By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO–Kashrut observance is one of the defining rituals of Judaism. For Jews, the food we put into our mouths is equally as important as the words that come out. Parashat Shemini cites the defining characteristics of Kosher mammals and fish. Mammals must have cleft hooves and chew their cud. Sea […]
The kashrut of self-control Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — On Passover some Jews obsess about chametz. They spend so much time worrying about Passover Kashrut that they forget what the holiday is all about. One such Jew was Rabbi Yechiel of Kozmir. He was fixated on observing every single law of the holiday and ridding his house
Remembering the true meaning of Passover Read More »
Jewish ReligionSAN DIEGO — In the weeks before Pesach I am asked more questions about one topic more than anything else: kitniot. Kitniot are vegetables and grains that Ashkenazic Jews avoid eating during Pesach even though they are not chametz. “Kitniot” are often erroneously translated as “legumes.” However, while most legumes are kitniot (i.e., beans and peas),
The reasons we don't eat kitniot during Pesach Read More »
Travel and FoodBy Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO—Most people dread going to a funeral or to the dentist. Whenever I go to either, I have to give myself a pep talk. I repeat to myself the sage observation of Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal of Tifereth Israel Synagogue that helping to bury a person is one of the kindest
Even at funerals and dentists’ offices, there are positives to savor Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, San Diego CalendarBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — I meet with our Abraham Ratner Torah School students one Wednesday a month. We usually meet in our Goodman Chapel. This month I introduced them to a new addition to our chapel, the Mishebeirach tapestry that was fashioned from the creative contributions of many members of our Sisterhood
Tifereth Israel preschoolers experience a sacred moment Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — Despite his role as the rescuer of Israel, the Torah takes great pain to de-emphasize the role of Moses in the Exodus. Credit for the miracles is given to God alone, Moses dies without entering the Promised Land, and no one knows where he is buried. This tradition
Pshaw! said the Red Sea, it’s only Moses Read More »
Jewish ReligionSAN DIEGO (Press Release)– Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Nabucco is based on the exile to Babylon of the Jews from Jerusalem. In the Bible, the Babylonian King Nabucco is known as Nebuchadnezzar. San Diego Opera will be presenting “Nabucco” Feb. 20, 23, 26, 28 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Prior to that time, Dr. Nicolas
San Diego Opera announces scholarly lecture series on the historic ‘Nabucco’ Read More »
Middle EastMiddle East Israel/ Palestinian Territories Has U.S. eliminated Israel’s qualitative edge over possible Arab foes? Hamas politician hints of possible change in attitude towards Israel Greek deputy prime minister accuses Israel of practicing Nazi-style mass punishment University of Haifa creates new hearing research center Sleepless in Jerusalem over whether Israel is becoming as bad as any other nation … by
San Diego Jewish World headlines~January 24, 2010 Read More »
Travel and FoodBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — Considering all of the bad press Israel receives, I was thrilled to see the NBC Nightly News positive coverage of the field hospital set up by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following the earthquake in Haiti. If you did not see the NBC broadcast last Tuesday, you can
Haiti field hospital demonstrates Israel’s humanitarianism, technical skills Read More »
International, Middle EastBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — For late night edification and amusement, there is nothing I love better than watching infomercials. (“But wait! There’s more!”) Some of my favorites are those extolling the virtues of $19.99 exercise machines. The ads feature athletic men and women effortlessly going through their paces while the announcer informs
Torah lesson: you don’t get something for nothing Read More »
Jewish Religion, Theatre, Film & Broadcast