A non-Jewish friend who attended the service expressed admiration for how the new daughter of the commandments had, in fact, taken exception to a part of the Bible. The friend thought that was very brave. [Donald H. Harrison]
Volunteering in Lieu of Sacrificing Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USA
In 1875, his dream of opening Hebrew Union College to train rabbis was realized, with Wise serving as its president. In 1883, non-kosher food was served at what became known derisively as the “Trefa Banquet” for the first graduating class, which Wise declined to condemn. This incident led to the formation of the Conservative movement, which positioned itself as more liberal than Orthodox Judaism, but conserving some traditions. [SDJW staff]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Isaac Mayer Wise Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA
As a trans Jew, myself, I have experienced some of the difficulties as well as moments of joy that come with existing in the intersection of transness and Jewishness. Yet, despite the growing breadth of literature on gay, lesbian, and other queer-identifying Jews, there’s still a gap in materials about trans Jews. [Matt Lacoff]
Trans Jew for Trans Day of Visibility Relates His Research Read More »
California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
He introduces us to a game, “Where did I hear these words before? It shows us that by doing so, we can see Leviticus is not two but three-dimensional. He gives us a new, exciting, and deeper view of Leviticus. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Leviticus Made Easier to Understand by Rabbi David Fohrman Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
God did what is sensible. The world is, as the Hebrew Bible states, “Good.” It gives people free will. Humans cause evil in three ways. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
A Possible Solution Why There is Evil Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Dr. David DeSteno and his colleagues reveal a profound truth – that gratitude is a powerful force, capable of igniting a radiant chain reaction of goodness and compassion. Perhaps this is what is behind the good Moshe delivers to Aharon…not so much “making” him “feel good,” but rather when one’s heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings received, it becomes a wellspring from which kindness and generosity flow forth. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Tzav: Gratefulness Can Inspire Others Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The story, with its depictions of grand feasts and complex administrative structures, resonates with the grandeur of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Yet, elements of legend, such as the exaggerated descriptions of beauty treatments and gallows, interweave history with myth, painting a captivating picture that blurs the lines between reality and folklore. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
What are the Messages of Purim? Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) says that she is “outraged” that a global assistance program recently approved by the House of Representative “excludes funding for UNRWA, which is delivering irreplaceable, life-saving aid to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Palestinian children are starving and need relief and cutting off U.S. support for UNRWA will worsen their suffering.” [SDJW staff]
Our Shtetl San Diego County: Congresswoman Jacobs ‘Outraged’ By Aid Cutoff to UNRWA Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Not far inside the main entrance of the 125,000-acre Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the Camp Del Mar headquarters for the storied I Marine Expeditionary Force. There, from 2012 through 2014, Navy Capt. Irv Elson worked as a Force Chaplain on the way to his ultimate assignment in uniform as the Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps, the first Jew to achieve that rank. [Donald H. Harrison]
As we head into Purim this weekend, I am reminded that being Jewish is a gift; one that has so much to offer and brings such meaning and purpose to my life. It can also bring so much joy. So, this year, although I’m stretched, stressed and wildly busy, it feels more important than ever to make room for joy. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Injection of Purim Joy So Needed in Our Lives Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
We believe that calls for a “bilateral ceasefire” are tantamount to an Israeli surrender. Hamas is a terrorist group with ties to the Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar, so one must ask: with whom would Israel sign a “bilateral” ceasefire? And who will enforce it? [Press Release]
‘No Ceasefire Yet’ — A Statement from RabbisUNITED Read More »
California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA
There is a chilling exchange in the Megillah when Mordechai charges Esther to intercede with the King. Esther demurs, fearing for her own life. Mordechai warns her, “Do not imagine that you, of all the Jews, will escape with your life by being in the king’s palace. On the contrary, if you keep silent in this crisis, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another quarter, while you and your father’s house will perish.” [Misha Galperin]
OpEd: During Purim Especially, Jews Should Speak Up for Israel Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
So how do we reconcile animal sacrifices with the Torah’s directive to have compassion for animals? In biblical times the Jewish ritual of animal sacrifices was considered tame in comparison to the prominent pagan practice of human sacrifice. According to Maimonides, animal sacrifices helped wean the Jews away from these barbaric pagan rituals. Furthermore, sacrifices were permitted only in the Temple, where its holiness promoted reverence for animal life. [Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz]
Demystifying the Paradox of Animal Sacrifices Read More »
Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Published by Benzinga It may be hard to notice anything at the grocery stores other than higher prices. But, astute observers may wonder why some Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) products have yellow caps instead of the typical red ones. Well, the answer isn’t something you’ll want to pass over. Why Some Coke Bottles Have Yellow Caps: