Jewish Religion

Parshiot Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Choose Life and Do Mitzvot

During the days that are very soon upon us, Rosh Hashana, the Fast of Gedalia, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hoshana Rabah, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, we contemplate our needs and our deeds, our hopes and aspirations for the coming year. and in so doing, we choose life. This is a central message of the High Holidays…to choose life, to live a live filled with mitzvot, not just to pray to win a lottery or for the health of one’s body, but ideally, for the needs of our soul as well. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Local Observances for the October 7 Anniversary

October 7, 2023, marks one year since the brutal attack on Israel by Hamas. Since that time, hostages have been released and some hostages have died. Over 100 hostages are still being held. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Parsha Ki Tavo: Happiness Comes from Within

I’ve long held that happiness is an inside job. It’s not dependent on what you have, or don’t have, it rests largely on what you think. Rav Mordechai Gifter, zt”l, of the Rosh Yeshiva of Telz Yeshiva in Cleveland, offered a penetrating insight into human nature, “Happiness is not something that happens to us. Happiness is our choice.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

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]

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

The Bunny Rabbit and the Shofar

I had multiple texts from my husband about Freckles acting weird. She was stomping her back feet and the kids were scared since she had never done that before. In the rabbit world, that behavior either means she is upset about something, or she is alerting her rabbit friends there is danger, a predator nearby. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, 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]

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

Why Apples and Honey are Eaten at Rosh Hashanah

Why do we eat apples and honey during the High Holidays? This was the fruit that was most available in many parts of the world. The combination has been used for centuries to wish everyone a sweet New Year. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Leap Year ‘Delays’ Rosh Hashanah

Why is Rosh Hashanah so “late” this year? I have many memories of Rosh Hashanah occurring around going back-to-school and the end of summer. But some years it starts in October. Some Jewish years are leap years, in which an entire extra month is added to the calendar. This can result in certain Jewish holidays coming much later than in non-leap years. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Parsha Ki Teitzei: Mother Bird’s Feelings are a Jewish Concern

In our world today, there’s a pressing need for greater compassion and empathy. Many are suffering silently, and it’s crucial that we learn to listen with open hearts and minds. Leave it to the wisdom of the Torah, of Hashem, to guide us to do so, with the mitzvah of sending away a mother bird before taking her eggs or young. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Some Heat Wave Advice from Council President Sean Elo-Rivera

City Council President  Sean Elo-Rivera (District-9) shares the locations of cool zones in the area and reminds citizens to take care of themselves, keep hydrated, stay out of the sun and check on your relatives and neighbors. Cool zones are a great place to escape the heat, get work done with accessing free WiFi and giving your house a rest from running the air conditioning. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Panelists: Haredi Men Need Practical Education, Inducements to Join IDF

Panelists who focused Thursday on Israel’s Haredim, often described as the “ultra-Orthodox,” opined that more must be done to induce Haredi men to enlist in the Israel Defense Force. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors