Judaism

Sounding the Shofar During the Hebrew Month of Elul

Yesterday, I attended Chabad of East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle “Torah and Tea.” At the end of the lesson, Rabbi Rafi Andrusier emerged from his office and blew the shofar. When I hear its sound, I always close my eyes and imagine myself transported to Israel, joining my ancestors and the generations before me in the shared act of listening, praying, and setting intentions. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘The Boomer Archaeologist’ is UCSD Prof. Thomas Levy’s Very Readable Personal Memoir and Scientific Findings

Illustrated by Lily Almeida, this paperback chronicles Levy’s remarkable five-decade career as a Levantine archaeologist, weaving a rich narrative that blends autobiography with groundbreaking discoveries in the ancient Near East. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food, USA

Recorded Performances of 12 Great Jewish Violinists to Be Heard

Great Jewish Violinists: the first of this coming season’s “Treasures from the Music Collection of the Astor Judaica Library” presentations, will take place Thursday, Sept. 4, 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the library of the Lawrence Family JCC. I will be introducing the twelve artists who will be heard in recorded selections from the violin repertoire. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Prayer as a Catalyst: Responding to the Annunciation Tragedy

The tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where 23-year-old Robin Westman allegedly killed two children and injured 17 others during a Mass, has sparked intense debate about the role of prayer in responding to such tragedies. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Shoftim: Bash Less, Bless More

Shoftim opens with the words: Shoftim v’shotrim titein lecha, “Appoint judges and officers for yourself.” The word lecha, “for yourself,” points to something deeply personal. Beyond society’s courts, each of us must establish an inner system of judgment. Elul calls us to engage in cheshbon hanefesh, soul-accounting: weighing our choices, acknowledging our strengths, and facing our shortcomings with honesty. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Historic Marker Celebrates Colorado Governor who Protested WWII Internment of Japanese-Americans

In time, the Roosevelt administration compelled Carr to bend to its orders.  Carr reluctantly complied but never stopped protesting the injustice and gross violation of the Constitution. [Jerry Klinger]

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California, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Elul is Here; Numerous Jewish Offerings Before the High Holidays

The month of Elul is upon us and marks the period of soul-searching leading up to the High Holidays. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

More People Promising to Invest in Jewish Causes to Provide for the Next Generation’s Future

“Once people commit to the Promise, they are inspired to participate, discuss with their families, and make specific plans. Legacy gifts prompt conversations about passing on values, heritage, and culture to future generations….” [Press Release]

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Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, USA

The History of Rabbinical Laws

The fifth weekly biblical portion in Deuteronomy is Shoftim, “Judges.” The rabbis who were descendants of the ancient Pharisees saw this portion supporting the views of the Pharisees and not those of the Sadducees. The ancient Sadducees ceased to exist after the second temple was destroyed in 70 CE, and were later followed by Karaites. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

National and International Jewish News Roundup

A message from the Jewish Democratic Council of America: A vital security program – one that Jewish nonprofits, synagogues, and community centers rely on to protect our institutions from antisemitic threats – has been warped by the Trump administration into a tool to further politicize Jewish safety. [Press Release]

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International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Ladino Words, Customs Highlighted in Board Book for Rosh Hashanah

For those who grew up in the Sephardic tradition, this board book intended for children aged 4 and under may be a simple primer about Rosh Hashanah.  But for those Jews who grew up in the Ashkenazic culture, it is an introduction to the way Sephardic Jews celebrate a familiar holiday. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food