Ethics Trump Halakha in Jewish Religion

Most people, Jews and non-Jews, think that Judaism prefers that Jews observe Jewish Law, called halakha, rather than ethics, and if the two come in conflict the Jew must follow the halakha. Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn shows in his excellent easy to understand book To be a Holy People: Jewish Tradition and Ethical Values that they are wrong. What are Jewish Ethics? How does it differ from Jewish law? [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion

Chelsea owner Abramovich gets Portuguese citizenship

Published by Reuters By Andrei Khalip LISBON (Reuters) – Billionaire Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich has become a Portuguese citizen, adding the European Union member country’s passport to his Russian and Israeli ones. A spokesperson for Abramovich confirmed a report by Portuguese newspaper Publico on Saturday which cited justice ministry documents as saying the

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Jewish Celebrities

Aaron Sorkin hits out at ’empty gesture’ of gay actors in gay roles

Published by BANG Showbiz English Aaron Sorkin thinks only casting gay actors as gay characters is an “empty gesture” and a “bad idea”. The 60-year-old filmmaker has slammed criticism of Spanish actor Javier Bardem being cast as Cuban Desi Arnaz in his new movie ‘Being the Ricardos’ and insisted the segregation happening in the industry

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Jewish Celebrities

Tel Aviv Study Indicates Medical Cannabis Oil May Ease Autism Symptoms

Researchers at Tel Aviv University, led by PhD student Shani Poleg and Prof. Daniel Offen of the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Felsenstein Medical Research Center and Sagol School of Neuroscience, have successfully treated autism in animal models with medical cannabis oil. The researchers found that this treatment improves both behavioral and biochemical parameters of autism. The results of the surprising study were published in Translational Psychology published by Nature. [Tel Aviv University]

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Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education

‘The Surprise Visit’ Embellishes a True-Life Scary Story

While some surprises are good and welcome, others, not so much.  In this horror/thriller based on a real story, The Surprise Visit relates the story of an unplanned visit gone horribly awry. The story has factual historic roots, but co-producer, and actress, Serah Henessey told me that she and husband, Nathan Cowles, “Hollywoodized” it.  I was very happy to hear that as the film disturbed me very much and I was relieved to know that it was embellished and not a precise re-enactment. [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

What We Don’t Know about The Matriarch Rachel

We know, or think we know, that Jacob was attracted to Rachel as soon as he saw her the first time. Genesis 29:11 tells us that he kissed her and wept. In verse 18, we are told, “Jacob loved Rachel.” He even agreed since he had no money, to work for seven years for her father if he would give her to him as a wife. But how long did this love last? We do not know. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion

‘Write Out Loud’ Brings Joy of Storytime to Children and Adults

Who isn’t seduced by a great storyteller?  That enveloping sensation of being caught up in the creative, vibrant snare of a gifted word weaver transforms each of us into wide-eyed innocents, eager to share in the spinning of a yarn. Few raconteurs are as talented as the folks at Write Out Loud. [Eva Trieger]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eva Trieger, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

South Florida to Utilize Magen David Adom Computer Technology

Magen David Adom’s groundbreaking technology, which powers the emergency dispatching systems in Israel for medical emergencies and the National Fire Rescue Service as well as for the EMS system in the Philippines, is now being used in the United States too. The computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system developed by Magen David Adom, Israel’s national paramedic and Red Cross service, uses artificial intelligence to instantly locate and dispatch the nearest first responders and ambulances to a medical emergency.  [Magen David Adom]

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Travel and Food

The Motives and Significance Behind Our Gifts

My newspaper came today with a large, glossy supplement of ideas for gift giving. I also received several catalogs with holiday gift ideas. Some magazines are even trying to be helpful by designating categories: for the man who has everything, for the woman in your life (a generation ago the suggestion was giving her a vacuum cleaner), gadgets for seniors, and, of course, toys for children, even toys for dogs and cats. Given the ongoing pandemic, we are being urged to buy early in order to avoid predicted supply-chain delays. [Natasha Josefowitz, ACSW, Ph.D]

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Lifestyles, Natasha Josefowitz

Judah, Reuben, David, Bill Clinton, and Other Flawed Leaders

The theme of leadership is an important topic in Parshat Vyehi. Although Joseph was the nation’s political leader, the brothers never chose Joseph to be their family leader. Instead, they chose Judah. Historically, in the days of the First Temple, Israel became divided between the nation of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel. Rivalry persisted between these nations for centuries. Yet, history proved that the tribe of Judah retained its leadership over the other tribes. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USA

Strengthening People-to-People Relationships, from San Diego to Sha’ar HaNegev

By Heidi Gantwerk I write this Shabbat message from Israel, where I am filled with emotion and excitement—even though I’m still in quarantine, having only landed here earlier today. If you’ve been here, you know. There is just nothing like being in Israel with its inspiring, vibrant mix of ancient and new, traditional and innovative,

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Heidi Gantwerk, San Diego County

Israel and India Look to Expand Cooperation, Boost Military Capabilities

By Yaakov Lappin (JNS) Israel and India are set to expand their cooperation further just weeks after a historic visit by India’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane. Navarne met with senior Israel Defense Forces officials, including Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, and IDF Ground Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai.

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International, Middle East