Judaism

Jews cheer, jeer Kamala Harris as Biden’s VP nominee

Back in June 2016, when California’s then Attorney General Kamala Harris was successfully campaigning for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate to succeed the retiring Barbara Boxer, I asked her at the United Domestic Workers Union Hall in San Diego about the ongoing Israel-Palestinian dispute. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Middle East, San Diego County, USA

High Holy Day worship during the pandemic

People are worried about jobs, rallies, protests and yes riots. The real question now is it more important to open up the world than to live.? Is it worth partying on the beach, drinking alcohol in mass at a bar or living for a future time? Young people are dying and many are killing their parents by bringing the virus in their homes. Wake up. It is your life. Do not take it for granted.  And this advice applies to those considering High Holy Day services as well. [Rabbi Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg]

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Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, USA

Science and religion are quite different

I read an article by a professor who wanted to show that science and religion are similar. I think that the support he offers for his view is simplistic and, worse, it is wrong. The professor argued that both science and religion have the same outlook and are therefore alike. Both, he wrote, marvel at the universe and enjoy what they see. (Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin)

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education

A Word of Torah: Blessings for those who do Mitzvot

The world has a saying, “The devil is in the details.” That is understood to mean that those details that many feel are minutiae, are actually quite important – essential even to achieving success. As Jews we look to the Torah for life-guiding wisdom. In this case we are saying that, “The G-dliness is in the details!” When we are mindful of the fine points of a Torah observant life we will indeed experience incredible blessings. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]

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Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

Postcards and the Kindertransport

This story is built around 50 delicate letters, most written on the back of German period piece postcards: including garden scenes of fairy tales gnomes, elfs, leprechauns, and teddy bears designed for children. The letters, starting in February 1939 were by Max Lichtwitz, a Berlin lawyer, to his six-year-old son Heinz or Heini Lichtwitz, the future Henry Foner. They evoke love, longing, and irreparable loss. Max, a widower, sent his six-year son Heinz to England to live in Swansea, Wales with Morris and Winifred Foner. Max, his new wife and stepdaughter never got out of Germany, and were murdered in Auschwitz. [Oliver Pollak]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Oliver Pollak

Adin Steinsaltz, translator of Talmud, other Jewish texts

JERUSALEM (Press Release) – Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, one of the greatest commentators on Judaism of our generation, died Friday in Jerusalem, aged 83, after suffering from acute pneumonia. Rabbi Steinsaltz was born in Jerusalem in 1937. After graduating in chemistry and physics from the Hebrew University, he began his career as an educator and

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Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials

Torah for children: Be thankful

If everything is good, it is easy to take it for granted that the good will always continue no matter what one does. Moses warns the people to continue following God’s laws. If they stray, if they decide they don’t have to do what the Torah tells them to do, then God will grow angry. Moses reminds them to be thankful and never forget:  what God has given them, God can also take away. [Marcia Berneger]

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Jewish Religion, Marcia Berneger

Morocco a model for U.S. multiculturalism

As the United States embraces improving race-relations, Black culture and heritage become more than just an expression of the Black community, but something that is inherently all-American. As the movement brings light to nationwide change, it may be helpful to consider the methods of Moroccan multiculturalism, where cultural protection is tied to development, limiting socioeconomic divides and welcoming diversity. [Jacqueline Skalski-Fouts]

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International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USA