Barrett Holman Leak

Prepping to Lobby Senators and Representatives on Issues Important to Reform Judaism

Weaving humor with serious comments, he told us that we need to focus on doing what is right and be vocal about our Jewish values. He closed with answers to a lightning round of Hanukkah questions in which we learned that 1) his favorite Hanukkah gift is not a pair of socks but a copy of the U.S. Constitution 2) his favorite Hanukkah song is Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukkah Song” and 3) when it comes to latkes, he prefers applesauce over sour cream! We differ there. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Ms. Holman Leak Goes to Washington

We are prepping to do some lobbying on Capitol Hill on Monday on Israel, voting rights, immigration, healthcare and more. We will also learn how to bring effective racial and social justice action steps and training for organizing to our local congregations. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Did Jewry Abandon the Fight for Racial Justice?

Dollinger challenges the standard narrative that Jews were simply “kicked out” of the Civil Rights movement by radical Black activists. Instead, he argues that Jews actively made choices to prioritize their own newfound status and ethnic identity over the continued struggle for racial justice. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Television: Black, Jewish and Boston Blue

With everyone gathered around the dinner table reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish in Episode 4 and lighting a yahrzeit candle in memory of family patriarch Ben Silver, my soul felt seen. With Boston Blue, showrunners Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis have successfully delivered a show that is both immediately familiar and surprisingly ambitious. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Contemporary Torah: Ethics Apply Even in Battle

The battlefield is not an ethical vacuum. The Torah commands us to maintain our humanity and our sense of justice even when confronted with the darkest parts of human nature or the most heated arguments. Even when you fight your enemy, you must do the right thing. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Broadway Musicals Proven to be One Place for Us Jews

The performance’s creator and writer, Becca Myers, welcomed the audience with witty verses, setting a delightful tone before the musical journey began. The show then opened powerfully with the ensemble singing Irving Berlin’s iconic “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” immediately building an energetic and celebratory atmosphere. From there, the show skillfully navigated the rich landscape of American musical theater shaped by Jewish talent. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Contemporary Torah: Racial Prejudice Punished in Moses’ Time; It is Just as Reprehensible Today

The punishment that follows is striking: God’s response to Miriam’s spoken outrage and disdain is to afflict her with what we know as leprosy, turning her skin “white as snow”—a chilling, and perhaps ironic direct contrast to the Cushite woman’s dark skin, strongly suggesting that Miriam’s complaint was indeed rooted in prejudice related to appearance or origin. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, California, International, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Contemporary Torah: The Value of Temporary Separation

One might initially see Naso as solely a parsha of separation: careful Levite duties for Tabernacle sanctity, the removal of the impure, and the Nazirite’s vow of withdrawal. However, I think it is a comprehensive guide for engaging with the world, for living a holy and meaningful life within its realities, rather than in isolation from it. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Celebrating Inspiring Legacies of San Diego’s Women of Valor

San Diego County is home to countless remarkable women whose often quiet dedication enriches our community. This year, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center hosted the 16th Women of Valor celebration by shining a light on six such individuals, recognizing their profound impact. Accompanied by inspiration and images, their individual stories came alive in the Garfield Theatre through the music and spoken words of Ali Viterbi. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast