Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

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:

‘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]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

Focus on the Bagel, Not on the Hole: A Thanksgiving Parable

In 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]

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Jewish Religion, Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel, Travel and Food

The Culture of Biophilia vs. the Culture of Necrophilia

By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — The heinous events of October 7 in Israel are difficult to reconcile with the modern world’s ethos. After World War II, many believed that the atrocities faced by Jewish communities were behind them and that such darkness would not be revisited upon them. Yet, as Mark

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Israel, Opinion, Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

Hamas Merged Nazi and Islamist Ideologies

Hitler’s fanaticism and the legacy of his henchmen in implementing his “Final Solution” against the Jews cannot begin to compare with the Islamic fanaticism of Hamas. Unlike the Nazis, who did their best to conceal their genocidal crimes against the Jews, the followers of Hamas take immense pride in carrying out their acts of mayhem against the Jew, as we saw in the recent October 7th attack against the Jews on Shabbat and during the holiday of Simchat Torah. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

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Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

Rosh Hashanah: What Does it Mean to be Human?

By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Socrates is famous for saying, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” If Socrates had a preferred Jewish holiday, I believe it would undoubtedly be Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These holidays offer us an opportunity to reflect, review, and reconsider who we are, what we’ve

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Jewish Religion, Opinion, Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel