Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi

Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California.

His books, available on Amazon, include:

‘Mysteries of Judaism’ Encourages Readers’ Questioning of the Torah

One 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]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Elisha Expanded on His Mentor Elijah’s Role as Prophet

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]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: A Geopolitical Game of Chicken with Putin

President 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]

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International, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

One Misstep Away: How Campaign Momentum Can Vanish in an Instant

If 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, USA

Some Theorize Elijah Was Pinchas Reincarnated

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]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Comparing Trump to Hitler is Immoral, Misleading, and Potentially Dangerous

Comparing 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

A Brilliant, Eye-Opening, and Thought-Provoking Book M. L. Samuel’s ‘Birth and Rebirth through Genesis 1-11’       

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]

A Brilliant, Eye-Opening, and Thought-Provoking Book M. L. Samuel’s ‘Birth and Rebirth through Genesis 1-11’        Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Hezbollah Mocked by Arabs; Ethical Concerns Proliferate in Wake of Pager Attack

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

Are You a ‘Genesis Jew’ or an ‘Exodus Jew?’

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

James, Brother of Jesus, More Closely Aligned with Judaism than with Paul’s Christianity

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

‘Embracing Hope’ Brings Back Viktor Frankl’s Life-Affirming Philosophy

Viktor Frankl, a cheerful and loving doctor, found joy in life’s simple pleasures despite experiencing unimaginable suffering in concentration camps. At 19, the author, Frankl’s grandson, Alexander Vesely-Frank, discovered the extent of his grandfather’s suffering through Man’s Search for Meaning.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

‘Embracing Hope’ Brings Back Viktor Frankl’s Life-Affirming Philosophy Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Book Review: ‘Revolutionary Optimism’ Must Be Tempered with Reality

In Revolutionary Optimism, Zeitz outlines seven steps that can help individuals change the world for the better. While the specific steps are not explicitly detailed, the book emphasizes cultivating self-compassion, embracing love as a guiding principle, and engaging in meaningful activism. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

Book Review: ‘Revolutionary Optimism’ Must Be Tempered with Reality Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors