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The Chametz of Technology #449

07/12/2016 07:16:33 PM

Jul12

The Chametz of Technology #449

There is an ad currently airing on national television, which depicts a number of subjects around a table recoiling in pain and horror.
 
Did these people suffer some severe physical injury? Did they experience some profound emotional loss?
 
In this ad, sponsored by General Motors, the cell phone of each subject is confiscated, apparently obliterated.
 
Read more...

Chametz of the Soul #448

07/12/2016 07:15:31 PM

Jul12

Chametz of the Soul #448


 
About fifteen years ago, while spending some time over Passover with my parents in Toronto, I accompanied my mother to the local kosher supermarket.
 
She asked to speak to the supermarket's resident rabbi, and posed to him the following question.
 
"Is tahini (sesame paste) kosher for Passover or not?"
 
"Hmmm." replied...Read more...

Gossip That Kills #447

07/12/2016 07:14:47 PM

Jul12

Gossip That Kills #447

I would like to introduce you to fifteen young people who are no more.
 
There are Jadin Bell, Tyler Clementi, Ryan Patrick Halligan, Jamie Hubley, Megan Meier, Alyssa Morgan, Rehtach Parsons, Audrie Pott, Phoebe Prince, Nicola Ann Raphael, Jamey Rodemeyer, Amanda Todd, Kenneth Weishuhn, Dawn-Marie Welsey and Kelly Yeoman.
 
In many ways, these were ordinary young...Read more...

Judaism and the American Dream #446

07/12/2016 07:13:47 PM

Jul12

Judaism and the American Dream #446

Judaism and the American Dream
 
If there was a list of expressions least heard in a Jewish home, the following would likely top that list.
 
"Young man, go to your room and read your Bible."
 
It's not something we say to our children, in part because Judaism raises many red flags when it comes to our children going off and studying...Read more...

The Meaning of Life -- Mi Yodea? #445

07/12/2016 07:12:51 PM

Jul12

The Meaning of Life -- Mi Yodea? #445

Have you ever wondered why you were born into the situation you are in? It is one of life's central questions.
 
When we look around us, there are so many who seem better off. Life appears easy for them. And then there are others we encounter, who face tragedy and consistent challenge.
 
While few of us are deprived of food or shelter, so many in our...Read more...

Giving Charity on Broadway, Or Not? #444

07/12/2016 07:12:00 PM

Jul12

Giving Charity on Broadway, Or Not? #444

The Charity Dilemma.
 
Years ago, about 9 pm on a particularly cold February night, we heard the doorbell ring at our home in Edmonton. I opened the door to find a middle-aged couple standing on our welcome mat with a pile of packets and brochures in their arms.
 
"We're representing the Diabetes Association," the woman said, her breath a white fog....Read more...

Are We Becoming Too Individualistic? #443

07/12/2016 07:11:12 PM

Jul12

Are We Becoming Too Individualistic? #443

In 2013, I attended a lecture by Jewish-British writer, educator, and broadcaster Clive Lawton. 

"Judaism has changed in many countries during the past seventy years," he told us. "In Israel, Judaism has been nationalized. In the United States it's been privatized."
 
He's right, when you think about it.
 
Judaism, prior to the last...Read more...

Should We Feel "Sub-Jewish? #442

07/12/2016 07:10:16 PM

Jul12

Should We Feel "Sub-Jewish? #442

Recently, while attending a meeting of Jewish clergy, an Orthodox rabbi shared with me the story of his brother, who took great pride in announcing that every Saturday morning, he cooked up a big plate of bacon and feasted on it at the breakfast table.
 
"What do you think about that?" challenged the brother.
 
"Well, let me ask you," replied the rabbi. "Do...Read more...

Why Was Moses Ignored? #441

07/12/2016 07:09:23 PM

Jul12

Why Was Moses Ignored? #441

There is an inspiring quote which I first heard in 1972 while watching the funeral of President Harry S. Truman, which has helped guide me along my life's journey.
 
It reads: "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
 
The quote has traditionally been attributed to the late president, but in fact it was first inked by British...Read more...

Can the Torah Leave the Temple? #440

07/12/2016 07:08:34 PM

Jul12

Can the Torah Leave the Temple? #440

An interesting debate came to light this past Shabbat as we completed our weekly reading of the Torah:
The discussion centered on this. "Do you believe that Jews must climb to reach the Torah, or should the Torah be permitted to come down to us?"
 
The conversation took shape last Saturday evening at a social gathering as one of our congregants shared a painful...Read more...

Mon, September 15 2025 22 Elul 5785