By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — When someone came to the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Lubavitcher rebbe for a blessing, the rebbe said, “Think positive and it will be positive.” This week a superb lesson in living optimally comes from Shemot. Moshe, we learn, wasn’t always a positive thinker. Recall the day following […]
Parashat Shemot: Positive Thinking Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — The book Job is composed of three parts: a prologue, an epilogue, and the body of the tale. Many scholars are convinced that the prologue and epilogue are additions to the story’s original body. The two are different in tone and portray God in a radically
Book of Job: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
By his own assessment, being a rabbi who must give sermons before a congregation and empathize with congregants during times of their loss or emotional stress is a challenge that others might believe insurmountable given his high-functioning autism. [Donald H. Harrison]
Autistic Rabbi Brutally Honest about Issues and Himself Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — Some people think that Maimonides was a deist. I am convinced that they are mistaken. There are some similarities between Maimonides and deists, just as there are similarities between Jews and Christians, but these similarities do not result in us calling Jews Christians. This becomes
Was Maimonides a Deist? Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish ReligionMichael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, Maimonides, was one of the towering figures in the history of the Jewish people. Of him it was said, “From Moshe (Moses) to Moshe (the son of Maimon) there arose none like Moshe.” The Rambam wrote, “Maintaining a healthy body is among the ways
Parashat Vayechi: A Religion of the Body Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Chanukkah greetings are offered by friends and relatives, as well as retail stores and banks, and almost every politician. What online Chanukkah greeting was offered this year by a politician which has garnered a lot of online response? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Chanukah Greetings Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireMaggid Books just published Days are Coming by Sivan Rahav-Meir, an easy-to-read, enjoyable, and inspiring book translated from Hebrew by Yehoshua Siskin. The book has many insightful ideas from sages, Bible commentators, and others regarding Jewish holidays, days following the holidays, and times when we remember people who taught us significant lessons that can improve our lives and make them enjoyable, such as the biblical matriarch Rachel and the philosopher Maimonides. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
‘Days Are Coming’ Includes Insights from Jewish Sages Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
By Jacob Kamaras CHULA VISTA, California — How does it feel to be included? Southern California’s Jewish community experienced precisely that feeling December 19 on the first day of Chanukah at Sesame Place San Diego, which hosted a Chanukah celebration that featured a menorah candle lighting ceremony, a dance party with Chanukah music, dreidel playing
Sesame Place San Diego Makes Chanukah the Centerpiece of a Day at the Theme Park Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion, San Diego County
By Eric George Tauber CINCINNATI, Ohio — Several years ago, on the sixth night of Chanukah, Chabad set up a giant Menorah for a celebration at Mission Valley Mall. It was fun. Kids were busily making crafts. Some were dressed as Maccabees and Dreidels and there was Chanukah music coming from the speakers. This is
Why We Need Chanukah Read More »
Eric George Tauber, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion
By Jacob Kamaras After using “Hanukkah” so far this holiday season—as I’ve used throughout my journalistic career, in line with AP style—on Monday I was informed by our founder and editor emeritus, Don Harrison, that we’ve used “Chanukah” over the years.” San Diego Jewish World will now be switching back to Chanukah. But remember, ultimately,
How Do You Spell Chanukah? (Hanukkah?) Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion
By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This week’s parasha, Miketz, comes on Chanukah and on Rosh Chodesh Tevet. Yet, Chanukah isn’t mentioned even once in all of our Torah. Recall that in last week’s parasha, Vayeishev, Joseph was thrown into a pit. Joseph prayed and Hashem answered his prayers. This week, we read
Parashat Miketz and Chanukah: A Story of Resilience and Hope Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
So, about two months ago, Rabbi Labkowski and his wife Tzipora opened Bay Kosher in the front part of the building that also houses their shul, Chabad of Lamorinda. He engaged Mendel Schiffer, a native of Akko, Israel, to manage the store for him. Schiffer, who didn’t care for retirement, had been in sales most of his life, and yearned for something new to do. [Donald H. Harrison]
Chabad Opens Kosher Market in Lafayette Read More »
Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Travel and Food
By Dorian de Wind The Moderate Voice AUSTIN, Texas — Since the Jewish calendar is based on lunar months, the eight days of the Jewish festival Hanukkah do not begin on the same (Gregorian calendar) date every year. During the Holocaust, at Hitler’s death camps, the first night of Hanukkah fell on dates ranging from
Eight Days of Auschwitz Read More »
Dorian de Wind, Holocaust, International, Jewish Religion, Opinion
By Sarah Ogince (JNS) The lights are kindled, the shamash is returned to its place and the family breaks into song: It is a rousing, march-like melody that is the aural equivalent of the menorah’s light—energy, joy and hope in the depth of winter, a promise of rebirth. It’s a familiar, comforting scene, repeated in
Everyone Knows ‘Ma’oz Tzur,’ Except They Don’t Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts