Entries for November 2013

Miketz: "If you will it, it is no dream."

Miketz: "If you will it, it is no dream."
Sixty-six years ago today (as I write this on November 29, 2013), one of the most momentous dreams in Jewish history came true.  In 1897, just after his First Zionist Congress had concluded, Theodor Herzl wrote in his diary:  "At Basle... Continue Reading »
Nov 29
Posted in: Torah Commentary

Thanksgiving: More than a Gratitude Attitude

Thanksgiving: More than a Gratitude Attitude
Gratitude is central to Jewishness.  The very word “Jew” in Hebrew, “Yehudi,” is a form of the word “Todah” – thank you.  It’s not surprising, therefore, that, in our tradition, the first thin... Continue Reading »
Nov 27
Posted in: What's Art Wondering?

Vayishlach: Prayer at Public Meetings

Vayishlach: Prayer at Public Meetings
“A Priest, a Minister, and a Rabbi walk into a bar.”   This week, I experienced a variation on this old joke introduction.  An Iman, a Reverend, and I walked into a meeting of Americans United for Separation of Church and S... Continue Reading »
Nov 15
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Focus on Prayers

Vayetze: Is All Fair in Love?

Love is one of the great themes in Jewish Scripture.  The Torah and other books speak of G-d’s love – severely tested -- for the Jewish people; their love of the land; and, of course, many instances of interpersonal love. A promin... Continue Reading »
Nov 08
Posted in: Torah Commentary

Toledot: We're Not Doing Them Any Favors!

Toledot: We're Not Doing Them Any Favors!
The Torah’s account of how our patriarch Jacob loved his son Joseph best is one to which every sibling can relate.  We’re told how Jacob’s favoritism fueled his sons’ animosity and created decades of family misery. &... Continue Reading »
Nov 01
Posted in: Torah Commentary

A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.
Jewish Proverb