The Israelites’ first Passover, celebrated in Egypt just prior to the Exodus and described in Exodus 12:1–11, was radically different from the Torah mandated holiday observed after the Exodus. {Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The first Passover was anticipatory, not commemorative Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
As I am writing this, the betting is that Benny Gantz and Benjamin Netanyahu will reach an agreement about a government of national unity. There remain a few issues unresolved, and perhaps unresolvable except with transparent masks put over them. But it’s not yet done. And may never get done. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]
Gantz, Netanyahyu, and the puzzle of Litzman Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Jewish Religion, Middle East
Although Haredim, also known as ultra-Orthodox, make up only 12 percent of Israel’s population, the Haredim account for 40 to 60 percent of the coronavirus patients at four major hospitals, hospital officials told Israeli news media. The true dimensions of the epidemic among the Haredim can only be estimated because testing is rare. All of this has occurred under Rabbi Litzman’s watch. And to make the situation even worse, he himself contracted the virus. All of this could have been avoided, had he committed to the same rules of social-distancing he was supposed to have recommended to his communities.[1] [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
When the Haredim met Humpty Dumpty Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East
Simple annoyance, fiery rage, and loss of temper, with its emotional and physiological mayhem, so mess with your life that it’s time to prevent, not just manage the thunder. Sure quarantine, masks, gloves, hand washing, that itch on your cheek you aren’t supposed to scratch, kids at home all day long, and the ever-present threat of catching COVID19 can get to the calmest of us. Lashing out in anger over even the smallest slight or obstacle only makes sense if your goal is to strip yourself of peace while inflaming your bitterness and indignation. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Don’t D.I.E., Instead T.H.I.N.K. Read More »
Lifestyles, Michael Mantell
Approximately $2 million has been raised for the San Diego Jewish Community Emergency Fund, created by the Jewish Community Foundation, the Leichtag Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, professionals of those three organizations noted Monday in a Zoom conference. However, more will be needed, according to Beth Sirull, the president and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation. “The pandemic has the makings of a real humanitarian nightmare,” she said, noting that as people are thrown out of work, they are struggling to meet such basic needs as purchasing foods and medicines. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish community raises $2 million for Covid-19 emergencies; more needed Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
The imaginary seder planned by President Trunp won’t take place, even virtually, until later this week, but it already has received one rave review — from the president. “Remarkable, incredible,” he tweeted about his creation. “There’s never been anything like it,’ and then he added, “I can promise you, crooked Hillary or Obama never had anything close to this.” [Satire by Joel H. Cohen]
Imagining a seder at President Trump’s Read More »
Joel H. Cohen, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Presently we face a true crisis – a crisis in the fullest sense of the word. A crisis is defined not simply by the magnitude of the problem – but rather, by how it compels us to question our basic assumptions and preconceptions; it is a situation that forces us to reevaluate the conditions that made it possible in the first place. This implies that within the darkness of every crisis there lies a seed, a kernel of something from which a new reality, a new way of thinking of ourselves and our duties to each other, can emerge. [Sam Ben-Meir, Ph.D]
Social crisis and the public use of reason Read More »
Sam Ben-Meir, USAGov. Andrew Como said something that recently caught my attention. He recently remarked, “I did everything we could do. … This is about saving lives. If everything we do saves just one life, I’ll be happy.”[1] [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
At what cost do we save a life? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USA
If you’d like into the Jewish studies archives of a variety of institutions of higher learning, Laurie Baron provides these web addresses.
Streaming Jewish studies Read More »
International, Judaism, Lawrence Baron, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
This year many will be sitting down to a seder table alone, or perhaps with another person with whom they share a home. People who have never conducted a seder themselves may find that they now need to. Even for those who are comfortable with utilizing technological devices on a holiday and open to the idea of a virtual seder via FaceTime or Zoom, the usual schmoozing, singing, learning, and eating among family and friends may be replaced by sitting alone at a table with a seder plate, a haggadah and a laptop computer. [Rabbi Ralph Dalin]
Thinking of skipping your seder this year? Read More »
Jewish Religion, LifestylesWhile the coronavirus is taking its toll on thousands of lives around the world, the disease is also having its physical and emotional impact on those caring for patients with COVID19. The Dalai Lama noted, “Real care of the sick does not begin with costly procedures, but with the simple gifts of affection, love and concern.“ It’s clear that the current COVID19 pandemic brings unique stressors that thwart physicians and other healthcare professionals from delivering this level of exceptional, true, care. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Nurses and doctors, shield thyselves Read More »
Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Science, Medicine, & Education
Let me start off with a kind offer from Sandy Scheller of Chula Vista who volunteers to sew cloth face masks at no charge like the one she is wearing at the right for people who contact her via her email. When she lived in Las Vegas, Sandy had a business called “Kosher Couture.” Those who take her up on her kind offer will have to arrange to pick up the masks. Scheller also is the organizer of the year-long Project RUTH — Remember Us The Holocaust exhibit which is now shuttered, along with everything else, at the main branch of the Chula Vista Public Library. So, sewing masks gives her desire to serve the community another beneficial outlet. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
Surveying the passing scene Read More »
Cantor Sheldon Foster Merel, z"l, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego CountyI’ve can’t see her face
Her mask is cotton and not lace.
No lips or nose
On which to gaze.
During this pandemic phase. …
Love in the Time of Coronavirus Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Trivia, Humor & SatireSome may say that the mystic Nachmanides (1194-1270) was more interested in heaven than earth. Unlike Maimonides (1138-1204), who focused on a scientific study of the world, Nachmanides was concerned with the way in which Jews interact with God [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Maimonides, Nachmanides had contrasting views of Pesach Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion