Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California.
His books, available on Amazon, include:
*A Shepherd’s Song
*Gentle Judaic Wisdom for a Troubled World
*Maimonides Hidden Torah Commentaries: Genesis 1-21
*Maimonides Hidden Torah Commentaries: Genesis: 22-50
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol 1): Genesis
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol 2): Exodus
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol 3) Leviticus
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator(Vol 4) Numbers
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol 5) Deuteronomy
Hear the call, California, let’s rise and unite,
In our land of splendor, from plight to light.
From redwood shadows to shimmering shore,
Let’s build a future worth striving for. … {Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel}
A Rabbi’s Prayer Poem for California Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
A lot has changed since March 7, 2024. When it comes to the problems of antisemitism on the college campus, he has scarcely been seen. If I did not know better, I would say that he had been missing in action. {Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Where Have You Gone, Merrick Garland? Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Music and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIn Gaza and the West Bank, governed by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority respectively, LGBTQ+ individuals face severe persecution that contrasts sharply with the freedoms enjoyed in Israel. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
A Paradox: Queers for Palestine Read More »
International, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIn societies that value biophilia, empathy, compassion, and cooperation are emphasized. Social structures and laws are designed to foster a sense of well-being for all members of the community. But necrophilic civilizations are obsessed with death: These societies are characterized by a fascination with destruction, domination, and control. {Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
OpEd: Israel’s Biophilic Society is the Opposite of Gaza’s and Iran’s Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, TechnologyAccountability must start with college administrations and faculty members who tolerate or endorse animus toward Israel, romanticizing malevolent figures. Students involved in violent demonstrations should face immediate expulsion, and administrators and faculty who support such actions should resign. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
When ‘Never Again’ Means ‘Never Again!’ Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe story of the Battle of Halys River, while potentially embellished with the passage of time, offers valuable insights into the delicate interplay between war and peace. It highlights the potential for unforeseen events, in this case a celestial phenomenon, to disrupt the course of conflict and create an opening for diplomacy. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
The Enduring Shadow of War: Herodotus, Celestial Omens, and the Quest for Peace Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USAThe story, with its depictions of grand feasts and complex administrative structures, resonates with the grandeur of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Yet, elements of legend, such as the exaggerated descriptions of beauty treatments and gallows, interweave history with myth, painting a captivating picture that blurs the lines between reality and folklore. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
What are the Messages of Purim? Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsSatire and Purim go together like peanut-butter and jelly. Purim Torah stands as a unique and vibrant facet of Jewish literary tradition, showcasing the playful side of rabbinic intellect. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
Get Ready for Some Purim Torah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Dr. Samuel, the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California, translates the fables in a very readable manner that captures our interest and curiosity. He highlights the messages in each Tale and includes the parallel teachings in Jewish wisdom, including quotes from a vast collection of Jewish and non-Jewish thinkers, ancient and modern. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Aesop’s Fables Through a Jewish Lens Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsAfter World War II, the Geneva Convention defined genocide as acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. In the context of Israel and Gaza, accusations have been made against Israel by some international entities. For example, South Africa has attempted to make a case in the International Court against Israel, accusing it of committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. However, it’s important to note that warfare, particularly urban warfare, inherently involves complexities and high risks of civilian casualties. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
From ‘Too Many Notes’ to ‘Too Many Lives’ Read More »
International, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The book’s strength lies in its combination of poetic moments and solid policy arguments, reflecting Golden’s diverse background as a professor and nonprofit director. These elements are woven together to form a narrative that is both magical and logical, showcasing Golden’s range as a writer. His varied experiences lend credibility and depth to his insights, making the book not just another spiritual guide, but a substantial piece of literature that offers real, implementable solutions. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Reclaiming the Sacred’ Shuns Materialism in Favor of Love Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsAfter the genocidal attack of Hamas and thousands of their fellow Palestinian butchered over 1200 Jews on October 7th, PM Benyamin Netanyahu likened Hamas to Amalek. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
Can the Children of Hamas Ever Live in Peace with Israelis? Read More »
Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Kahana exhibits an impressive command over world history, showcasing a deep understanding of the classical texts and historical narratives that have influenced what is commonly referred to as “Western Civilization,” extending even to the earliest civilizations predating the West. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Spirit of Progress’ Traces Civilizations from Ancient Times to the Present Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Michael Leo Samuel-RabbiIn Judaism, there’s a saying in the Talmud, “Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). This wisdom resonates deeply with the spirit of Thanksgiving. It’s about recognizing the fullness of our lives, even when there are ‘holes’, or missing pieces. It’s about finding joy and gratitude in what we do have – the ‘bagel’ – the blessings, the opportunities, and the hope that surrounds us. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
Focus on the Bagel, Not on the Hole: A Thanksgiving Parable Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Travel and Food