Rabbi Walter Isaac addresses the topic of Hebrew Israelites in course for Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute
Rabbi Walter Isaac presents course on Afro-Jews, Colonization and the Modern Fight for Emancipation for the Jewish Spiritual Leaders' Institute
'Rabbi Isaac is a specialist in Africana philosophy, Jewish philosophy, intercultural student affairs and university campus dialogue.'— Rabbi Steven Blane
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, June 19, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- Rabbi Walter Isaac presented a course on Afro-Jews, Colonization and the Modern Fight for Emancipation for the Jewish Spiritual Leaders' Institute on May 21st. The current two cohorts of Rabbinic students were enthralled to hear about the history of American Hebrew communities of color.
The Jewish Spiritual Leaders' Institute is a progressive program for Jewish professionals who are called to become Jewish clergy. The program focuses on offering its students pragmatic rabbinics and current topics that resonate with the modern Jew.
Walter R. Isaac, PhD is a rabbi and scholar who researches the African influences on Atlantic world Jewish history and culture. For three decades he has worked as an advocate for marginalized communities, including Hebrew/Israelites, LGBTQ persons and victims of urban violence.
Dr. Isaac's writings can be found in scholarly publications such as Contending Modernities, Violence in American Society, the Journal of the Middle East and Africa, Black Existentialism, and a seminal article on Afro-Jewish Studies in the Blackwell Companion to African-American Studies. He is currently an Assistant Teaching Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Rabbi Isaac is currently the President of the Olaudah Equiano Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting human rights and educating the public about Jewish diversity. www.equianoinc.org.
ABOUT SIM SHALOM AND JSLI
Sim Shalom is an interactive online Jewish Universalist synagogue which is liberal in thought and traditional in liturgy. Created in 2009 by Rabbi Steven Blane on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Sim Shalom offers a means of connecting the unconnected. Rabbi Blane and Associate Rabbis lead accessible Shabbat services every Friday night using a virtual interface and additionally Sim Shalom provides online education programs, Jazz concerts, conversion and life-cycle ceremonies along with weeknight services at 7:00PM EST.
Rabbi Blane is also the founder and director of the Jewish Spiritual Leaders' Institute, the online professional rabbinical program and of the Union of Jewish Universalist Communities, http://www.ujuc.org.
Sim Shalom, a non profit 501 © (3) tax-exempt organization, nurtures a Jewish connection through its mission of innovative services, creative education and dynamic outreach to the global community. For more information visit the website or call 201-338-0165.
Carole Kivett
Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute/Sim Shalom
+1 201-338-0165
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
14 Signs You're Roommates With Benefits, Not Romantic Partners
In modern relationships, figuring out whether you're with a soulmate or simply sharing a heart-shaped pizza with your best buddy can be daunting. Relationships are complex and can often blur the lines between romance and friendship, leaving you to wonder if the spark has dimmed or simply shifted gears. Have you ever sat across from your partner at dinner, feeling more like two poker players making small talk than a couple in love? If you're nodding along, you might be more like roommates with benefits than romantic partners. Here's how to know. Remember when date night was an event, something you both looked forward to like a mini weekend getaway? If your "date nights" now consist of binge-watching Netflix in silence, it may be a sign. According to Dr. Jane Greer, a New York-based relationship expert, couples who regularly engage in intentional activities together tend to maintain a stronger romantic connection. Without these moments, you risk relegating your relationship to the realm of mere cohabitation. When date nights become a thing of the past, it's often because the excitement has dwindled. You find yourself opting for convenience over creativity, possibly indicating comfort with routine rather than a desire for connection. This shift often results in a relationship that feels more like an old friendship than a passionate romance. You may love each other's company, but the thrill of being a couple is missing. Conversations with your partner have become a series of logistical exchanges—who's picking up the dry cleaning, whose turn it is to buy groceries. When was the last time you talked about your dreams for the future or aspirations that light you up inside? If your interactions are dominated by practicality, it might point to a lack of deeper emotional connection that fuels romance. Talking dreams means sharing your deepest thoughts and aspirations, which is crucial for keeping the intimacy alive. When you bypass these conversations, you miss out on the exhilarating feeling of shared ambitions and mutual support. It becomes hard to distinguish your relationship from a well-oiled team, efficient but lacking in emotional depth. In romantic partnerships, discussing dreams is not an indulgence; it's a necessity. Some couples swear by separate bedrooms, touting better sleep and personal space, but is it always a good idea? Dr. Wendy Troxel, a scientist at the RAND Corporation, suggests that while some couples benefit from separate sleeping arrangements, others may find it hampers their connection. It's crucial to assess whether this choice is enhancing your relationship or simply adding an emotional distance. Sleep is essential, but so is the nightly ritual of sharing a space with your partner. The decision to sleep separately can often be a band-aid masking deeper issues. If there's an underlying problem that makes sharing a bed uncomfortable, addressing it might reignite both your intimacy and passion. When you retreat to separate rooms night after night, you risk turning your relationship into a comfortable companionship devoid of romantic energy. Touch, after all, is one of the most basic languages of love. Social gatherings should be an opportunity to show off your chemistry, but what if you find yourself dreading them? If you're more relieved than excited to attend events solo, it's a red flag. Romantic partners should enjoy each other's company in social settings, even thrive on it. When you'd rather go it alone, it highlights a potential disinterest in spending quality time together outside the comfort zone of home. Dreading social occasions with your partner might indicate that you don't feel like a team. It suggests a lack of willingness to engage with each other's friends and interests. Relationships thrive on shared experiences and memories, so if you're avoiding these opportunities, it could mean you're leaning closer to a platonic bond. The discomfort in social settings could be a symptom of a deeper disconnect. When did your text messages transform from flirty exchanges to a list of chores? If your digital conversations revolve around grocery lists and carpool schedules, it's time to reassess. A study published in the Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy highlighted the importance of meaningful communication in maintaining intimacy. When the bulk of your messaging is about the mundane, you miss the opportunity to nurture your romantic connection. Texts were once a medium for playful banter and spontaneous expressions of affection. Now, they're just another tool for managing the household. It's a shift that's easy to overlook but can gradually erode the romantic fabric of your relationship. This shift suggests that your partnership is more functional than passionate, an indicator of roommate status. Difficult conversations are the bedrock of any thriving romantic relationship. If you find yourself dodging these discussions for the sake of peace, you might be neglecting the emotional labor necessary for closeness. Relationships that are more like friendships often lack the depth of understanding that comes from hashing out differences and working through tough topics. The avoidance might feel like harmony, but it's a deceptive veil over neglected issues. When you sidestep hard conversations, you miss opportunities for growth and the strengthening of your bond. It's during these raw exchanges that you learn about each other's vulnerabilities and desires. By avoiding them, you might be choosing comfort over connection, a choice that could leave your relationship languishing in superficiality. A romantic partnership thrives on honesty, even when it's uncomfortable. Remember when surprises were a staple of your relationship, those little gestures that made your partner's day? If the only surprise now is running out of milk, it's worth examining. According to Dr. Terri Orbuch, a psychologist and research professor at the University of Michigan, surprises can reignite the spark in relationships by breaking the monotony. When you cease to surprise each other, you might be settling into a rhythm that lacks the spontaneity of romance. Surprises, big or small, show that you're thinking about your partner, that you care enough to make an effort. They infuse excitement and remind you both of what makes your connection unique. Without these elements, the relationship might feel flat, more like a reliable friendship than a passionate romance. In a thriving romantic partnership, surprises are the seasoning that keeps things flavorful. There's a fine line between being supportive and turning into each other's personal therapist. If your conversations are monopolized by problem-solving and emotionally heavy-lifting, you may be straying into roommate territory. A romantic relationship should offer support, but not at the expense of genuine romantic interaction. When therapy becomes the norm, it can overshadow the joy and lightness that romance brings. Acting as each other's therapist can create an imbalance, where one partner begins to feel more like a caregiver than a lover. It can lead to emotional exhaustion and a lack of space for lighter, fun interactions. This dynamic might be sustainable in the short term, but it can erode the romantic essence of your partnership over time. Aim to balance support with fun, ensuring your relationship remains vibrant and nurturing. Sharing household chores is important, but when your relationship becomes solely about splitting duties, it might be time to question the dynamic. When efficiency overtakes affection, it can be a sign that romance has taken a backseat. A relationship that focuses too heavily on logistics may feel more like a business partnership than a love affair. A balance between responsibility and romance is essential for a thriving partnership. Being well-organized at home is great, but it shouldn't replace the romantic gestures that keep the relationship alive. When the balance tips too far into responsibility, shared moments of affection can dwindle. The transactional nature of a perfectly managed household can overshadow the emotional connection needed for romance. Ensuring that responsibilities don't overshadow romance is key to avoiding a roommate-like relationship. Having separate social lives can be healthy, but if you rarely do anything together, it could be a red flag. Romantic partners should have shared experiences that strengthen their bond outside the home. Separate social lives can indicate a preference for independence over intimacy, a hallmark of roommate dynamics. While personal space is vital, a lack of shared social interactions can lead to a weakened romantic connection. When you consistently prefer activities with friends over your partner, it suggests a comfort with distance rather than intimacy. A thriving romantic relationship balances independence with togetherness, creating a blend of shared and personal interests. Separate social lives can breed disconnection, pushing you further into a roommate dynamic. Shared experiences are crucial for maintaining a strong, romantic bond. Hobbies are a great way to bond and create shared memories, but when you don't engage in any together, it might be a concern. Shared hobbies can infuse your relationship with fun and excitement, offering moments of joy and collaboration. Without them, you risk losing the playful aspects that often define romance. It's important to cultivate shared interests that keep you connected beyond just living together. Engaging in hobbies together can reignite a sense of partnership and camaraderie. These activities provide an opportunity to learn, grow, and laugh together, reinforcing your emotional connection. When you don't engage in any shared hobbies, it might signal a drift toward a coexistence that's more practical than passionate. Investing time in joint activities can help revitalize your romantic relationship. Remember when you'd dress up just to impress each other, even if it was just for an afternoon coffee run? If those days are long gone, it might suggest you're taking each other for granted. Dressing up isn't about vanity; it's about making an effort to show you care. This is often one of the first things to go when a relationship settles into a comfortable routine. While comfort is essential, putting in the effort to look good for your partner can reignite the chemistry. It's a physical reminder that you value each other's attention and desire. When you stop making this effort, it can feel like you're no longer trying to keep the romance alive. A little effort in appearance can go a long way in maintaining a vibrant romantic connection. If your future plans together revolve solely around practicality, it may be time to re-evaluate. Planning for the future is important, but where's the passion? A relationship that focuses only on logistics and practicality might be more about convenience than love. While it's great to have a solid plan for the future, it shouldn't overshadow the excitement of dreaming together. Planning passionately involves discussing what truly matters to both of you, not just the logical next steps. This means dreaming of adventures and experiences that excite you both, adding an element of anticipation. When all your plans are practical, it can feel like you're just roommates planning a comfortable life. Injecting passion into your future plans can help rekindle the romance and keep your relationship dynamic and fulfilling.
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Wall Street Journal
Your July 4th Burgers Cost More Than Ever as Beef Prices Hit Record
Grilling this July 4th? That burger is going to cost you more. Americans hosting cookouts this week will have to pay more than ever to buy ground beef for hamburger patties due to multiple issues that continue to disrupt a historically low cattle supply, according to a survey published by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
Cal Coast Cares Foundation Awards Over $200,000 in Scholarships to Local Students in 2025
San Diego, CA June 30, 2025 --( )-- In a significant boost for higher education in Southern California, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to 82 local students, including 32 current or former foster youth, reaffirming its commitment to supporting academic excellence and community leadership. The non-profit foundation provides these scholarships to help college-bound high school seniors, foster students, and current college students pursue their educational goals. Recipients were chosen for their dedication to academics, leadership, and service. Foster students who meet academic requirements will be eligible for additional support in their second year. A full list of this year's scholarship recipients can be found at 'This scholarship means so much to me,' said Charlotte Lourey, a senior at Valhalla High School in El Cajon who will be attending UCLA. 'It will allow me to follow my dreams of studying history, literature, politics, and philosophy, and help me to eventually attend law school and focus all my energy on higher education. The foundation's investment in students reflects its long-standing mission to empower young learners through financial support and mentorship. 'Providing scholarships is more than financial aid – it is an investment in their future, their potential, and the positive impact they will make in our community,' said Penney Newell, Cal Coast Cares Foundation Manager. Beyond scholarships, the foundation also supports educators, awarding $75,000 in grants earlier this year for innovative classroom projects in the STREAM fields (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math). Since its inception in 2015, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to ensure that local students and educators have access to resources that foster academic success. The Cal Coast Cares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides vital support to students and educators. To donate or learn more about its mission, visit About California Coast Credit Union Founded in 1929 by San Diego teachers, California Coast Credit Union is the county's longest-serving financial institution, boasting more than $3 billion in assets and nearly 200,000 members. As a not-for-profit organization, California Coast provides financial education and remains committed to improving the lives of community members across seven Southern California counties. For more information, visit or call (877) 495-1600. Contact Information: California Coast Credit Union Robert Scheid 858-636-5132 Contact via Email Read the full story here: Cal Coast Cares Foundation Awards Over $200,000 in Scholarships to Local Students in 2025 Press Release Distributed by
