Rabbi Simeon J. Maslin

The term “wandering Jew” dates to medieval Europe and was used by Christians to describe the curse they believed adhered to the Jewish people because they rejected Jesus.

Why pray to a silent God who is not looking down at us and waiting to hear what we want or legitimately need?

As the abortion issue continues to divide the United States, I think back to 1968, when I was active in the Clergy Consultation Service, an underground group of Protestant ministers and rabbis dedicated to helping women in need of abortion counseling. Many years later, I still vividly remember the story of one young woman who sought my help.

My love and reverence for my father grew stronger, paradoxically, the more I departed from the details of his teachings. Why? Because it was my father, a learned Orthodox Jew, who set me out on the path of inquiry.