By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Thanksgiving. No, not the holiday that comes this week on November 23. Rather, what the Torah portion we read this week, Vayeitzei, teaches us about giving thanks. The root letters of “odeh” – “I will give thanks,” form the basis of the name that Leah chose for […]
Parashat Vayeitzei: Thanksgiving Meets the Torah Portion Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
There is a special Jewish custom that in the months leading up to the delivery, the father opens up the Aron Kodesh to bring out the Sefer Torah. The Zohar says, “When the congregation takes out the Torah Scroll, the Heavenly Gates of Mercy are opened, and G‑d’s love is aroused.” The husband opening the Gates of Heaven hopefully elicits G‑d’s merciful blessing that the birth be easy and without complications. [Rabbi Yehuda Trestman]
Bais Betzalel Chabad Celebrates Its First Bris Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County
Born in Poland in 1917 and emigrated to Palestine at the age of eight, Rabbi Goren was a brilliant, colorful, and sometimes controversial, Talmudist and halakhist. Young Shlomo Goren was a prodigy: at the tender age of twelve, he began his formal Talmud studies as the youngest student ever at Jerusalem’s Hebron Yeshiva and he published the first of many books when he was just seventeen years old. [Gedaliah Borvick]
The Man for Whom Ma’alot Harav Shlomo Goren Was Named Read More »
Gedaliah Borvick, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion
Shabbat Toldot 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — After many years of being barren, praying, and pleading with Hashem to please grant them children, Rivka and Yitzchak were finally blessed with the expectation of twin boys! One can only imagine the unfiltered joy; how elated Rivka and Yitzchak felt. The feeling of
The Protection of Torah Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In the enchanting pages of Toldot this week, we uncover a love story that stands as the very first chapter in the sacred book of Torah. It’s a tale that ignites the flame of passion and unity, reminding us that in love, we’re destined to become one.
Parshat Toldot: The Unity of Love Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Most identify the Book of Psalms as a collection of Jewish hymns, prayers, and poems mostly focusing on praising and adoring God. Rabbis Jack Riemer and Elie Spitz, co-authors of Duet on Psalms, with their long careers as pulpit rabbis recognize for too many, reciting psalms is a perfunctory exercise, spoken without passion and devoid of their intrinsic meaning. [Fred Reiss, Ed.D]
The Hidden Passion and Joy of Psalms Described by Two Rabbis Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish Religion
Growing up, Wunder had a mixed set of experiences – a family that loved him and was very protective of him versus schoolmates and authority figures who singled him out because he was Asian. “It was anything from kids making fun of your eyes to the food that you eat, or assuming you speak another language and making fun of it, even if you don’t,” recalled Wunder, who works today as Director of Community Engagement for Temple Solel in Encinitas. Wunder is also one of 15 persons across the nation chosen in 2022 for a Wexner Field Fellowship. [Donald H. Harrison]
Terry Wunder: Rejoicing in a Jewish Identity Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, Jewish Religion, San Diego CountyShabbat Chayei Sarah 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Our great matriarch, Sarah Imeinu, had an exceedingly challenging life. The trials and tribulations she faced are evident when one reads the basic text of the Torah: First, she had to leave to a far off unknown land. Then she endured a famine.
Living a Life of Faith Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Press Release) – The Shabbat Project – an international movement that brings together Jews from all walks of life and all levels of observance to keep one Shabbat, celebrated in a spirit of global Jewish unity– took place on Nov. 3-4, 2023, in more than 100 countries and 1,500 cities, with more
By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Sarah lived to be 127 while Abraham lived to be 175. Chayei Sarah, can be translated as “The Lifetime of Sarah.” From the Talmud we learn, “the righteous are called living even after death.” Perhaps this is why the prominence of Sarah’s life is highlighted in the
Parashat Chayei Sarah: The Benefits of Aging Young Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
It was coincidence that two artisans who exhibited their work at Temple Emanu-El’s artisans festival on Sunday, Nov. 5, both had scientific backgrounds. Jonathan Rosenberg had worked prior to retirement as an immunologist at PharmaGen and at Becton, Dickinson (BD) during 16 years of his career. Anita Hettena was a biology professor, specializing in the teaching of anatomy, at San Diego City College. [Donald H. Harrison]
Science, Art, Religion Mix at Temple Emanu-El’s Artisans Festival Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County
Editor’s Note: This is the 7th chapter in Volume 3 of Editor Emeritus Donald H. Harrison’s 2022 trilogy, “Schlepping and Schmoozing Along the Interstate 5.” All three books as well as others written by Harrison may be purchased from Amazon.com. Schlepping and Schmoozing Along the Interstate 5, Volume 3, Exit 38 (Manchester Avenue): Temple Solel
Rabbi Alexis Berk: ‘Sacredness Is Everywhere’ Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Press Release) – The Shabbat Project, an international movement that brings together Jews from around the world to keep one Shabbat, is gearing up for its most important year yet. In the wake of the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks, this year’s message is “Keeping it Together for Israel.” From sundown on November
By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — And here is where, it seems, many of our current troubles all begin, more than 4,000 years ago. Careful reading of this week’s parasha may help us understand some of the mysteries enveloping today’s events. And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had
Parashat Vayeira: Commentary on Coexistence Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell