Jonathan Muskat

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Jun 26, 2025, 7:05 AM

What is the connection between October 7th and the Strike on Iran?

The Middle East is undeniably undergoing significant transformation, with Israel emerging in a stronger military position than before October 7th, 2023. Iran’s proxies have been severely weakened, its air defense systems compromised, and Israel has delivered substantial setbacks to...

Jun 20, 2025, 10:27 AM

Pride in our Yeshiva Day Schools

As graduation season is upon us, it is a time for reflection and celebration. Many of our community's children are graduating from yeshiva day schools, some from public schools, and others from Jewish and secular colleges. While each of...

Jun 15, 2025, 11:41 PM

Humility, Greatness, and the Strength of Purpose

This past Thursday night, I attended a wedding. Amid the joy and celebration, upon hearing that Israel just attacked Iran, someone sitting next to me remarked, “I guess all the rabbis are going to have to rip up and...

May 30, 2025, 1:29 AM

Carried by the Torah: Finding Inspiration this Shavuot

Harvey and Susan Epstein were deeply concerned about their eight-year-old son Moishie. He had never spoken a word in his life. Then, one day after lunch, Moishie turned to his mother and said, "Soup's cold." Overwhelmed with joy, his...

May 25, 2025, 5:55 AM

Yom Yerushalayim: Standing Tall When the World Around Us Says to Shrink.

This Monday, we find ourselves experiencing another convergence of holidays, what some might playfully call a “Thanksgivukkah” or “Chrismukkah” moment. These terms, coined when Jewish and secular holidays overlap, bring to mind the blending of Thanksgiving and Chanukah, or...

May 9, 2025, 12:24 PM

Loving God, Loving Others: Finding Harmony in Conflict

The interplay between loving God (Ahavat Hashem) and loving one’s fellow Jew (Ahavat Yisrael) has been a foundational question in Jewish thought for generations. At its core lies a profound tension: Can one truly love God while clashing with...

Apr 30, 2025, 11:12 PM

A Jewish Reflection on the Passing of Pope Francis

The passing of Pope Francis marks a significant moment for millions worldwide. As Jews, how should we respond to such an event? Rooted in the teachings of Torah and Jewish tradition, our approach can reflect both respect and empathy,...

Apr 9, 2025, 5:38 AM

The Taste of Redemption: Maror as a Spiritual Condiment

My two brothers were here this past Shabbat, and having them over a week before Pesach brought back vivid memories of our childhood sedarim. Among them, Streit’s Soup Nuts—those bland, airy mandlen I adored in my matzah ball soup. I would...

Mar 24, 2025, 5:27 AM

Hearts Ablaze: Finding Passion and Meaning in Challenging Times

Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Israel, who are preparing to return to Gaza to complete the mission of eradicating Hamas. Is this the right course of action? Should Israel instead focus on negotiating for...

Mar 18, 2025, 4:44 AM

Finding God in the Shadows: Faith Amid Tragedy

As we grapple with the tragic deaths of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, we are confronted with a profound sense of finality. Many of us may be asking: How can we relate to a God who allowed this to happen?...

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About Me

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