Heschel taught at Hebrew Union College (Reform) in Cincinnati for five years. In 1946 he switched to the Jewish Theological Seminary (Conservative) in New York, where he was a professor of Jewish ethics and mysticism. [SDJW staff]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Abraham Joshua Heschel Read More »
International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA
Scholars, such as Azariah de’ Rossi, in his The Light of the Eyes, speculate that the anno mundi — also known as the Hebrew calendar — may have originated around the sixth century, after the Talmudic Period. While this seems to be the date of its origin, it was not until relatively recently that Jews began to use it. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Hebrew Calendar Based on Controversial Approximations Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This week we learn of Abraham’s test to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. It’s the only challenge of the ten trials in the Torah clearly identified as a “test.” Hashem needed to test Abraham? After all, isn’t He omniscient? Yes, but the purpose of these tests are to elevate Abraham, to help him grow. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parasha Va’eira: Accepting Life’s Challenges Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
A delegation representing Israel, Bahrain, Egypt, and Morocco will discuss the Abraham Accords, the Hamas attack on Israel Oct. 7, the subsequent war in Gaza, and the prospects for encouraging “a constructive and positive way forward for Arabs and Israelis.” [SDJW staff]
Spinoza was regarded in the Amsterdam community as what the rabbis call an “illui” ̶ outstanding disciple. However, the “illui” had a critical view of the Bible and Talmud, not treating them as sacred books, but subjecting them to analysis. He scoffed at the Jewish chosenness and questioned the chronology of the Bible. He argued that Moses could not be the author of the Pentateuch. The books of Moses, in his judgment, were not written by one man and not for the people of one era. [Alex Gordon, Ph.D]
Baruch Spinoza: The Universal Anti-Hero Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
After the genocidal attack of Hamas and thousands of their fellow Palestinian butchered over 1200 Jews on October 7th, PM Benyamin Netanyahu likened Hamas to Amalek. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
Can the Children of Hamas Ever Live in Peace with Israelis? Read More »
Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This story book was published in plenty of time to purchase and read before the Passover holiday to the children ages 2 to 7 in your families. It focuses on the ceremonial foods of Pesach, most particularly that piece of matzah that is utilized as an afikomen. [Donald H. Harrison]
Bear Detective Searches in a Novel Way for the Afikomen Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsExodus starts by stating that after Joseph and his generation died, and their descendants multiplied exceedingly, “a new king arose who did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). This phrase has many interpretations. It could mean: “who did not fulfill Joseph’s decrees” (Targum Onkelos); he behaved as if he didn’t know Joseph (Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 11a); and he didn’t know him personally (Gersonides). Which makes the most sense? Should we say, “This is obscure”? [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Questions about the Biblical Weekly Portion Shemot Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
Our Movement offers a big tent with room for many diverse perspectives and backgrounds, rooted in tradition and inclusive of people with diverse backgrounds and needs. [Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal]
Conservative Judaism’s Leader Relates Movement’s Core Values Read More »
Jewish Religion, Press ReleaseImagine this: you, nestled in His embrace, unshackled from earthly limits. Now, wouldn’t Hashem naturally want to protect and provide for you? That’s the essence of Bitachon – a deep assurance that, fueled by your trust, Hashem’s blessings will manifest, regardless of any perceived “worthiness.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Shemot: Trust in God, Have Compassion for Others Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Approximately 673 years ago, the Sarajevo Haggadah was given as a wedding present, not in Bosnia but in Spain, where it remained until 1492, when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella expelled those Jews who would not convert to Catholicism. The ancient and beautifully illustrated narration of the Passover seder was a treasure that the Jewish family carried with it over the generations, first to Italy and later to Sarajevo, Bosnia. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Book Relates the Odyssey of the Sarajevo Haggadah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
At times like this, each one of us becomes an ambassador for Israel. Even if you don’t agree with everything Israel does, any decent person must stand up for Israel’s right to self-defense. [Rabbi Aron Moss]
Q&A about the Israel-Hamas War Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
While not everyone was Jewish, “we had a community ketuba of values” in which it was agreed that “we all come from different faith backgrounds, but we can agree that innovation, caring for one another, caring for the environment, and acting with intention were the things that we all wanted to do. So, we had one of our Hive members create a community ketuba (a written contract, usually for marriages.) We illustrated it and we all signed it.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jenny Camhi: Building Jewish Community in North County Read More »
Ben Dishman, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Shabbat Vayechi 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — One of the oldest and most cherished customs of the Jewish people is the parental blessing bestowed upon their children on Friday nights. It provides a precious moment of profound connection between parent and child, offering heartfelt blessings for the realization of their full
Being Happy for Others: Insights From Menashe Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion