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:

The Enduring Shadow of War: Herodotus, Celestial Omens, and the Quest for Peace

The story of the Battle of Halys River, while potentially embellished with the passage of time, offers valuable insights into the delicate interplay between war and peace. It highlights the potential for unforeseen events, in this case a celestial phenomenon, to disrupt the course of conflict and create an opening for diplomacy. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

The Enduring Shadow of War: Herodotus, Celestial Omens, and the Quest for Peace Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USA

What are the Messages of Purim?

The story, with its depictions of grand feasts and complex administrative structures, resonates with the grandeur of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Yet, elements of legend, such as the exaggerated descriptions of beauty treatments and gallows, interweave history with myth, painting a captivating picture that blurs the lines between reality and folklore. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

What are the Messages of Purim? Read More »

Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Aesop’s Fables Through a Jewish Lens

Dr. Samuel, the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California, translates the fables in a very readable manner that captures our interest and curiosity. He highlights the messages in each Tale and includes the parallel teachings in Jewish wisdom, including quotes from a vast collection of Jewish and non-Jewish thinkers, ancient and modern. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

Aesop’s Fables Through a Jewish Lens Read More »

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

From ‘Too Many Notes’ to ‘Too Many Lives’

After World War II, the Geneva Convention defined genocide as acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. In the context of Israel and Gaza, accusations have been made against Israel by some international entities. For example, South Africa has attempted to make a case in the International Court against Israel, accusing it of committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. However, it’s important to note that warfare, particularly urban warfare, inherently involves complexities and high risks of civilian casualties. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

From ‘Too Many Notes’ to ‘Too Many Lives’ Read More »

International, Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘Reclaiming the Sacred’ Shuns Materialism in Favor of Love

The book’s strength lies in its combination of poetic moments and solid policy arguments, reflecting Golden’s diverse background as a professor and nonprofit director. These elements are woven together to form a narrative that is both magical and logical, showcasing Golden’s range as a writer. His varied experiences lend credibility and depth to his insights, making the book not just another spiritual guide, but a substantial piece of literature that offers real, implementable solutions. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

‘Reclaiming the Sacred’ Shuns Materialism in Favor of Love Read More »

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

‘Spirit of Progress’ Traces Civilizations from Ancient Times to the Present

Kahana exhibits an impressive command over world history, showcasing a deep understanding of the classical texts and historical narratives that have influenced what is commonly referred to as “Western Civilization,” extending even to the earliest civilizations predating the West. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

‘Spirit of Progress’ Traces Civilizations from Ancient Times to the Present Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi

Focus on the Bagel, Not on the Hole: A Thanksgiving Parable

In Judaism, there’s a saying in the Talmud, “Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). This wisdom resonates deeply with the spirit of Thanksgiving. It’s about recognizing the fullness of our lives, even when there are ‘holes’, or missing pieces. It’s about finding joy and gratitude in what we do have – the ‘bagel’ – the blessings, the opportunities, and the hope that surrounds us. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

Focus on the Bagel, Not on the Hole: A Thanksgiving Parable Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Travel and Food

The Culture of Biophilia vs. the Culture of Necrophilia

By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — The heinous events of October 7 in Israel are difficult to reconcile with the modern world’s ethos. After World War II, many believed that the atrocities faced by Jewish communities were behind them and that such darkness would not be revisited upon them. Yet, as Mark

The Culture of Biophilia vs. the Culture of Necrophilia Read More »

Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion

Hamas Merged Nazi and Islamist Ideologies

Hitler’s fanaticism and the legacy of his henchmen in implementing his “Final Solution” against the Jews cannot begin to compare with the Islamic fanaticism of Hamas. Unlike the Nazis, who did their best to conceal their genocidal crimes against the Jews, the followers of Hamas take immense pride in carrying out their acts of mayhem against the Jew, as we saw in the recent October 7th attack against the Jews on Shabbat and during the holiday of Simchat Torah. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

Hamas Merged Nazi and Islamist Ideologies Read More »

Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East