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An important, easy-to-read philosophical book

Joseph Albo: Collected Writings, edited by Shira Weiss, is an important and welcome contribution to the study of medieval Jewish philosophy, making the thought of the Spaniard Joseph Albo (1380-1444) newly accessible to contemporary readers. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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

StandWithUs condemns effort to gut legislation protecting against antisemitism in schools

StandWithUs strongly condemns Assembly Bill 2159 (AB 2159), introduced by CA Assemblymember Robert Garcia. This bill would gut key provisions from AB 715, California’s landmark law aimed at fighting antisemitism in K-12 schools. [Press Release]

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

The Torah concept of ‘ezer kenegdo’ reveals a proper marriage

Many English Bibles translate the words “help meet” or “helper suitable for him.” This translation demeans the wife’s position in the marriage; she is only a helper. The original Hebrew conveys a more profound sense of strength and equality than these translations suggest. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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

In sickness and in health: What really separates us in an interfaith marriage

I had the flu. I mean, I really had the flu. It was so severe that the doctor debated sending me to the hospital. I was dehydrated and depleted and completely not cute! Handsome Hubby pleaded against it, saying he would take care of me and he did yeoman’s work, struggling to keep fluids down me, pulling blankets on me when I was cold, taking them off when I was hot. [Karen Galatz, the Matzo Chronicles]

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Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

‘Sacrifice’ in Judaism not transactional; it’s transformational

Whenever I read the Book of Leviticus, I find myself asking: What is the purpose of sacrifices—especially for people living in the 21st century? Leviticus may not have the excitement of Genesis or Exodus, but I do believe there is much we can learn from its lessons and laws. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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

Mayor Mamdani’s dad participated in a teach-in at an illegal Columbia encampment

The Times article flirts with his negative views of Israel as a Jewish state, but it fell short of quoting some of his more hostile statements that should antagonize any pro-Israel person. {Bruce S. Ticker}

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Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Thoughts at the conclusion of a district convention of Women of Reform Judaism

It started with the Playing Together Project, bringing together African American and American Jewish neighbors over Shabbat dinners to heal communal divides, and evolved into pitching a Jewish Solidarity Tent at the local Juneteenth Freedom Festival in San Diego. These moments were my “Small Alephs”—quiet calls to serve. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Matzo Chronicles: I be bookish

To accompany these stacks of books, I’ve got reading glasses, highlighters, and lately, in a charming, stylish touch, reading lamps that I plop on my head to illuminate the pages. On the rare occasion I lift my head to engage in conversation, I blind my husband from the glare of the light. [Karen Galatz, The Matzo Chronicles]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire