Judaism

‘Making It Relevant’ aligns Torah with modern life

What makes this book shine is its consistent structure: sharp questions on the text, insights drawn from Chazal, classical commentaries, and Chassidic thought (especially Chabad), followed by the powerful “Making It Relevant” section. These practical takeaways and reflective exercises are the book’s greatest gift—they transform passive reading into active spiritual growth, helping readers see the big picture of each week’s parsha as a roadmap for their own lives. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

ADL reports decline overall in antisemitic incidents, but notes an increase in violence against Jews

Even as overall incidents decreased, physical assaults increased by 4 percent, and incidents of assault involving a deadly weapon increased by 39-percent. Moreover, three people were murdered in antisemitic attacks this past year: two victims in the May 21, 2025, shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., and one victim who died from injuries sustained in the June 1, 2025, firebombing attack at a “Run for Their Lives” event in Boulder, Colorado. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

‘Torah Wrestling’ grapples with the Bible’s most troubling episodes

He approaches the Torah not as an infallible divine dictation but as a profoundly human document shaped by historical context, one that still radiates divine sparks and enduring ethical power. This perspective grants him the freedom to question, reinterpret, and reclaim troubling narratives that have challenged readers for generations. {Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel}

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

Lag B’Omer bonfires unlikely to be doused in San Diego County

We got a little scatter of rain this morning; hopefully, all the exciting bonfires scheduled tonight around the county will not have their fires extinguished by any surprise rain pockets. But the rain is so welcome and needed. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Proposed legislation to gut law protecting Jewish students is killed

The proposed language was never amended into the bill, and it was never referred to a committee, missing Friday’s legislative deadline to advance this session. Yet another effort to undo our hard-earned civil rights has failed, and AB 715 remains the law of California. (David Bocarsly)

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California, Israel, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Building at 3rd and Laurel marks a century of service to the Jewish community

After Beth Israel moved in 2001 to a campus in the University City neighborhood, Ohr Shalom moved in, rescuing the historic building from the wrecking ball that preceded intended site redevelopment. The congregations may have changed over the years, but the Jewish heart never left. [Sandi Masori]

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Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Book on I Samuel combines religious scholarship, easy-to-read writing

The book chronicles Israel’s transition from a confederation of tribes led by judges to a united monarchy under kings, covering the lives of Samuel (the last judge), Saul (the first king), and David’s rise to power. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

A Special Mother’s Day of hope: A message gleaned from a very serious wind accident

Suddenly an unexpected gale force wind came along and lifted me from the sidewalk and hurled me 15 feet into the street, right into the path of oncoming traffic. I tried to stand up but my right leg collapsed, feeling like an empty airbag. My hip joint shattered from the fall and I was now stuck on the ground. [Amy Neustein]

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Amy Neustein, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Rabbi Michael Rothbaum, Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera join anti-ICE demonstration

“The foundation story of the Jewish people is the story of the Israelite refugees,” Rothbaum said. “We… honor the immigrant and love the immigrant and respect the immigrant… because we know what it was like to live under the shadow of Pharoah, under the shadow of suspicion and surveillance,” he said, leading attendees in a singing prayer. [Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego]

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Emor: Stop counting days. Start making them count

I once read a piece that hit me like a truck. It said: If you’re around 35, after subtracting sleep, work, commuting, scrolling, eating, bathroom breaks, doctor visits, and all the other necessary nonsense… you’ve only got about 500 days left of truly free, usable life in the next 35 years. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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

Centennial celebration for building that houses Ohr Shalom Synagogue and previously Temple Beth Israel

Ohr Shalom Synagogue presents its “Centennial Celebration and Gala” at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 3. The event includes a rededication ceremony, cocktails, a gala dinner, music, an auction, and a paddle raiser. [Cailin Acosta]
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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Irwin Jacobs reflects at Hillel on innovation, family, and philanthropy

Jacobs’ story, guided in an on-stage interview by Karen Parry, the CEO of Hillel of San Diego, covered a wide range of topics but consistently returned to the idea that life changes when a person recognizes an opportunity and is willing to act on it. [Shor Masori]

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Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Shor M. Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food, USA