Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California.
His books, available on Amazon, include:
By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Many people, including myself, have often wondered about the Russian strategy in Syria, now that the war is for the most part over. We all know that Assad is no boy scout; we also know that the ISIS fighters, who swelled the ranks of the rebels—are genocidal […]
Iran, Russia, now allies, may split over Syria Read More »
International, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle EastBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Erich Fromm wondered: How can we account for humankind’s capacity for cruelty and violence? Fromm, like the ethologist Konrad Lorenz, believed that violence is something we share with the animal world—especially when it comes to directing our anger against members of our own species. On the
Embassy move affirms nation that prefers life over death Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, USABy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California –The world is full of surprises. I was stunned to read about a New York Times condemnation of the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas. The name of the Article was, “Let Abbas’s Vile Words Be His Last as Palestinian Leader.”[1] Abbas went on record saying that the
Abbas unveils his true Jew- hating identity Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, USAThis is the second part in a two-part series To read the first part, click here. By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Natalie Portman lately has developed a penchant for creating headlines about Jews. This past week, she went on record saying, “The Shoah is no more tragic than other genocides,” and
Natalie Portman raises a good issue about the Shoah Read More »
International, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, USA
First of two articles By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Lately, it seems as though Natalie Portman has transformed herself into a human lightning rod. She created a storm of controversy and gave the Palestinians in Gaza far more respectability than they deserved by canceling plans to receive a prestigious Genesis Award
Natalie Portman is a fine actress, but … Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USABy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Anyone who really knows the Bible, probably knows that it is a book that is full of sexual themes—from one end of Tanakh to the other. Lot sleeps with his daughters; Reuben’s affair with his stepmother Bilhah, and the biblical version of Romeo and Juliet are
By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Children have an unusual ability when it comes to confronting our spiritual hypocrisy as parents and as adults; very often they get to the essence of the problem as they perceive things. Frequently, as parents we often fail to hear the questions our young people ask
The best question of the Pesach seder Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-RabbiBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — The theme of brotherhood is central to the entire Book of Genesis. On Shabbat we chant the words, “Hinei ma tov uma na’im, shevet achim gam yachad.” (“Look how good and pleasurable it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” Yet Genesis did not begin
Don’t worry about Trump’s motives. His actions count Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, USACHULA VISTA, California (SDJW) — Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom, was hospitalized Monday night after being struck by a car as he was crossing a street towards his Conservative synagogue. According to Arlene LaGary, an active member of the congregation, the rabbi suffered two broken wrists and facial bruises. “When
Rabbi Michael Samuel injured by car while crossing street Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego CountyBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California –It is one thing to hear people pray in a Mosque saying “Allahu akbar” in unison, for we all have our unique way of expressing prayer. However, when you hear somebody on a jet that is flying 40,000 feet in the air screaming to the top of
How a new word suppresses free speech Read More »
International, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USABy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Simchat Torah is a relatively new holiday. Nowhere is it mentioned in the Talmud; nor is it mentioned in Maimonides or the Tur Shulchan Aruch. But it is explicitly mentioned in the Zohar,[1] a work that dates back to about 1270—although it is a holiday that
Novel ideas needed for Simchat Torah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-RabbiBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel Once a judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce, and asked, “What are the grounds for your divorce?” She replied, “About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by.” “No,” he said, “I mean what is the foundation
Hearing another means really listening Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-RabbiBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — This past week, some of my congregants asked me: What does Jewish tradition have to say about solar eclipses? Like many ancient peoples, the Jews did not develop a scientific understanding of eclipses until much later in its history. Before we examine what exactly Jewish tradition
What does Jewish tradition say about eclipses? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Science, Medicine, & Education
Unusual Bible Interpretations: Jonah and Amos, by Rabbi Israel Drazin; Gefen Publishing House, 2016; ISBN-10: 9652298859; ISBN-13: 978-9652298850 By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — I would like to begin this book review with a conversation I had with the publisher of San Diego Jewish World, Don Harrison. He asked me whether there was
Was the whale created by Jonah’s subconscious mind? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi