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Jonathan Muskat

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Jun 17, 2026, 8:13 AM

Message to our Graduates: The Story You Tell Yourself

Dear Graduates, Neil Gaiman, the British author, once described his experience of impostor syndrome in a story that has since become widely cited. He found himself at a gathering of artists, scientists, writers, and pioneers – people who had, in...

Jun 4, 2026, 10:45 PM

When We Decide the Law No Longer Applies

The disturbing attack this week on Justice Noam Sohlberg's home in Alon Shvut should concern every Israeli and every Jew, regardless of political or religious affiliation. Dozens of draft protesters gathered outside his home, shattered windows, broke flowerpots, smashed...

May 31, 2026, 5:43 PM

Birkat Kohanim and the Challenge of Internal Criticism

In recent months, I have found myself deeply troubled by certain public episodes in Israeli political life. For example, Itamar Ben Gvir publicly celebrated the detention and humiliation of people on a flotilla, using triumphalist messaging and media appearances...

May 5, 2026, 6:20 AM

Lag BaOmer – From Extremism to Empathy

The story goes that a Litvak is walking down the street when he passes a Chassidic shtiebel and sees everyone celebrating – dancing, singing, and drinking. Curious, he walks in and asks one of the Chassidim, “Why are you...

May 1, 2026, 1:45 AM

The Kind Lie: When Making Someone Feel Good Isn’t So Simple

In my role as a pastoral healthcare liaison at a local hospital, I have the privilege - and the responsibility – of visiting Jewish patients on a regular basis. These visits are often deeply meaningful. A familiar face, a...

Apr 21, 2026, 6:11 PM

Gevurah in Our Time: Strength and Sovereignty on Yom HaAtzmaut

What is the secret to Jewish strength and courage? At first glance, the answer seems obvious. The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot teaches: “Eizehu gibor? Hakovesh et yitzro” – who is strong? One who conquers his inclination. Strength, in this classical sense, is internal....

Apr 21, 2026, 7:22 AM

Remembering with Purpose: What Yom HaZikaron Asks of Us

Living in America, I cannot help being struck by the stark contrast between Yom Hazikaron in America and Yom Hazikaron in Israel. Yom Hazikaron in America is Memorial Day. It is a federal holiday in May that honors and...

Apr 16, 2026, 9:20 AM

When Restraint Becomes a Moral Failure

In recent weeks, a sharp and unusually public tension has emerged between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over issues of war, morality, and the role of religion in public life. Much of the attention has focused on tone and rhetoric – particularly...

Mar 30, 2026, 6:33 PM

Still at the Table: Why Jewish Identity Matters

A teacher once asked her students what religious objects they had in their homes. One child described a painting before which his mother knelt each day. Another spoke of a statue with incense burning before it. A third said,...

Mar 2, 2026, 12:44 AM

Purim, Prayer and the Courage to Act

In its recent letter, Agudath Israel of America calls upon Jews everywhere to respond to the current crisis by intensifying tefillah. “At this critical and historic hour,” the letter states, “our primary response must be spiritual.” While prayer is...

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About Me

Jonathan Muskat is the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Oceanside.