Entries for July 2013

Ekev: Ask not what religion can do for you…

Ekev: Ask not what religion can do for you…
On your next visit to the mall, notice the advertising’s dominant theme: “Our product/service is all about you!”   Apparently, narcissism sells even better than sex appeal.  Presumably, advertisers are playing to a fund... Continue Reading »
Jul 26
Posted in: Torah Commentary

Va-ethannan: The "Jewish Faith."

Va-ethannan: The "Jewish Faith."
Do you have faith in G-d above if the Bible tells you so?   American songwriter Don MacLean posed this question in his 1971 rock music ballad “American Pie.”   For many, perhaps most, Jews, this question does not resonate ... Continue Reading »
Jul 19
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Focus on Prayers

Rosh Chodesh at the Kotel

Rosh Chodesh at the Kotel
This week I participated in the Rosh Chodesh (new month) Women of the Wall [WOTW – womenofthewall.org.il] service at the Kotel (Western Wall).   You might find my observations and thoughts of interest.  [Introduction: If you are fa]... Continue Reading »
Jul 12
Posted in: Israel

Matot-Massei: Prayer as Refuge, Cities of Shema

Matot-Massei: Prayer as Refuge, Cities of Shema
This week’s Torah portion mandates the establishment of cities of refuge for accidental killers: Among the cities you shall give to the Levites, shall be six cities of refuge, which you shall provide [as places] to which a manslayer can flee... Continue Reading »
Jul 05
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Focus on Prayers

If charity cost nothing, the world would be full of philanthropists.
Jewish Proverb