Min haMuvhar

Rabbi Yitzchak Blau explores Hareidi attitudes toward women, gentiles, Zionism, divine providence, faith, as well as other categories. This exploration reveals dramatic difference between Hareidi and Modern Orthodox communities.

Should Jewish parents send their sons and daughters to schools where anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism are tolerated? What is the impact on their own morality to be steeped in these environments for their formative years? What will this type of education do to them as human beings and as Jews?

Rabbi Sjimon den Hollander writes on Saadia Gaon's treatment of biblical anthropomorphisms. Saadia pointed the way to a philosophically sophisticated approach to reading the Bible.

The respect shown for the other is a yardstick of measuring the development (some would say morality) of a society. Further, it is thus impossible for an individual or community to have a genuine relationship with God, if that individual or society mistreats the other.

All who stand for a civil society must not be intimidated by the haters, bullies and supporters of terrorism. The syndrome of hate eats away at the foundations of society. It must not be allowed to prevail.

In a very real sense, we are what we do, and that affects the way we think. We are also what we can become. Our charge should be, I do good deeds, therefore, I am. May we be blessed to follow the Torah program in its entirety and become the best versions of ourselves.

Mr. Jeffrey Stutz of Toronto has prepared this Conversation Guide to share with others re: building support for Israel by providing factual material.

We need a powerful, positive presentation of Jewish history, Jewish connection to the land of Israel, Jewish idealism, and Jewish striving for peace and mutual understanding.

This essay by David Suissa appeared in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles, May 26, 2024. It is a powerful message on how we combat anti-Semitism when we excel at what we do.