The United States was hit by two disasters over the past two weeks. One was natural, and the other was man-made. One left devastating damage as the result of strong winds and hard rain, while the other left horrific damage resulting from hate and discrimination. One caused hopelessness, while the other provides great reason to hope. Texas, and the Houston community in
We are used to hearing the contemporary return to Judaism by the unaffiliated over the last 50 years referred to as a movement. If we are to define a movement as something which provides a grand idea that has a life of its own and is then picked up by all kinds of people
On the morning after the historic upset in the election, the chazzan at the minyan I attended finished the repetition of the Amidah and something unusual occurred. One person called out “Hallel,” indicating that for him it was a miraculous day in which we should sing out to the Almighty in appreciation. Immediately, another person called out “Tachanun,” proclaiming the day as one
The most remarkable thing about the failed coup in Turkey last week is how utterly unremarkable it actually was. While this particular coup was unsuccessful, since 1960 Turkey has been overthrown four times through takeovers organized and perpetrated by its own military.
NJOP is proud to present three interconnected ways to celebrate Shabbat Across America and Canada: 1) Shabbat Across America and Canada. The original unity Shabbat program, Shabbat Across America and Canada is a synagogue-based program that encourages synagogue/Jewish center members to invite their friends, neighbors and co-workers to participate in a joyous Shabbat meal and experience.
In 1812, as Napoleon and his Grand Arme̒e were approaching Russia, many Jewish leaders were eagerly anticipating their arrival, hoping that it would bring the liberty, equality and fraternity promised by the French Revolution, and with that some measure of relief from the persecution that was the
I am embarrassed this morning. I am embarrassed for two reasons. I am embarrassed that this week my computer imploded and I am faced with the loss of all of my 'creative writing' for the past five years. Why I am embarrassed about this? I am embarrassed that I am so upset about this!
Tal Fortgang, a white, Jewish, Princeton freshman has written an essay, "Why I’ll Never Apologize for My White Male Privilege" which has caused quite a stir. He was objecting to "Check your privilege" as a reprimand: As a white male, he is where he is because he was born into privileges that do not apply to others. What Tal was objecting to was using "check your privilege" as a way "to strike down opinions
Every right that I have creates a corresponding duty in my fellowman to honor that right. My right to my property creates an obligation in my neighbor not to trespass. Rights create duties and duties create rights. The question is our starting point. Do we start out with rights or duties? There is a huge difference as
