Jewish Religion

Children’s Book Relates the Odyssey of the Sarajevo Haggadah

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]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jenny Camhi: Building Jewish Community in North County

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]

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Ben Dishman, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Being Happy for Others: Insights From Menashe

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

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Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion

Javier Guerrero: Growing and Distributing Food in Accordance with Jewish Ethical Teachings at Coastal Roots Farm

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]

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Ben Dishman, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education

In Memory of My Saba: Setting the Stage for Yehuda’s Kingship

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

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Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion

Parashat Vayigash: Elevating Our Lives to a New Level

By 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

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

Reflections of a Jewish Santa Claus

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

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Eric George Tauber, Jewish Religion, Opinion

The Significance of Ephraim’s Dust: A Legacy of Humility and Devotion

Shabbat 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

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Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion

Parashat Mikeitz: Standing Resilient Against the Darkness

By 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

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

Festival of Light and Steel: 20-Foot SDSU Menorah Shines on 1st Night of Hanukkah

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

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education