These are perilous times for Jews in Israel and around the world. Both antisemitism and fascism are on the rise. We see it in cities across America, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. We find it present in Socialist ideology, academia and the hateful philosophies of racists and religious extremists.

At the same time, many Jews are feeling disconnected from their faith, finding it spiritually sterile and legalistic. They seek meaning and purpose in other religions, such as Buddhism, and through political action.

All of these threats are due to a misunderstanding of Judaism’s rich spiritual legacy, and the immense contributions of the Jewish people to humanity.

The goal of the Jewish Prism newsletter is to bring Jews and non-Jews together, by building trust through a greater understanding of the many lofty spiritual insights, scientific discoveries and cultural heritage that the Jewish people have shared with the world.

Here you will find discussions of Jewish spirituality, Jewish history, Jewish travel, Kabbalah and science, and practices that will lead to a more meaningful life. You will also read Jewish biographies and book reviews, and we will combat the misinformation of fascism and antisemitism through education. There will also be news analysis of Israel and the Middle East, including stories that inspire and uplift.

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Who am I? Why should you care about my thoughts and opinions?

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov once said, “Whoever is able to write a book and does not, it is as if he has lost a child.” As a Jewish author and journalist, it is a quote that is especially meaningful to me. For, like raising a child, writing a book is a labor of love. In both cases, you invest a lot of time, thought and emotions into guiding them to be the best that they can be.

I remember being a young child and hearing my dad say that “we have only one purpose in life, and that is to leave this world a little better than we found it.” This thought has been a core principle that has guided me throughout my life, and it is what motivates me to write.

In a word, I write about freedom. Like the story of the Exodus from Egypt, I tell of escaping political oppression and of spiritual liberation from materialism, suffering and limited thought. For spiritual enlightenment is connected to political liberty. Rarely do individuals living in tyranny in this world have the luxury of contemplating otherworldly phenomena.

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Born in Alaska, I have spent much of my life living in rural America, isolated from major Jewish population centers. This has given me a more independent approach to Judaism that is personal and less doctrinal. For the past twenty plus years, I have lived in Florida, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the country.

Like many Jews, I once found Judaism sterile of spirituality that would meaningfully impact my life. Other than a profound sense of ethics, it seemed anachronistic and focused on historical precedent rather than an individual’s personal spiritual growth. Jewish faith seemed focused on congregational worship and a communal covenant with God. Rationality seemed to dominate the mystical.

This all changed when I suffered a spinal injury, at the age of thirteen, that made my plan to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force impossible. Confused, angry and, yes, depressed, I sought meaning and purpose in the tragedy that had befallen me. Being skeptical of my Jewish faith, I sought answers in other religions of the world such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism, Sufi Islam, Gnostic Christianity and other aboriginal faiths. Their mystical teachings seemed to offer insights that Judaism lacked.

Then, my family unexpectedly received a visit from two Chabad rabbis who wanted to make outreach, as they heard we were the only Jews living in that town. Their visit opened me up to a side of Judaism I never knew existed. I learned of Kabbalah, Jewish meditation, Jewish belief in reincarnation and more. More importantly, I found an approach to personal enlightenment that I had thought was missing in the faith of my ancestors. In short, I found the meaning and answers I had been seeking!

My spiritual journey has now continued for more than four decades. Over that same time, I’ve gained extensive knowledge of Jewish history, Israel and the Middle East. Through Jewish Prism, I now hope to share the information and insights I have learned with you.

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Why now?

Like many around the world, I was shaken by the Hamas terror attack on innocent civilians that took place on October 7, 2023. I then watched as thousands protested in cities across the world in favor of Hamas and celebrated the massacre of Israelis and Jews. Attendees included not only fanatical Islamists, but also college students and left-wing idealogues. I saw Jews attacked while simply going about their daily life. I realized that these attacks were due to a misunderstanding of Jewish faith and culture and that I had something to contribute to the conversation that could bring about Tikkun Olam, or the Repair of the World. That is the intent of the Jewish Prism newsletter. I hope you will support me in this effort.

Samuel Griswold

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I remember hearing my dad say that “we have only one purpose in life, and that is to leave this world a little better than we found it.” This thought is what motivates me to write.