Entries for January 2016

Yitro: The Paradox of Self(ish)-Reliance

Judaism disagrees with the maxim, “It’s better to give than to receive.” (The source of this maxim is “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” a quote ironically attributed by one Jew – Saul of Tarsus, better known as Paul the Apostle -- to anot... Continue Reading »
Jan 29
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals

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

Bo: Call me "A-RONE" (Aaron)

“What was your (deceased family member's) Hebrew name?" I always ask this question when preparing to officiate at a funeral.  I want to refer to it during the eulogy, perhaps connect it to an ancestor of the deceased and/or to a Jewish historic... Continue Reading »
Jan 14
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals

New Jewish Ethics Advice Column: Please Submit Suggestions!

Shalom, Friends.  I am launching a new project, a Jewish Ethics Advice Column.   I request and invite your help by submitting, and encouraging others to submit, to me at rabbiartlevine@gmail.com, situations raising ethical issues. &nb... Continue Reading »
Jan 11
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals, Ethics

Va'era: Greatness Through 'Grateness'

Make new friends!  Increase your influence!  Be more successful!  Make more money!  Be healthier!  Live happier!   These sound like claims from a daytime TV commercial, a promotional video, a new mood-enhancing drug a... Continue Reading »
Jan 07
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Rituals

He who guards his mouth preserves his life
Proverbs 13:3