The modern State of Israel continues to struggle with its identity.
Is this a Jewish State or a state where some Jews happen to live?
I’ve seen two manifestations of this problem already this week.
Shlomo Skinner
Jewish Meditation Course
It was the Shabbat after Rosh HaShana. I was at shul for mincha. And because it was a bright, sunny day most of the lower windows in the shul were open.
It was time to take out the Sefer Torah. I stood and moved towards the ark.
As I did I heard an odd noise over my left shoulder.
The Power of Habit – Is This the Key to Teshuva?
When I first heard the idea my reaction was very negative.
We like to think of ourselves as rational beings.
Leadership in the Wilderness – Book Review
For several months now I’ve been reading Leadership in the Wilderness by Dr. Erica Brown.
During that whole time I’ve been going back and forth in my mind about whether or not to write a review.
Hacked
Introduction
As I announced on Facebook, Thinking Torah was hacked about ten days ago.
I thought it would be worthwhile to write a few words about the whole event and my thoughts about the experience.
Why Is Chanukah 8 Days?
One of the interesting aspects of living in Jerusalem are the constant encounters with Jewish history.
For example, one of the Light Rail stops is Shimon HaTzadik, named after one of the High Priests.
When the train pulls into that station I often have two thoughts.
Book Review – The Sages
The Sages by Rabbi Binyamin Lau
After the defeat of Bar Kochba the Jewish world was in turmoil. The sages gathered in Usha in the Galilee to strengthen Torah observance.
Their work shaped the Jewish world we live in today.
Kingdoms and Stability
Parshat Lech Lecha 5774
There’s a lesson in Parshat Lech Lecha that is easy to overlook.
It’s found in the middle of the parsha and that’s probably part of the reason why it’s overlooked.
How to Change a Habit
I was troubled during the Yom Kippur prayers.
Toward the end of the amidah (standing prayer) we beseech God, “May it be Your will that I don’t sin any more.”
Inspiration For After Yom Kippur
This morning I received an email that I’m sure many rabbis would have been proud to write.
Though not the author’s intent, it is a very powerful message as we leave Yom Kippur behind and move into the rest of the year.