By Rabbi Baruch Lederman Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO — A little girl and her father were crossing a flimsy bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter:”Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don’t fall into the river.” The little girl said, “No, Dad. You hold my hand.” […]
Journey to Heaven: Exploring Jewish Views of the Afterlife by Leila Leah Bronner, ISBN 978-965-524-047-4 ©2011, $25.95, p. 184 plus notes and index By Fred Reiss, Ed.D. WINCHESTER, California — Does Judaism teach the belief in Heaven or Hell? How about resurrection? Transmigration? An afterlife? The answers depend on whom you ask the questions, and
Which Jews believe in heaven? Read More »
Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish Religion
By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO –The last few verses of the traditional Birkat Ha-mazon (Grace after Meals), consisting of verses from the book of Psalms and Jeremiah, are usually sung with a cheerful and uplifting melody. One verse, however, is not sung out loud by some participants. Among the other verses praising God is
God’s blessings must be earned Read More »
Jewish Religion
SAN DIEGO — Our friend Melanie Rubin spotted another Jewish-interest license plate. So to her a mazel tov.
Jewish-interest license plate: Mzel Tov Read More »
Jewish Religion, Melanie Rubin
By Rabbi Ben Kamin Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — On a just-completed trek to the Yucatan Peninsula and its environs, something was reinforced for me that I had just learned during a Ramadan visit to the central mosque here in San Diego: if we all just calmed down and listened to each other, we’d
Mayans, Muslims, Jews and God’s other peoples are all very similar Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — How many times have you heard a rabbi say, “You should live a Jewish life?” Ad nauseam, I’m sure. Well, doing so is easier than you think! A young man was studying with the chassidim of the Rebbe of Kotzk while his father-in-law supported him. He eventually had
Building Jewish values into daily tasks Read More »
Jewish Religion
By David Strom David Strom SAN DIEGO — Alvin Rosenfeld, the author/editor of several important books about the Holocaust, has written a book that is thoughtful and challenging to our perceptions of what the Holocaust means. The End of the Holocaust is a critical survey of the vast range of assaults on our collective Holocaust
Have foes and even sympathetic friends “ended” the Holocaust? Read More »
Jewish ReligionReport From Israel Southwestern Jewish Press, August 10, 1956, Pages 1, 4 By Albert A. Hutler Executive Director, United Jewish Fund, San Diego JERUSALEM – Israel is a paradox. This is a nation under siege, but at first glance it seems to be anything but that. At first glance Israel seems to be a nation
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, August 10, 1956, Part 1 Read More »
Adventures in SD History, Jewish HistoryBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — A wise man once wrote: “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em Know when to fold ’em Know when to walk away Know when to run.” His sage advice and lyrical advice came to mind this summer. I attended a lecture by a very well respected professor. He
Acknowledging when our hour has passed Read More »
Jewish Religion
By Gary Rotto Gary Rotto SAN DIEGO — I really miss my daughter. She comes home today from her first overnight camp experience – with Camp Mountain Chai. I have to admit, I didn’t go to overnight camp as a kid – with the exception of a one week basketball camp. It wasn’t until I
Camp Mountain Chai: A fast raft ride to strengthened Jewish identity Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–The first music that I heard on Israel radio this morning (Tuesday, August 9th, ט’ באב) was עַל נַהֲרוֹת, בָּבֶל–שָׁם יָשַׁבְנוּ, גַּם-בָּכִינוּ: בְּזָכְרֵנוּ, אֶת-צִיּוֹן. My old brain heard transformed that into Peter, Paul and Mary, “By the waters of Babylon, we sat down and wept when we remembered thee Zion . .
New Tisha B’Av tragedy: S&P’s downgrading of U.S. bonds Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Jewish Religion
SAN DIEGO — Our champion Jewish-interest license plate spotter, Melanie Rubin, found one that wishes good health for five!
Jewish-interest license plate: 5L’Chaim Read More »
Jewish Religion, Melanie Rubin
By Gary Rotto SAN DIEGO — In years past, I’ve rejected the commemoration of Tisha B’av. Over time, the legend of what an awful day this is for the Jewish people has growth. It’s become the Friday the 13th of Friday the 13ths – except for the fact that I don’t believe in Friday the
Tisha B’Av — a holiday for victims, not for modern Jews Read More »
Jewish Religion
Yom Kippur Readings: Inspiration, Information, Contemplation by Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, Editor; ISBN 978-1-58023-438-2 ©2011, $19.99, p. 311 plus Sources By Fred Reiss, Ed.D. WINCHESTER, California — Why is Yom Kippur different from all other holidays? On all other holidays synagogues have a meager attendance, but on Yom Kippur they are filled to over
New book provides readings for Yom Kippur Read More »
Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish Religion