Shabbat Lech Lecha 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller (1579–1654), in his classic commentary on the Mishnah, Tosfot Yom Tov (Pirkei Avot, 5:3), offers profound insight into the title bestowed upon our forefather Avraham, known as “Avinu” (our father). We know that Avraham is called Avraham “Avinu” […]
Our Divine Defense System Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In this, the third Torah reading of this remarkably eventful new year, we learn in Lech Lecha of the spiritual trajectory of our lives. Hashem tells Avraham, “Lech Lecha,” go for yourself, “me’artzecha,” from your homeland, “mimoladitecha,” from your birthplace, “u’mi’beit avicha,” and from your father’s house
Parashat Lech Lecha: The Value of Discomfort Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Look at the world Noach lived in. Greed, oppression, corruption, sexual excess, and worse. Wait. What’s changed? Look at our world. How do we cope without an ark to escape into? Floods, figuratively at least, surround us. Our response, our Jewish response, is to continue to be resilient,
Parashat Noach: Being a Mensch in a World Flooded With Strife Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Shabbat Bereshit 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Earlier this week, the RCA (Rabbinical Council of America) hosted a Zoom call for congregational rabbis with Dr. Norman Blumenthal, a renowned Jewish psychologist, and Rav Dovid Miller, the Rosh Kollel of the YU Gruss Kollel in Yerushalayim. Their goal was to provide insights
Shabbos: Finding Strength Amidst the Chaos Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
As Morocco rebuilds in the aftermath of a horrifying earthquake that struck High Atlas Mountain ranges last month, this article considers the guiding premises for sustainable societies established in the first chapter of the Torah, “In the Beginning.” [Yossef Ben-Meir]
‘In the Beginning’ in Morocco Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Yossef Ben-MeirBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — As we learn from “The Parsha Song” from Torah Island by Suki and Ding, “With Bereishit we begin learning Torah, How precious we hold our Mesorah, Bereishis, Noach, Lech Lecha, Vayeira, Chayei Sarah, Sarah lived for 127 years…” And on we go. Yes, new beginnings often combine excitement
Parashat Bereishit: A Fresh Start Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Jacob Kamaras LA JOLLA, California — In San Diego and across the Jewish world, this past Simchat Torah holiday won’t be forgotten anytime soon. While I was on volunteer security duty at Congregation Adat Yeshurun during Shabbat/Shemini Atzeret, bits and pieces of the devastating news in Israel began to emerge. We heard that 100
Editor’s Notebook: Navigating an Unforgettable Sense of Limbo on Simchat Torah Read More »
Israel, Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County
(Press Release) OneTable, a North American non-profit best known for empowering people in their 20s and 30s to envision new rituals and build community through Shabbat dinner, is launching a new program aimed at older adults. Those aged 55ish+ are invited to register at Together @OneTable, a peer-to-peer platform dedicated to connecting people to create
OneTable Expands, Creating Meaningful Shabbat Dinner Practices for New Generations Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, USA
High Holiday Music will be featured as the first of a series of three Jewish Holiday Music programs from the Music Collection of the Astor Judaica Library. This free presentation will be held from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon, September 28, in the second floor library of the Lawrence Family JCC. [Eileen Wingard]
Famous Cantors, Past and Present, Featured in High Holy Day Music at the JCC Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County
the personal stories told from Rabbi Zedek’s own experiences were the ones that most resonated with me as I read this slim volume. Perhaps this is because I know from personal experience that we can intellectually quote from the works of others without taking their meanings deep into our hearts, but when we relate our own experiences, we are telling about something that in the everyday course of living made us take special notice. [Donald H. Harrison]
Recognizing the Miraculous in the ‘Mundane’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — The weekly portion of Haazinu (chapter 32), the penultimate Torah’s ending, is “The Song.” In it, because he realizes the significance of his message, Moses reemphasizes the benefits and consequences derived from observing and disobeying the divine law. Jewish law generally requires, with few exceptions, two
Two Witnesses Prove God Exists Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
By Teresa Konopka SAN DIEGO — With Rosh Hashanah this past weekend, there were plenty of festivities. From services to lunch to dinner to shofar blasts to tashlich, the opportunities to connect with community were endless. Chatting up friends old and new, I broke the ice with my standard question — “any new year’s resolutions?”
Discovering Purpose Read More »
Jewish Religion, Opinion, Teresa_Konopka
By Doron Krakow JCC Association’s board convened in New York this week, and our meetings opened on September 11. Beth Mann, a remarkable member of the professional team, reflected on that devastating morning 22 years ago when our nation and world were rocked to their very core. Back then, Beth was the executive director of
When Tomorrow Comes Read More »
Doron Krakow, Jewish Religion, Opinion, USA
(Press Release) Focusing on an audience that is often neglected in Jewish communities, Recustom has launched a new initiative timed with the High Holidays to support and resource anyone seeking to start or grow families who is experiencing fertility challenges. Formerly known as Haggadot.com, Recustom helps people create personalized, customizable, and meaningful Jewish ritual experiences
Amid High Holidays, New Resources Focus on People Experiencing Fertility Challenges Read More »
Jewish Religion, USA