Jewish History

Chukat: A Wilderness Remembrance

One of my life’s greatest privileges has been time in the reborn Jewish state, a mystical dream to so many past generations.     Among many other experiences in Israel, I have had the opportunity to walk in places that brought the To... Continue Reading »
Jun 18
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History, Israel

Korah: G-d vetoed democracy. If necessary, so should Israel.

Which form of government is best?  Although most of us would likely immediately answer “Democratic,” the better response would be to first ask several clarifying questions. Best for whom?  Best for what purpose?  Under which circumsta... Continue Reading »
Jun 23
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History, Israel

Important Lessons of the Touro Synagogue

This week, I depart from discussing the weekly Torah portion in order to share some thoughts on our history as American Jews.  This departure is prompted by my recent visits to Recife, Brazil and to synagogues in Barbados and Newport, Rhode Isla... Continue Reading »
May 05
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History

Beshallach: The proud, the few, the ... Jews?

A “Final Jeopardy” category this week was “World Religions.”  The “answer” was that this religion’s worldwide adherents number more than one billion, with particularly strong representation in the Middle East. The contestants chose Islam, Judais... Continue Reading »
Jan 22
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History

Tisha B'Av Observance? Learn and Decide!

Tisha B'Av Observance? Learn and Decide!
Tisha B’Av (Ninth Day of the Month of Av) – the culmination of the "three weeks" and the saddest day of the Jewish year -- commemorates numerous tragedies in Jewish history.  It occurs this year on July 25th.... Continue Reading »
Jul 23
Posted in: Jewish Holidays , Jewish History, Jewish Rituals

Bechukotai: My Covenant with Fannie of Berdichev, z”l

Bechukotai: My Covenant with Fannie of Berdichev, z”l
... and I will remember My covenant [with] Jacob, and also My covenant [with] Isaac, and also My covenant [with] Abraham I will remember. And I will remember the Land,  (Leviticus 26:42) Do you know the names of your great-grandparents?  ... Continue Reading »
May 16
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History

Pesach: Putting the Exodus on Trial

Pesach: Putting the Exodus on Trial
Lawyers will tell you that cases are often won or lost depending on which evidentiary standard, or “burden of proof,” applies.    In American criminal trials, the prosecutor must prove the accused guilty “beyond a reaso... Continue Reading »
Apr 17
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Holidays , Jewish History

Vayakhel: Kindleh, baby, kindleh!

Vayakhel: Kindleh, baby, kindleh!
Each Erev Shabbat, Jewish women around the world light candles and recite the following blessing (in Hebrew): “You are Blessed, Adonai our G-d, Sovereign of the Universe, Who has Sanctified Us with His Commandments, and Commanded Us to Kindle t... Continue Reading »
Feb 21
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History, Jewish Rituals

Yitro: The Most Jewish Thing We Can Do.

Yitro: The Most Jewish Thing We Can Do.
What's “the most Jewish thing” we can do?   Say the Sh’ma?  Light and bless Shabbat candles?  Fast on Yom Kippur?   Keep kosher? Tell a Jewish joke?  (For the latter, see Pew Report opinions). Gi... Continue Reading »
Jan 17
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History, Israel

Bo: The Karet and the Stick

Bo: The Karet and the Stick
[Given at Kehillat Moreshet Yisrael, Jerusalem, 12/31/2013 – 28 Tevet 5774] Motzei Shabbat, I attended a lecture by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Gordis in which he discussed some of the implications of the Pew Report.  Perhaps his most interesting ... Continue Reading »
Jan 02
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History
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A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.
Jewish Proverb