Strength and Tears: Thoughts for Parashat Vayhi
We all can learn from the Joseph model. We can strive to be efficient and pragmatic while also being compassionate and considerate. It’s good to be strong…and emotionally healthy.
Articles
Greatness Where Least Expected: Thoughts for Parashat Va'era
Amram and Yocheved were Israelite slaves; they lacked wealth, social status, or political influence. Yet, this seemingly undistinguished couple gave birth to Moses, Aaron and Miriam. Their children were among the most outstanding figures in human history.
Reclaiming "Bible Zionism"
Recent months have seen ugly manifestations of anti-Zionism throughout the world. The haters have distorted the meaning and mission of Zionism. We need to embrace “Bible Zionism” in every forum to set the record straight.
A New King? Thoughts for Parashat Shemot
“A new king arose in Egypt who did not know Joseph.” Do we know people like that? Are we ourselves like that, even sometimes?
Ideal and Evolutionary Morality in the Torah:Traditional Commentary in an Age of Humanism
One of the overarching goals of the Torah is to refine people’s moral character. Many laws and narratives overtly focus on morality, and many others inveigh against the immorality and amorality of paganism. The biblical prophets place consistency between observance of God’s ritual and moral laws at the very heart of their message.
Jacob, Esau and Us: Thoughts for Parashat Vayishlah
Old rivalries and hatreds can be overcome. We can win together. With all our differences, we can find common ground. The Torah points the way.
Convivencia Achieved? Jews and Non-Jews in Haifa
Convivencia is the term often used to describe the coexistence of Jews and Muslims (and
Christians) in the so-called Golden Age of Spain. Jews in Haifa have not yet produced figures
like Bahya ibn Pakudah, Judah Halevi, or Maimonides, nor have the Arabs of Haifa produced
figures like Averroes, but, withal, Jews and Arabs do get along pretty well in Haifa.
Joseph, Judah and Us: Thoughts for Parashat Vayiggash
Joseph is blessed with unblemished righteousness. He is dignified; he has amazing organizational and managerial skills; he leads by setting an example of righteousness and efficiency. Judah leads by dint of his resilience, determination and courage. He learns from his mistakes. In times of crisis, Judah rises like a lion, fearless and strong.
Religion and Superstition: A Maimonidean Approach
Judaism seeks to bring us closer to God through proper thought and deed. Superstition seeks to circumvent God's power through the use of magical formulae or rituals. While Judaism demands intellectual and moral excellence and a direct relationship with God, superstition provides purported means of bypassing or manipulating God in order to ward off evil or to achieve some other desired goal.
Surprised by Anti-Semitism? Yes and No.
Although current manifestations of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism are ugly and painful, we must take the long view of things. This isn’t the first period of Jewish history where Jews faced viciousness and violence. But long experience has taught us to stay strong, stay confident, stay positive. The challenge to our generation is to stand tall as Jews, to stand strong on behalf of Israel.