Jewish Religion

Parsha Tetzaveh-Zachor: Don’t Let the Light Go Out

What are these psychological lessons that we can learn from the Torah this week? Tetzaveh teaches that true spiritual growth requires a combination of humility, intentionality, and consistent inner work. Through this, people can elevate themselves and bring divine light into the world. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

God Gives Writer a Tour of Past, Present and Future in This Novel

However, unlike the movie, this is not a comedy.  It is an exploration of the many myths that impede people’s thinking about the Earth’s fragility as well as their responsibilities to each other. [Donald H. Harrison]

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

Jewish Women of the Bible: Esther Was a Courageous Queen

One of my favorite times of the year is coming soon. Each year, I volunteer at the annual Temple Emanu-El of San Diego’s Purim Carnival. I serve my community by handing out tickets and dispensing snacks and drinks to the colorfully costumed and joyful children and their adults. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Agreements and Disagreements with Dennis Prager

He wrote many books, including a series called The Rational Bible. I find much in them interesting, but I differ from him because he takes Bible stories literally and is usually convinced that the events really happened. I see many events as parables and read many statements as metaphors, hyperbole, and poetry. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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

‘The Origin Story’ Provides Online Information for People Seeking to Learn More About Their Jewish Roots

American Jewish University’s (AJU) Maas Center announces the launch of The Origin Story, an online platform dedicated to supporting and educating individuals exploring their Jewish ancestry, culture, and community. [Press Release]

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California, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education

The Family Joy of Purim

I also like hearing or reading about the many different flavors of hamentachen. New ones I saw this year were salted caramel and a peanut butter and chocolate one.  Both sound interesting. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Children’s Literature: Havdalah Made Fun by Great-Grandma

Silas and his Great-Grandmother Faye keep in touch via Internet, always bidding each other goodbye with a silly rhyme. “See you soon, Macaroon,” is one. “See you soon, Tablespoon” is another. One day Faye tells her great-grandson that her favorite part of Shabbat is the Havdalah ceremony, particularly when she sniffs the spice box. She shows Silas the spice box that his great-grandfather made for her. [Donald H. Harrison]

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

A Few African-American Jewish Entertainers Noted During Black History Month

Where did February go? It is the shortest month of the year but seems to be packed with the most events and celebrations. One of those being Black History Month. Below are a few African-American Jewish entertainers. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Dumisani Washington Rebuilds Bridge Between San Diego’s Black and Jewish Communities

The weekend of February 21-23 was one to remember for me as an African American, as a Jewish American, as a woman. It was deeply rewarding to be affirmed on multiple levels by the teaching and preaching of Dumisani Washington, Pastor and CEO of Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel on the Stronger Together Weekend. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Common Sense Teachings in Terumah

The idea established by Jewish ancestors to read the entire Pentateuch yearly and derive benefits from it is very sensible. But very few people take advantage of this gift. They pay scant attention to the Torah reading in the synagogue, do not bother to read it at home, and get as much out of the portion as people who never open the Bible and mock people who read it. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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