As the pandemic creates shortages of supplies that doctors and nurses need, we need to repurpose things that could substitute for what we lack. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Repurposing for the pandemic Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
The following is part of a chapter from my book Mysteries of Judaism 1 in which I explain that every Jewish holiday, without exception, differs with what the Bible mandates. In fact, several biblical holidays ceased to exist. Passover is one of them. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Our Passover is not the biblical Passover Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
As it stands today, two local Jewish candidates are leaders in their respective political races, while six others finished second — good enough to make the Nov. 3 runoff election. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
8 local Jewish candidates positioning for Nov. 3 runoff Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Sandi Masori
This week’s parasha, Tzav, is filled with korbans, “offerings,” from burnt ones (“olah”), to thanksgiving ones (“todah”) , to peace ones (“shlamim”), the latter sometimes referred to as “goodwill” or “wellbeing” ones. We surely need peace and wellbeing now in the midst of the “coronapocalypse” we are asked to grow through. So, the timeliness of delving into the laws of the “sacrifice of the shlamim,”are especially timely. Why? Because as we as we learn in Tanchuma Tzav, 10, “Great is the shlamim, for they bring peace between Israel and their Father in Heaven.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
The Torah, quarantines, and wellbeing Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellEditor’s Note: Columnist Laurie Baron has been scouring the TV and Internet services for movies of Jewish interest that you can watch at home. Combined with the previous installments of his research, it is quite a collection. Here are links to Parts I, II, III, IV, V, and VI.
Streaming Jewish vidoes at home, Part VII Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Deafened under the constant drumbeat of the virus crisis has been the ongoing efforts to form a new Israeli unity government. What was perceived over a week ago as a quick solution between the Bibi-led Likud and the Gantz-led remnant of the Blue & White Party, cruelly named the Black & Blue Party by some members of the political right in Israel, has become bogged down in a tactical Game of Thrones, as the horse-trading for government ministries leads to friction and division. [Barry Shaw]
Is Israel on its way to a 4th election? Read More »
Barry Shaw, Middle EastMy friends sent me the following good Coronavirus jokes. Even in terrible times, we should keep up optimistic good humor. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Laughing, even during a pandemic Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Trivia, Humor & Satire
On the first night of Nissan, we start counting until the moon is full on the fifteenth. This is Seder night, our annual birthday party as a nation. Some 3000 years ago, we were an enslaved people yearning for liberation from a decadent tyrant. Thanks to the genius of the Haggadah, every year we gather to start our calendar anew by retelling the saga of the birth of the unbreakable soul of our nation. [Sam Glaser]
Passover and the five levels of the soul Read More »
Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Sam Glaser
In ancient times, the rabbis knew much about the excesses of piety. In their effort to promote normalcy in the lives of their followers, the rabbis took a strident position toward those individuals.
The Jerusalem Talmud records a remarkable teaching that could certainly apply to today’s time: [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
The delusions of piety Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle EastSure, we’re all quarantined, hopefully wisely respecting the directives to stay home and not expose ourselves and others to COVID19. Indeed, someone posted this stark wake-up call recently in social media, “Coronavirus patients die alone in a hospital bed without a family member to hold hands with. Think about that before you go out.” Whew! And this article is about being playful? You bet it is. Our bodies are quarantined, not our minds. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Playing Through COVID19? Read More »
Lifestyles, Michael Mantell
Right now, Congress should focus on getting help to people who need it amid this coronavirus pandemic, but later on it should investigate why the United States was slow to respond to the threat of coronavirus and why necessary medical equipment was in such short supply, Congresswoman Susan Davis, D-San Diego, said Tuesday during a telephonic town hall meeting. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
Susan Davis collects constituents’ coronavirus questions Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & EducationLaurie Baron, PhD, provides a roundup of serious and comedic treatments of Passover that can be watched on home television sets.
Streaming Passover fare for home viewing Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Unemployment has gone from less than 4 percent to above 20 percent. Restaurants and bars are closed, as are virtually all shops except for food markets and drug stores. Individuals are advised to stay at home, except for buying food, medicines, medical emergencies, and if they work in what are defined as crucial jobs. We’re allowed to be within 100 meters of our homes for personal exercise. Police are stopping and questioning, and issuing fines to those considered violators. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]
Pandemic and politics produce Israeli turmoil Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastIt is with surprise, one of Israel’s leading Modern Orthodox Rabbis, Kenneth Brander, who is the dean of the Israeli Ohr Torah Stone network of institutions, came out with an unexpected ruling: bodies infected by the coronavirus ought to be cremated in order to save the life of the living. One such person in Buenos Aires was cremated despite protests from his community. This ruling applies only when the government demands that cremations take place for the health of the public. In places like Italy or Britain, the governments there have made an exception to the faith communities. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Cremation, Judaism, and the coronavirus Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi