul, a ribbon cutting, a shot of whiskey to wish everyone l’chaim, and the placing of a mezuzah on the door of 7189 Navajo Road were some of the ceremonies attending the grand opening of Chabad of East County’s permanent home on Sunday, Sept. 7. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Pomegranates and Nine Jewish Facts About Them As Rosh Hashanah Approaches

As I am keeping an eye on a neighbor’s pomegranate tree, I wonder each year if they will be ripe and ready before Rosh Hashanah. For many years, we picked buckets full, and for a few years, it’s been just a couple. Every year, I leave a note in their mailbox asking when or if my kids can come and pick from their trees. I always sign the note, from your friendly neighborhood Jew. Giggle.

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego Calendar, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food

Contemporary Torah: Ethics Apply Even in Battle

The battlefield is not an ethical vacuum. The Torah commands us to maintain our humanity and our sense of justice even when confronted with the darkest parts of human nature or the most heated arguments. Even when you fight your enemy, you must do the right thing. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Rembrandt Loved Bible Stories and the Jews Who Populated Them

Written for children 5 through 9, Rembrandt’s Blessing tells the story of the Dutch Master’s love affair with Bible stories and by extension with Amsterdam Jews, whom he had pose for him. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors