Bernice was one of four siblings in our family, the only daughter. Although third-born, she was the first of us to pass away. The mourning symbol of "Keriah" comes to mind. We tear a garment as a sign of grief--but really as a sign of a tear in the fabric of our lives.
Over and over, the Torah lays it out for us. God, family, community, nation, world. Take as much responsibility for the relationships and institutions closest to you and work toward your goals. What is the responsibility the Torah wants us to take? Which step do we take first?
This article by Rabbi Marc D. Angel reflects on past transformations within Sephardic Jewry...and on the relevance of Sephardic civilization to all Jews. As the Jewish People move toward multi-ethnic and post-ethnic realities, we need to be exploring Sephardism and its role in the future of world Jewry.
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.
As we mark the season of Yom Ha'atsmaut, Israel Independence Day, it's important to remember the age-old connection of the Jewish People with the land of Israel. Rabbi Hayyim Angel reviews the Biblical history of the land of Israel. This article appears in issue 43 of Conversations, the journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals.
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.