Jewish Religion

Jewish California’s six-bill push reaches the governor

Many of the proposals, while intended to address the Jewish community’s concerns, would also help other groups. Muslim and Hindu families would also benefit from the two calendar proposals. AB 1763 would remove the parental written request and principal approval requirements for religious absences. AB 395 covers scheduling conflicts with holidays including Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. [Shor M. Masori]

Jewish California’s six-bill push reaches the governor Read More »

California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shor M. Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors

To build our Jewish community, extend an invitation to a stranger

This year, and I hope for the next 90, we want to work toward a San Diego where every Jewish person, and everyone connected to our community, can find a place where they feel seen, valued and heard, and where they can come together with others around a shared purpose. {Heidi Gantwerk]

To build our Jewish community, extend an invitation to a stranger Read More »

Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Looking beyond the favorite High Holiday traditions

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, a recent High Holiday  “Torah and Tea” class taught by Rebbetzin Chaya Andrusier at Chabad of East County, encouraged participants to look beyond the familiar traditions of the holiday and consider deeper questions of purpose, identity and connection to Hashem. (Cailin Acosta)

Looking beyond the favorite High Holiday traditions Read More »

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

Sept. 11 anniversary coincides with Erev Rosh Hashanah

The 9/11 story is the account of four coordinated terrorist hijackings by 19 al Qaeda militants on September 11, 2001, which killed nearly 3,000 people and targeted the two buildings of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a fourth site thwarted by passengers. (Cailin Acosta)

Sept. 11 anniversary coincides with Erev Rosh Hashanah Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Preserving minority viewpoint assures Judaism doesn’t split into two or more religions

They ask whether teshuvah will be received. The Midrash answers with men no committee would print on a brochure. Cain speaks and half a decree is lifted. Ahab tears his clothes and a sentence is stayed. Manasseh fills the Temple with a four-faced idol; the angels shut the windows. Yet God bores a hole under the Throne, and through that passage Manasseh’s prayer is received, and he repents. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)

Preserving minority viewpoint assures Judaism doesn’t split into two or more religions Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Parshiot Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Look yourself over

Maybe that is what “choose life” is really asking of us. Not to become perfect, but to become a little more aware of the choices we are making. To pay attention to the way we speak to people. To be willing to apologize. To forgive when we can. To reach out. To let go when it is time. To appreciate the people who are already in our lives. To make room for more kindness, more connection, and more meaning.(Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D,)

Parshiot Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Look yourself over Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Ancient Jewish wisdom has much in common with modern psychology

There is a fascinating connection between ancient Jewish wisdom and one of the most influential approaches to emotional health in modern psychology: Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, or REBT, developed by psychologist Albert Ellis, Ph.D. (Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D,]

Ancient Jewish wisdom has much in common with modern psychology Read More »

Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

What kind of year can we help create for someone else?

Here in San Diego County, approximately one in four Jewish households live in or on the edge of poverty. Many struggle quietly. They may even be our neighbors or friends. An illness, job loss, divorce, aging, or one unexpected crisis can suddenly change a family’s life. [Cailin Acosta]

What kind of year can we help create for someone else? Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

California one step closer to declaring Jewish identity an ethnicity as well as a religion

According to Pew Research Center, over 50% of American Jews said ancestry and culture are essential to what being Jewish means to them, while 36% said religion. More than a quarter describe themselves as Jews of no religion. (Press Release)

California one step closer to declaring Jewish identity an ethnicity as well as a religion Read More »

California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Press Release, USA