Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi

Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

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

Interfaith Yom HaShoah Service Brings Surprise Lutheran Apology

A notable moment during the event was provided by Rev. Karla Halvorson from the Lutheran Church of Chula Vista, who sought forgiveness from the Jewish community for her church’s historical support of the Nazi regime. She emphasized her plea by sharing impactful quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran minister renowned for his staunch opposition to Nazi policies and who paid with his life for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: Israel’s Biophilic Society is the Opposite of Gaza’s and Iran’s

In 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]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology

When ‘Never Again’ Means ‘Never Again!’

Accountability 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]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Enduring Shadow of War: Herodotus, Celestial Omens, and the Quest for Peace

The 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]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USA

What are the Messages of Purim?

The 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]

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

Aesop’s Fables Through a Jewish Lens

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]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

From ‘Too Many Notes’ to ‘Too Many Lives’

After 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]

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International, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Reclaiming the Sacred’ Shuns Materialism in Favor of Love

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]

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

‘Spirit of Progress’ Traces Civilizations from Ancient Times to the Present

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-Rabbi