When it comes to politics my attitude is usually one of cynicism. In a democracy all parties are usually just as good and bad as each other with only slight variations on most issues. Because of this I rarely ever give real political opinions -that is until it comes to…
The Muslim Response to an Idiotic Film
The anti-Muslim video that has set much of the Muslim world ablaze is truly a mean spirited and offensive portrayal of the prophet Mohammad. If someone created a video portraying Moses, King David or any one of the Jewish holy men in such a fashion I would also be offended….
The God Omission Debacle May Lose Obama the Election
Four years ago I, together with thousands of other people, went to Invesco Field to listen to Barack Obama accept the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States. Indeed it was a historic moment and I wanted to be part of it. I admit to have been swept up,…
Ryan-Romany Ticket’s Religious Problems
I have a healthy suspicion of all forms of government and politicians and therefore advocate for small government and giving politicians as little power as we possibly can. Here is one reason why. The same politicians who say they want small government -many who claim to be conservatives -also want…
Why Won’t God Revel Himself Again?
This coming week (Sunday and Monday) celebrates Shavuotthe festival commemorating the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. As a Jew I believe that there was a divine revelation at Sinai thirty five hundred years ago. This revelation, I believe, took place in front of thousands of people. But hereÍs…
Judaism a religion of peace-for some
The issue of a Jewish doctor violating the Shabbat to treat a non-Jew has come up again in Israel. The Israeli daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that one of Israel’s prominent rabbis, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, was quoted as telling his students during a class that, “If a gentile were to…
Modern Religion’s Internet Problem
It seems that after many years of ignoring the issue the Jewish world–at least the American Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) wing of it–has realized that we live in the Internet age. They have also noticed that the Internet and its associated technologies can be disruptive. The Internet offers easy access to pornography…
Biblical Advice for Peace at 64
This Friday marks the sixty fourth anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. The creation of Israel itself was remarkable and arguably miraculous. What has been even more extraordinary, however, is Israel’s continued existence. Not only is Israel surviving, it is thriving. Despite Israel’s many stupendous accomplishments in…
Beauty is vital, for women
In an article that recently appeared in an Orthodox Jewish newspaper, the writer, Yitta Halberstam, herself an Orthodox Jewish woman and mother, suggested that girls of marriageable age do whatever they can to augment their physical appearances. She made it clear that, if necessary young Orthodox Jewish women should undergo…
Living a Fun, Purposeful Life
Within the next month my organization, Youth Directions, will be launching a new venture that we are calling the Youth Success Lab. The Youth Success Lab is a space young people come to to explore themselves and their purpose in life. For the last few years I have dedicated myself…