Haftorah Reading for November 27, 2021

This short passage, mainly in good ancient poetry, is from minor prophet Amos, who arose from Judea to condemn both Judea’s and, more specifically, the Northern Kingdom’s ethics violations c. 784-748 BCE under King Jeroboam II. The violations, though referencing idol worship, mainly condemn behavioral sins against defenseless and vulnerable poor Northerners.  [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]

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Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion

U.S. Overriding Israel’s Fears in Latest Deal Making Effort with Iran

The United States, France, Germany, the UK, the EU, Russia, and China are about to resume “negotiating” the JCPOA, better known as the “Iran Deal,” concerning Iran’s nuclear weapons capability.  Who’s missing from these meetings? Those countries most at risk from Iran’s warmongering: Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf states.  Not only is Israel not invited or even consulted, but the Biden Administration has given a clear warning to Israel to desist from taking any further actions against Iran which might exacerbate tensions, such as cyber warfare, assassinations, or “accidents” which occur in Iran. Evidently, the current US government doesn’t want any impediments to its “longer, stronger” deal with Iran – as if that were possible. [Steve Kramer]

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International, Middle East, Steve Kramer, USA

Wait! Are Those Turkeys Kosher?

Some of the rabbis of the previous centuries identified the turkey as the הוֹדוּ תַּרְנְגוֹל “Indian chicken,” and thought the bird originated in India. Jews were not the only ones who thought this way. The French referred to turkey as poulet d’Inde (“Chicken from India”), as did the Polish, Ukrainian and Russian countries. It was assumed that the rabbis in India permitted it. However, this was an assumption that could never be proven since it was based on a false assumption: Turkeys did not exist in India! [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Travel and Food, USA

Comparisons Between Black Americans and Palestinians Are Inaccurate

By Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — The Black community will protest police and vigilante-like killings of African-Americans; the ongoing violence within Black neighborhoods; criminal trials that resemble kangaroo courts; and over such issues as voter suppression, schools and housing. Rioting over metal-detectors, though, has not emerged in the Black community’s struggle for social justice. Yet

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Bruce Ticker, Middle East, USA

Thanksgiving = Thanks + Giving

The Judaic meaning of gratitude must go beyond the mere recognition of God’s countless blessings we experience in our lives. What exactly does “thanksgiving” mean? Thanksgiving comes from two words, “thanks,” and “giving.” True Thanksgiving involves a willingness to share God’s blessings and create blessing in the lives of others around us. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USA

The Jewish Agency for Israel Names New Director of Educational Innovation

JERUSALEM (Press Release) — The Jewish Agency for Israel has named Rabbi Joe Schwartz as its new director of educational innovation and of Makom: The Israeli Education Lab, the organization’s central resource for educating and empowering professionals to change the conversation around Israel. Makom works to develop new models of Israel and Jewish peoplehood education,

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Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education

Australia Declares All of Hezbollah a Terrorist Organization

(JNS) Australia’s government on Wednesday designated Hezbollah in its entirety a terrorist organization. Until now, Australia has outlawed only Hezbollah’s overseas terrorism apparatus. Israel’s Foreign Ministry praised the move, saying in a statement that it would “give Australian law enforcement agencies many additional effective tools to combat the organization’s activities in Australia.” According to the

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International, Middle East

Israel, Morocco Sign Defense Deal as Part of Normalizing Ties

Published by DPA Israel and Morocco signed a security memorandum of understanding on Wednesday during a visit from Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz, a follow-up to the two countries’ decision to normalize relations last year. The agreement lays the foundation for cooperation in several fields including intelligence, industrial collaboration and military training, according to a

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Middle East

Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy Leader to Receive National Award

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Jewish Federation of San Diego County leader Jessica Effress is being honored with the nationally recognized 2022 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award for her extraordinary involvement in our local community. Jessica Effress has been an instrumental part of the San Diego Jewish Community since settling here with her husband and three children in 2005. She has participated in many

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San Diego County