By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — What sustains you through inevitable setbacks in life? Is it your self-confidence? After all, pop psychology would have us believe that what it takes is simply true belief in yourself. But this week’s parasha, Vayechi, teaches us that what strengthened and motivated Joseph was a genuine understanding […]
Parashat Vayechi: A Lens of Positivity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Karen Parry, executive director of Hillel of San Diego, issued an estimable message on Christmas Day. [SDJW staff report]
A Christmas Day Message from Hillel of San Diego Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County
After four years heading Coastal Roots Farm, first as executive director, and later as the President and CEO of the independent, nonprofit farm, Guerrero can sling around a lot of Hebrew, some of which may be unfamiliar to non-Hebrew speaking American Jews. [Donald H. Harrison]
Shabbat Vayigash 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Parshat Vayigash continues from where we left off last week, as Yehuda confronts Yoseph in the aftermath of the stolen goblet incident that led to Binyamin’s imprisonment. The narrative carefully retraces the sequence of events, beginning with Yoseph’s peculiar interest in their family. Yehuda makes
In Memory of My Saba: Setting the Stage for Yehuda’s Kingship Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
The actions Egypt took in its survival to avoid an apocalyptic famine as described in the Bible have applicable relevance to help us avoid climate catastrophe in our time. [Yossef Ben-Meir]
Applying Biblical Egypt’s Actions to Today’s Climate Emergency Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA, Yossef Ben-MeirBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In the midst of the formidable challenges that we’re grappling with, especially since October 7th, it’s high time for a profound, spiritual awakening. This week’s parasha, Vayigash, unfolds with captivating lessons that beckon us to elevate our lives to a whole new level. Drawing inspiration from the
Parashat Vayigash: Elevating Our Lives to a New Level Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Eric George Tauber CINCINNATI, Ohio — We all know the “December Dilemma.” Finding decorations, music, cards, and garments for Chanukah often requires special effort — whereas that other holiday is so ubiquitous, it’s overwhelming. Every street twinkles with colored lights. Every shop and restaurant is adorned with pine and holly, and carols ring from
Reflections of a Jewish Santa Claus Read More »
Eric George Tauber, Jewish Religion, OpinionShabbat Mikeitz 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Yosef endured 12 years of imprisonment, Pharaoh, troubled by two similar dreams, sought an interpretation, leading to Yosef’s release from prison. The Pharaoh’s butler, recalling Yosef’s exceptional skill in deciphering dreams, hastened to bring him before Pharaoh. In Pharaoh’s presence, Yosef not only interpreted the
The Significance of Ephraim’s Dust: A Legacy of Humility and Devotion Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — If you’re not feeling the magic of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” let’s chat. Picture this: back in 1963, Jewish composers Eddie Pola and George Wyle (aka Bernard Weissman) crafted the catchy lyrics and music for that very song. Now, if you’re scratching your head
Parashat Mikeitz: Standing Resilient Against the Darkness Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Ken Stone Times of San Diego SAN DIEGO — Barry Soper was beaming. The author and homeless advocate who spearheaded efforts to replace a vandalized menorah at the San Diego State University Chabad House was seeing it lit Thursday on the first night of Hanukkah. He and several hundred others cheered amid tragic times for Jews
Festival of Light and Steel: 20-Foot SDSU Menorah Shines on 1st Night of Hanukkah Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & EducationShabbat Vayeishev 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Yosef, a handsome 17-year-old, cherished as the beloved son of the great Yaakov Avinu, was a young man dedicated to learning and growing closer to Hashem. However, his life took a challenging turn when his brothers turned against him, casting him into a pit,
Yosef’s Moral Compass: Navigating Challenges With Integrity Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
This is a memoir of an American falling in love with a French man who is more traditional in his religious observance than she is. They marry and live for a while in France, but Israel calls to him. She wants to live in the familiar U.S. of A. He wants his family to be raised as traditional Jews in Israel. [Donald H. Harrison]
Home in Israel or U.S.A.? A Couple’s Dilemma Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, USABy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — What an incredible week we’ve got coming up! With the joyous celebrations of Chanukah and the always-awaited Shabbat, it’s a whirlwind of excitement. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and the festive happenings, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly on the move. But
Parashat Vayeishev: Pushing the Pause Button Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Times of San Diego SAN DIEGO — A new menorah was installed Saturday outside the Chabad House, just east of San Diego State University. This bigger, brighter and vandal-resistant menorah – it weighs 1,500 pounds and is 20-feet tall – replaces one that was destroyed earlier this year in a suspected hate crime. Rabbi
Community Supports SDSU Chabad House in Replacing Menorah Lost to Hate Crime Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County