The Torah uses the word “love” when it speaks about God and humans. Love has a larger meaning in the Torah than in the English language. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
What Does Love Mean in the Torah? Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
For those who grew up in the Sephardic tradition, this board book intended for children aged 4 and under may be a simple primer about Rosh Hashanah. But for those Jews who grew up in the Ashkenazic culture, it is an introduction to the way Sephardic Jews celebrate a familiar holiday. [Donald H. Harrison]
Ladino Words, Customs Highlighted in Board Book for Rosh Hashanah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Sometimes the universe has to shake you to your core before you notice the cracks you’ve been ignoring. For me, that moment came this week, not in a war zone or a protest, but in the sterile white of an emergency room, in the form of a kidney failure scare. [Shahar Masori]
OpEd: A Reminder of Life’s Fragility Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The famed Sesame Street character Grover relates his bedtime routine in this board book intended for children aged 4 and under. [Donald H. Harrison]
Grover of ‘Sesame Street’ Fame Practices Judaism in This Board Book Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Every day, when my father left for the factory in the morning, he and my mother were unsure he would return home. Any connection to Judaism could lead to arrest and prison. Circumcision, in particular. But for my grandfathers, a boy not circumcised was as though not yet born as a Jew. [Yakov Nayerman]
The prayer acknowledges that there is something bigger than us and that G-d gave us life and can easily take it away. It is a time to acknowledge that one day we will not live to see another day and to be grateful for the day we were blessed with. [Cailin Acosta]
‘Modeh Ani’: A Good Way to Start Your Morning Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Travel and Food
Moshe warns us about seductive influences, those ideas or voices that pull us away from Hashem’s path. This is not about shutting out the world but about protecting the spiritual compass that keeps us whole. It’s no accident the parsha begins, “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.” Blessings if we walk in Hashem’s ways, curses if we stray [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Re’eh: Choose wisely Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The research, directed by Dr. Mijal Bitton and based at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Research, includes recommendations for community leaders, educators, and researchers to better include Sephardic Jews in the community. The myriad specific recommendations in the report are informed by five new recommended frameworks to approach diversity work in the Jewish community. [Press Release]
The recognition that we are not puppets and must handle our own lives without divine intervention also helps explain why God did not interfere to save the six million Jews during the Holocaust and does not answer prayers. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Utilizing Free Will: It’s Your Choice Read More »
Holocaust, International, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USARed string bracelets have been worn to protect against the evil eye and keep bad luck away. Madonna made these bracelets popular, and they were being sold at the Kabbalah Centre. [Cailin Acosta]
Red String Bracelets Used as Amulets Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
In the collection Landmarks (1909), which became an important event in the history of Russian philosophical thought, Frank published an article The Ethics of Nihilism, where he criticized the “nihilistic moralism” characteristic of the Russian radical intelligentsia and opposed it with a call for “creative, culture-building religious humanism.” [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Semyon Frank, Religious Philosopher Read More »
Alex Gordon, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Wikipedia
We studied Jewish text designed to guide us in thinking through our responsibilities in relation to Israel, what is happening in Gaza, and the rising threats to the Jewish people. [Heidi Gantwerk]
It’s a Jewish Time for Soul-Searching Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe difficulties we encounter aren’t signs of abandonment. They’re spiritual training. Like a coach who pushes athletes beyond their comfort zones, Hashem invites us to grow past where we thought our limits were. Without that friction, our souls would stay soft, our values underdeveloped. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Eikev: Growing Through Love and Limits Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Two Torahs saved from the Holocaust were obtained, one from the Czech Republic; the other from Hungary. A congregant whose hobby is woodworking built the Holy Ark within which to keep them. Another congregant created a rustic chuppah. Jewish books were donated to the congregational library. Temple Sukkat Shalom (Shelter of Peace) is small, yet compact. [Donald H. Harrison]
Alaskan Synagogue Depends on Volunteers Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA