Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California.
His books, available on Amazon, include:
Trump’s suggestion of offering Gazans the choice to temporarily relocate with international support breaks away from old paradigms, much like the child’s truth encouraged those around the emperor to see clearly for the first time. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Trump’s Gaza Proposal and ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAfter the celebration of Donald Trump’s victory, Musk expressed gratitude with the statement, “This one matters, thank you, I give you my heart,” followed by a gesture perceived by some as resembling a Nazi salute. This incident quickly overshadowed his remarks about his ambitions for space exploration with SpaceX and Tesla. Musk’s actions sparked intense debate across political lines, particularly among left-wing commentators. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
OpEd: Elon Musk is a Friend of the Jews and Not a Nazi Read More »
Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAOne of Drazin’s central arguments is that the Bible often raises more questions than it answers. Many biblical terms and events are left undefined or unexplained, such as the meaning of “heaven” in the creation narrative or the significance of humanity being created in the “image of God.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Mysteries of Judaism’ Encourages Readers’ Questioning of the Torah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Israel Drazin’s Who Was the Prophet Elisha? is a thought-provoking exploration of one of the Bible’s most enigmatic figures. Through a blend of scholarly rigor and accessible analysis, Drazin offers a comprehensive examination of Elisha’s life, ministry, and legacy, presenting new insights into the prophet’s role in biblical narratives. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Elisha Expanded on His Mentor Elijah’s Role as Prophet Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsPresident Joe Biden’s authorization of long-range U.S. missiles, specifically ATACMS, for strikes within Russian territory marks a significant policy escalation. While intended to bolster Ukraine’s defense and disrupt Russia’s strategies in Kursk, the decision risks intensifying the conflict, pushing it closer to dangerous global consequences. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
OpEd: A Geopolitical Game of Chicken with Putin Read More »
International, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWhen I think about how Kamala Harris ran her campaign, she faced significant challenges, some of which stemmed from her campaign’s messaging strategies and public perception issues. Here are several key factors that played into her campaign’s difficulties: [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
OpEd: Dissecting Kamala Harris’ Losing Campaign Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIf Trump were to lose the election partly due to backlash over Hinchcliffe’s controversial remark, it would serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the outsized impact that offhand comments from affiliates can have on a campaign. Even remarks by peripheral figures—like rally speakers—can become serious liabilities, particularly in tight races. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
One Misstep Away: How Campaign Momentum Can Vanish in an Instant Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAs a baseball fan, I often think about this magnificent game in theological and ethical terms. One day, I thought: What should God do when Yankees fans pray to God for victory in the World Series and Dodgers fans do the same for their team? [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Does God Really Care About Baseball? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Virtually every Jew—regardless of age—has heard of Elijah, whose presence inspired the “Cup of Elijah” ritual seen at every Passover celebration. Elijah’s name is also evoked in the Havdalah ceremony in a special prayer expressing our hope that Elijah will be the precursor of the Messianic Era. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Some Theorize Elijah Was Pinchas Reincarnated Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsComparing Trump—or any modern figure—to Hitler ignores the unique atrocities committed by Hitler, who orchestrated the genocide of six million Jews and millions of other marginalized people. The Nazi regime’s campaign of systematic extermination is unprecedented and incomparable to any contemporary American political situation. Equating Trump’s actions with Hitler’s dilutes the severity of the Holocaust and risks turning its horrors into mere political rhetoric, disrespecting the memory of those who suffered under the Nazis. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Comparing Trump to Hitler is Immoral, Misleading, and Potentially Dangerous Read More »
Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
He examines the Torah text from Jewish and non-Jewish sources. He follows the rational view that Maimonides (1138-1204) taught in his introduction to his Guide of the Perplexed: that the truth is the truth no matter its source. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Hezbollah, a group known for its terrorist activities, found itself targeted in a series of attacks in Lebanon. Twin blasts involving rigged pagers and walkie-talkies killed dozens and injured thousands, including Hezbollah fighters and Iran’s envoy to Beirut. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Hezbollah Mocked by Arabs; Ethical Concerns Proliferate in Wake of Pager Attack Read More »
Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology
This (Oct. 7) tragedy has prompted a profound reassessment of Jewish identity, highlighting a transition from what Cosgrove terms “Genesis Jews” to “Exodus Jews.” This shift signifies a move from an identity grounded in divine blessing and cultural belonging to one shaped by external threats and the need for self-defense. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Are You a ‘Genesis Jew’ or an ‘Exodus Jew?’ Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Of all the books of the New Testament that ought to appeal to a modern Jewish reader, the Epistle of James probably comes closest to the values found in the Pirke Avoth, the Ethics of the Fathers in rabbinical Judaism. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
James, Brother of Jesus, More Closely Aligned with Judaism than with Paul’s Christianity Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors