Rabbi reviews another rabbi’s analysis of the biblical books of Samuel

The Book of Samuel, which follows Judges, describes the emergence of kingship. Samuel begins in this atmosphere but does something much more complicated than simply saying, “Israel needs a king.” The book introduces Samuel, a prophet and judge; then Saul, Israel’s first king; and then David, Israel’s great kingThe crucial question becomes: Can human political power be exercised responsibly under God’s authority? That is precisely the question that interests Rabbi Silber. (Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin)

Rabbi reviews another rabbi’s analysis of the biblical books of Samuel Read More »

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

Today’s Jewish birthday: Jacques Lipschitz

Jacques Lipchitz (August 22, 1891 – May 26, 1973) was a Lithuanian-born French-American Cubist sculptor. Lipchitz retained highly figurative and legible components in his work leading up to 1915–16, after which naturalist and descriptive elements were muted, dominated by a synthetic style of Crystal Cubism. [Wikipedia]

Today’s Jewish birthday: Jacques Lipschitz Read More »

Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Jews, Catholics to dialogue on counter measures to hate

Anti-Defamation League of San Diego announces “Confronting Extremism: Oren Segal in Conversation with Father Brent Kruger” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, in Carmel Valley. [Cailin Acosta]

Jews, Catholics to dialogue on counter measures to hate Read More »

Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Parsha Ki Tetse: The Torah forbids cruelty to animals

The companion law is equally revealing: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain” (Deut. 25:4). The animal that labors is entitled to taste the fruit of its labor. The rabbis long ago noted the human parallel: a person capable of muzzling an ox is only a short step from muzzling his workers. History confirmed their suspicion. In Italy, vineyard owners once forced migrant laborers to wear muzzles so they could not eat the grapes they harvested. The Torah saw the danger centuries earlier. Cruelty, it turns out, is a transferable skill. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)

Parsha Ki Tetse: The Torah forbids cruelty to animals Read More »

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

Hillel is a major component in the decision to lead an active Jewish life

They’re showing up at the Jewish Federation’s Mosaic launch, or hosting massive Shabbat dinners, or even creating their own Jewish non-profits. The number-one indicator of a young adult’s engagement in Jewish life is Hillel. (Karen Parry)

Hillel is a major component in the decision to lead an active Jewish life Read More »

Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Teshuvah is one skill that separates humans from animals

Rosh Hashanah is traditionally associated with the creation of Adam, the first human being, on the sixth day of creation. Humanity was created immediately before Shabbat, and according to the Torah’s account, Adam’s first mistake came almost immediately. In that sense, the need for teshuvah is nearly as old as humanity itself. But what distinguishes a human being from an animal or from an angel? (Cailin Acosta)

Teshuvah is one skill that separates humans from animals Read More »

animals, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Tony-nominated musical ‘Water for Elephants’ at the San Diego Civic Theatre

The characters’ motivations are clear and performed by a sterling cast; what stood out most for me was the storyline woven into the music, at times lively yet appropriately moving in the more emotional moments.  As some of the storyline’s important details relayed through music lyrics early in the show may be missed while accompanied by a full orchestra, I recommend reading a synopsis of the play prior to seeing it. [Douglas Friedman]

Tony-nominated musical ‘Water for Elephants’ at the San Diego Civic Theatre Read More »

animals, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Jew hatred in colleges escalates

Will Sussman, a Ph.D. student in computer science, joined the board of MIT Grad Hillel. That led to him being targeted as he witnessed fellow students celebrate Hamas attacks, chant slogans calling for violence, occupy buildings, disrupt classes, and intimidate Jewish students. [Steve Kramer]

Jew hatred in colleges escalates Read More »

Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, News Media, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA

Columnist says Israel can’t take ‘yes’ for an answer

“One sign Hamas might be serious about giving up its weapons is that…it and other armed groups have apparently not fired a rocket at Israel since the original cease-fire took effect in October,” Shehada states. “This unusual holding back could very well indicate that Hamas has no better cards left to play. Armed resistance in Gaza has reached its limit and has exhausted the rationales that sustained it.” [Bruce S. Ticker]

Columnist says Israel can’t take ‘yes’ for an answer Read More »

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