Dr. Shapiro reveals Rabbi Kook’s surprising, sometimes radical, and breathtaking ideas, prompting us to rethink what we have accepted as sensible. It is the best book I have read in years. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Rav Kook’s Unique Vision Told by Author Marc B. Shapiro Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The biggest expenses are the cemetery plots, the vault and opening and closing of the grave. The exclusively Jewish cemetery Home of Peace is probably the least expensive with plots running about $9,000 a piece. The digging, filling and labor total another $4,000. Altogether, with the mortuary fees, it costs about $20,000 for a burial from start to finish. [Cailin Acosta]
The High Cost of Dying in San Diego County Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Our regular readers will not be surprised that in this book he poses answerless questions intended to make us think. He speculates about the sacred and the mundane, inquiring in chapter 30 “What do we know about God?” and in chapter 26 about “Ethical behaviors concerning shoes.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Rabbi Drazin’s Speculations Generate an Eclectic Book Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin PIKESVILLE, Maryland — I have been reading and reviewing the inspiring, fascinating books by the brilliant writer Rabbi Dr. Charles H. Freundlich for over ten years and have enjoyed them all. Sol’s Journey, his eleventh fiction book since he started writing them at age eighty, is no exception. It is
‘Sol’s Journey’ Contains Good Advice for American Jews Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Voice of the People, a global initiative tackling key challenges facing the Jewish people spearheaded by President Isaac Herzog, announced on Thursday, Jan. 23, the formation of its inaugural 150-member global Jewish council. This diverse and dynamic cohort will lead a two-year mission to address the most pressing challenges facing the global Jewish community. [Press Release]
Israel’s President Herzog Names 150 Jews to Address Global Jewish Challenges Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, USA
This week’s parsha is tailored to the times in which we are living. Fear of the unknown, “uncertainty,” has spun many into anxiety, depression, and self-destruction. Many have so weakened their sense of hopefulness, that they live with exhaustion, believing nothing can, or will, improve. The devastating, shocking, overwhelming loss in Los Angeles has led many to beat themselves down. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Va’eira: An Antidote to Shortness of Breath Read More »
California, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
First Responders can’t be thanked enough for putting their lives on the line to save others. It is the true example of either being a mensch or someone practicing tikkun olam daily. [Cailin Acosta]
Winds Have Everyone Nervous About Wildfires; Thank You’s Due to First Responders Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodMany words associated with religion have lost their meaning, and when synagogue and church leaders use them to inspire their people, they frequently lead them astray. The following are some examples. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Many Words Associated with Religion Have Lost Their Meaning Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Yesterday, Jan. 20, was a tough day — kicking off a tough week, and likely, a very tough four years. And yet, yesterday we honored a legacy of justice and resilience that reminds us: we come from generations of powerful resistance. [Idit Klein]
Keshet CEO Responds to Trump’s Anti-LGBTQ Executive Orders Read More »
Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir, under the direction of Pastor Ken Anderson, performed Saturday night, Jan. 18, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Gospel rhythms prompted the Jewish audience to join through singing, dancing, and clapping. [Robin Dishman]
MLK Community Choir Performs for a Jewish Audience Read More »
Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Poet Allisa Cherry is entranced by Hebrew Scriptures, turning to them to express her anguish over the tragic lives of the members of a Mormon family. A grandmother had a double mastectomy; a father died of radiation poisoning caused by nuclear testing in the desert; a brother died in a car accident before he was 20; and a wife, caught in a loveless marriage, divorces her ne’er-do-well husband. [Donald H. Harrison]
Biblical Imagery Brightens Poet’s Bleak Account of Life in the Arizona Desert Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThis weekend we honor the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I wasn’t around when he was and as far as I can remember, it was always a school holiday. [Cailin Acosta]
Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Something ignited when Debbie Mishek, M.D., traveled to Congregation Beth Am in Los Angeles to attend a presentation about Kol Tefillah (The Voice of Prayer) a few years ago. The program was about “reimagining Jewish prayer and making it more relevant and more inspiring,” the developmental pediatrician recalled. “There is something about music and prayer that is so spiritual. I access my spirituality through music.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Kol Tefillah Band Specializes in Music for Praying and Reflecting Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Since we live in California, the civil law and Jewish law are both in agreement that it is legal to possess and use marijuana. [Cailin Acosta]
Torah Study and Halakhah Regarding the Use of Cannabis Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors