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
Parashat Vayigash: Elevating Our Lives to a New Level Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
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
Reflections of a Jewish Santa Claus Read More »
Eric George Tauber, Jewish Religion, Opinion
Editor’s Note: This is the 13th 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 41B (Encinitas Boulevard): Leichtag Commons From northbound Interstate
Charlene Seidle: Passion for North County San Diego and Israel Read More »
Ben Dishman, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, Judaism, San Diego County, The World We Share, USA
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
The Significance of Ephraim’s Dust: A Legacy of Humility and Devotion Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionBy 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
Parashat Mikeitz: Standing Resilient Against the Darkness Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
She said that there is a “joy of serving and working with older adults. They have lived before us; they have all this rich history. They are wiser; they have all this experience that you haven’t had. If you are smart, you will listen and learn from them.”[Donald H. Harrison]
The Pam Ferris Formula: Happy Employees Make for Happy Residents at Seacrest Village Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, Judaism, San Diego County
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
Festival of Light and Steel: 20-Foot SDSU Menorah Shines on 1st Night of Hanukkah Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & EducationShabbat Vayeishev 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Yosef, a handsome 17-year-old, cherished as the beloved son of the great Yaakov Avinu, was a young man dedicated to learning and growing closer to Hashem. However, his life took a challenging turn when his brothers turned against him, casting him into a pit,
Yosef’s Moral Compass: Navigating Challenges With Integrity Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
This is a memoir of an American falling in love with a French man who is more traditional in his religious observance than she is. They marry and live for a while in France, but Israel calls to him. She wants to live in the familiar U.S. of A. He wants his family to be raised as traditional Jews in Israel. [Donald H. Harrison]
Home in Israel or U.S.A.? A Couple’s Dilemma Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, USABy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — What an incredible week we’ve got coming up! With the joyous celebrations of Chanukah and the always-awaited Shabbat, it’s a whirlwind of excitement. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and the festive happenings, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly on the move. But
Parashat Vayeishev: Pushing the Pause Button Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Times of San Diego SAN DIEGO — A new menorah was installed Saturday outside the Chabad House, just east of San Diego State University. This bigger, brighter and vandal-resistant menorah – it weighs 1,500 pounds and is 20-feet tall – replaces one that was destroyed earlier this year in a suspected hate crime. Rabbi
Community Supports SDSU Chabad House in Replacing Menorah Lost to Hate Crime Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County
Some people become increasingly conservative as they age; but the reverse has been true in Dosick’s life. He grew up in a Conservative congregation but decided to enter the Reform seminary of Hebrew Union College because he objected to the Jewish Theological Seminary of the Conservative movement on two grounds. First, it still separated men and women during prayer services and Dosick opposed mehitzahs (physical barriers). Second the JTS leadership was then on record supporting the war in Vietnam in the mistaken belief that if the U.S. left Vietnam to the Communists, its support for Israel against its enemies also might be shaky. [Donald H. Harrison]
With Hanukkah fast approaching, it’s a time to purchase or pull from your family library a thoughtful, comprehensive Hannukah handbook that was written five years ago and is so well-done it should become a standard for the holiday. [Donald H. Harrison]
Hanukkah Handbook is Comprehensive Guide for Children Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish ReligionShabbat Vayishlach 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Yaakov had been preparing for the meeting between him and his brother Eisav. He had heard that his brother was coming with 400 men to kill him, so Yaakov acted very strategically in anticipation of the meeting. Then the moment of truth came. Yaakov
Finding Divine Connection in Unexpected Moments Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion