Jewish Religion

Citing Biblical Verses to Counter Arguments of Christian Missionaries

In this book, a compilation of his weekly Torah insights, he rebuts the Christian missionaries who say that God replaced Judaism with Christianity. He argues that their “proofs” of the divinity of Jesus either misinterpret Jewish Scripture or intentionally distort it. [Donald H. Harrison]

Citing Biblical Verses to Counter Arguments of Christian Missionaries Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Contemporary Torah, Parsha Shemini: Loss, Grief and Community

This narrative bursting with the anticipation of sacred inauguration, abruptly descends into the chilling silence of loss. The joyous celebration, the culmination of meticulous preparation, is shattered by the sudden, devastating demise of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons –  a consuming fire that leaves Aaron speechless. [Barrett Holman Leak]

Contemporary Torah, Parsha Shemini: Loss, Grief and Community Read More »

Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Immigration Drama Follows Jews from Yemen to Israel

Some Yemeni Jews, quite familiar with the Torah, had memorized Exodus 19:4, which states, “You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings to bring you to Me.” Taking the metaphor literally, they expected giant eagles to carry them to Israel, not airplanes, with which they were wholly unfamiliar. [Donald H. Harrison]

Immigration Drama Follows Jews from Yemen to Israel Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Vayikra: Hashem’s Loving Call to Us

With the opening words of this week’s Torah reading, Vayikra, we hear something profound: “And He called to Moshe, and Hashem spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying: Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: When a person from among you brings a korban to Hashem, from animals—from cattle or from the flock—you shall bring your offering.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parsha Vayikra: Hashem’s Loving Call to Us Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Righteous Gentile’s Story Appended to Some Haggadahs

In a courageous act, Stroe handed Hamburg her own identity documents, including her birth and baptism certificates. These papers allowed Hamburg to evade the ghetto deportation and flee the city. She went to Budapest, where she survived by posing as a Christian, relying on Stroe’s documents. [Press Release]

Righteous Gentile’s Story Appended to Some Haggadahs Read More »

Holocaust, International, Jewish Religion, Press Release

Shadal’s Rational Views on Leviticus

Samuel David Luzzatto (1800-1865), known as Shadal based on the initials of his name, was brilliant. Many people enjoyed his common-sense interpretations of the Torah. However, human nature is what it is; some people dislike and criticize his writing. Some even said he was not religious. I disagree. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

Shadal’s Rational Views on Leviticus Read More »

Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Words of Survivors Will Live on, Though Survivors Will Pass

Although Mary grew up with a secular upbringing in Budapest, she responded “in the camps I prayed. I prayed and I knew God was listening. My mother, a non-religious woman, told me that this is the story of our people- we suffer but have lived through it and have gotten this far- we will continue to survive and live a beautiful life when we’re out of here.” [Ilanit Zakowski]

Words of Survivors Will Live on, Though Survivors Will Pass Read More »

Antisemitism, Holocaust, Ilanit Zakowski, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Parasha Pekudei: Be a Part of a Community for Your Health

Hillel teaches us “Do not separate yourself from the community.” Do we need the Blue Zones or the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to tell us about the importance of unity and connection? Hillel tells us further in Avos 2:5, “Do not trust in yourself until the day of your death.” He is suggesting that since we cannot trust ourselves, our synagogue, our community, is necessary for us to help sustain our spiritual stability.  [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parasha Pekudei: Be a Part of a Community for Your Health Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

StandWithUS Establishes Antisemitism Task Force for San Diego County

The task force’s initial effort will be to persuade local governments in San Diego County, including the City of San Diego, to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition of antisemitism.   [Cailin Acosta]

StandWithUS Establishes Antisemitism Task Force for San Diego County Read More »

Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share