While in Israel last week I heard about the following incident A religious academic institution was developing a new method for teaching Talmud[1]. The intention was to introduce this new method to the Yeshivot and religious high schools in Israel. However, because of the allegedly questionable religious integrity of some…
The Art of God
It is amazing how often one finds answers to long held questions in the most unexpected places. One Sunday, I visited the Tate Modern in London, a famous and massive gallery of modern art. Some of the pieces on display are truly remarkable. As I was viewing the art, a…
The Importance of Appreciating Modern Art
Although I enjoy art and visit a gallery whenever I have a chance, I do not pretend to be an expert on the subject. However, an incident that I experienced this week caused me to think deeply about art in general and about modern art in particular. At the beginning…
Matisyahu: Rabbi or Rebel?
Matisyahu is now an international phenomenon; he is a reggae singer with a difference. Instead of dreadlocks he sports a trilby. His beard is predicated on the Kabbalists’ theosophy instead of Rastafarian tradition and his clothing places him in an Ultra Orthodox Jewish enclave rather than a black ghetto. Now…
Dealing With Failure
“America has spoken,” declared President George W. Bush as he announced his victory, giving him another four years as head of the free world. But while everyone is focusing on the winner we forget about the loser. Senator John Kerry moved swiftly from possible glory to certain embarrassment and then…
Split Chanukah Sheds Light on Our Split Personalities
We are multifaceted human beings: the side we portray to our close friends and family is not the same as we show to the outside world. We have an outer and an inner personality. These two sides can at times conflict with each other. As King Solomon said, "There is…
Modern-day Jewish Kapos
There will always be Jews who help their enemies demonize them in order to gain favour. Anti-Semites have always been good at exploiting this Jewish weakness – indeed the Nazis were experts at this. Now in the twenty-first century the Anti-Semites are at it again. During a visit by…
We Must Learn From Children
The prophet Malachi (3:24) prophesised about the day when “he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children,” a recent experience in a London state primary school made me yearn for the fulfilment of this prophecy. I was invited to talk to children in a state school regarding…
Immigration: A Judaic View
This week has seen mass demonstrations all across the United States over the issue of immigration. Indeed this is a big issue. In order for there to be a strong and safe country, the borders must be safe and secure. However, many of those who are arguing for tougher immigration…
Separation of Church & State
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. — The First Amendment to…