Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California.
His books, available on Amazon, include:
*A Shepherd’s Song
*Gentle Judaic Wisdom for a Troubled World
*Maimonides Hidden Torah Commentaries: Genesis 1-21
*Maimonides Hidden Torah Commentaries: Genesis: 22-50
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol 1): Genesis
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol 2): Exodus
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol 3) Leviticus
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator(Vol 4) Numbers
*Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol 5) Deuteronomy
When I think about how Kamala Harris ran her campaign, she faced significant challenges, some of which stemmed from her campaign’s messaging strategies and public perception issues. Here are several key factors that played into her campaign’s difficulties: [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
OpEd: Dissecting Kamala Harris’ Losing Campaign Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIf Trump were to lose the election partly due to backlash over Hinchcliffe’s controversial remark, it would serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the outsized impact that offhand comments from affiliates can have on a campaign. Even remarks by peripheral figures—like rally speakers—can become serious liabilities, particularly in tight races. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
One Misstep Away: How Campaign Momentum Can Vanish in an Instant Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAs a baseball fan, I often think about this magnificent game in theological and ethical terms. One day, I thought: What should God do when Yankees fans pray to God for victory in the World Series and Dodgers fans do the same for their team? [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Does God Really Care About Baseball? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Virtually every Jew—regardless of age—has heard of Elijah, whose presence inspired the “Cup of Elijah” ritual seen at every Passover celebration. Elijah’s name is also evoked in the Havdalah ceremony in a special prayer expressing our hope that Elijah will be the precursor of the Messianic Era. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Some Theorize Elijah Was Pinchas Reincarnated Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsComparing Trump—or any modern figure—to Hitler ignores the unique atrocities committed by Hitler, who orchestrated the genocide of six million Jews and millions of other marginalized people. The Nazi regime’s campaign of systematic extermination is unprecedented and incomparable to any contemporary American political situation. Equating Trump’s actions with Hitler’s dilutes the severity of the Holocaust and risks turning its horrors into mere political rhetoric, disrespecting the memory of those who suffered under the Nazis. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Comparing Trump to Hitler is Immoral, Misleading, and Potentially Dangerous Read More »
Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
He examines the Torah text from Jewish and non-Jewish sources. He follows the rational view that Maimonides (1138-1204) taught in his introduction to his Guide of the Perplexed: that the truth is the truth no matter its source. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Hezbollah, a group known for its terrorist activities, found itself targeted in a series of attacks in Lebanon. Twin blasts involving rigged pagers and walkie-talkies killed dozens and injured thousands, including Hezbollah fighters and Iran’s envoy to Beirut. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Hezbollah Mocked by Arabs; Ethical Concerns Proliferate in Wake of Pager Attack Read More »
Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology
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]
Are You a ‘Genesis Jew’ or an ‘Exodus Jew?’ Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
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]
James, Brother of Jesus, More Closely Aligned with Judaism than with Paul’s Christianity Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsViktor Frankl, a cheerful and loving doctor, found joy in life’s simple pleasures despite experiencing unimaginable suffering in concentration camps. At 19, the author, Frankl’s grandson, Alexander Vesely-Frank, discovered the extent of his grandfather’s suffering through Man’s Search for Meaning.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Embracing Hope’ Brings Back Viktor Frankl’s Life-Affirming Philosophy Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
In Revolutionary Optimism, Zeitz outlines seven steps that can help individuals change the world for the better. While the specific steps are not explicitly detailed, the book emphasizes cultivating self-compassion, embracing love as a guiding principle, and engaging in meaningful activism. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Book Review: ‘Revolutionary Optimism’ Must Be Tempered with Reality Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Eric Jay Dolin is a well-known master storyteller who paints a gripping historical narrative set against the backdrop of the early 19th century. The story not only revolves around an American sealing expedition during the War of 1812 but also delves into the themes of survival, conflict, and moral dilemmas, adding depth and intrigue to the story. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Left for Dead’ Prompts Rabbi’s Exposition of Jewish Ethics Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsIsrael’s Haredi community is warning of a religious war after the Supreme Court ruled that the government must start drafting yeshiva students into the military. Some Haredi have threatened to fight this decision if the Israeli government attempts to draft their students. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
Challenges Israel Must Face in Drafting the Haredim Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsA notable moment during the event was provided by Rev. Karla Halvorson from the Lutheran Church of Chula Vista, who sought forgiveness from the Jewish community for her church’s historical support of the Nazi regime. She emphasized her plea by sharing impactful quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran minister renowned for his staunch opposition to Nazi policies and who paid with his life for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
Interfaith Yom HaShoah Service Brings Surprise Lutheran Apology Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors