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Yael Ridberg

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May 17, 2018, 6:45 AM

Parashat Bamidbar: What Is Possible in the Wilderness of Sinai or Gaza?

“In the wilderness of Sinai” are the opening words of the book of Numbers, the fourth and longest book of the Torah. Despite the textual interruption of Leviticus, we pick up the story on the heels of the Exodus...

Apr 14, 2018, 1:01 AM

Nine Days of Redemption

Amidst the challenging news about the conflicts at the Gaza border and the potential deportation of asylum seekers from Africa, a recent trip to Israel included a moment of awe and wonder. I had just visited with a dear...

Mar 16, 2018, 10:32 AM

Parashat Vayikra: What’s Your Calling?

Dear Students Who Walked Out of Class: March 14 was an important day in America. It was a day when you and your peers led with your heart and soul and told the world that something needs to change. You...

Feb 23, 2018, 1:12 AM

On memory and resilience: Shabbat Zachor and Stoneman Douglas High School

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Emma Gonzalez speaks at a rally for gun control at the Broward County Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 17, 2018. (AFP Photo/Rhona Wise)

Memory can relieve us of the burdens we carry and inspire us to live fully and deeply -- just ask the Florida teens (Parshat Zachor)

Jan 19, 2018, 10:51 AM

Toward justice: Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel

Illustrative: Leaders in a Vietnam war protest stand in silent prayer in Arlington National Cemetery, February 6, 1968, including Rabbi Abraham Heschel, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (AP Photo/Harvey Georges)

The triumph over the tyranny of Pharaoh strengthens our resolve to root out modernity's plagues and rulers

Oct 27, 2017, 7:42 AM

Parashat Lech Lecha: Silence does not equal consent

Did she consent, or should we interpret discomfort and fear that worse could happen if she didn't comply?

Mar 10, 2017, 1:00 AM

This Purim, Reveal Your Power

Purim, the holiday of disguises, merriment, and debauchery is such an important holiday that the sources (Midrash Proverbs 9:2) teach that it will be the only holy day to be celebrated in the world to come. Despite the cognitive...

Mar 2, 2017, 5:31 AM

Parashat Terumah: Willing Hearts Can Build the World with Love

It is hard to know which was a more powerful example of communal solidarity: The immediate crowd-funding response to the vandalism at the Chesed Shel Emet Jewish cemetery in St. Louis by Muslim activists Linda Sarsour of MPower Change...

Jun 15, 2016, 6:55 AM

Parashat Naso: The Power of Blessing after Orlando

In the immediate hours following the senseless and brutal murder of 49 people and the wounding of 53 others at the Pulse nightclub, known as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ community in Orlando, we heard and read how people sent...

May 12, 2016, 4:08 AM

On solemnity and celebration: Yom Ha’atzmaut 2016

This week an Israeli colleague posted on Facebook, “Why are all Jewish holidays celebrated in the Diaspora with the exception of Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day)? While I reject the premise of his...

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About Me

Rabbi Yael B. Ridberg serves as the spiritual leader of Congregation Dor Hadash in San Diego, California. In addition to her congregational responsibilities, Rabbi Ridberg serves on the Board of The San Diego Jewish Academy, Waters of Eden Mikvah and Education Center, and Jewish Family Service of San Diego. She lives in La Jolla with her husband and four daughters.