For God’s Ears Only
Ever wonder why everyone in the synagogue appears to be mumbling? Why are we so quiet in our conversations with God? The answer goes way back in history to a woman named Hannah. Hannah,…
The Portuguese Dreyfus
The deathbed confession by his grandfather of a secret Jewish identity had a profound and life-changing effect on Captain Artur Carlos de Barros Basta (1887 - 1961). He began to educate…
“For Yourself”
One of the arguments posed by those opposed to organized religion is that religion requires people to act mindlessly. Judaism, however, strongly encourages questioning, and “Free…
Here’s To The Positive
In Pirkei Avot/Ethics of the Fathers, Rabbi Joshua is quoted saying, “An evil eye (ayin harah), the evil inclination (yetzer harah) and hatred of other people (sinat habree’ot) remove a…
It’s Okay To Ask
If you find yourself questioning or questioned about an aspect of Judaism that you are unsure of, don't hesitate to ask. (You can always write to Jewish…
Almost Consul to Jerusalem
Can you name the first man appointed U.S. Consul to Jerusalem? In 1844, Warder Cresson was appointed, but never served, as the appointment was revoked while he was en route. Cresson’s…
Heretic
The Jewish nation is a people of faith and, as part of our unique combination of peoplehood and religion, must grapple with defining heresy. Jewish life has a basic, structured framework,…
Explain Ourselves
While Judaism may appear to be a religion with many holidays and an interesting history, those who explore the religion more deeply soon realize that it is a lifestyle based on a complex…
For God’s Ears Only
Ever wonder why everyone in the synagogue appears to be mumbling? Why are we so quiet in our conversations with God? The answer goes way back in history to a woman named Hannah. Hannah,…
Shemot 5762-2001
"The Circumcision of Eliezer: A Message for Busy Parents" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shemot, Moshe emerges as the leader of Israel and begins the…