Galilee Diary: Noise
…There was a great and mighty wind, splitting mountains and shattering rocks by the power of the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind – an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake – fire; but the Lord was not in the fire.
Guns and Talmud
America is facing a choice about guns that will have to be settled in public opinion, in Congress, in state legislatures, and in the courts. The question is whether it is right to place further restrictions on the possession and use of firearms.
But One Moment of Humanity
I watched Oprah on Thursday and Friday evening. Much like a paying customer at an 1890s staged train wreck, I anticipated, well… something. Instead, over those two evenings, I watched Lance admit to simple statements of fact that every cycling fan has known for years. Cheating? Check.
Lance Armstrong Let Me Down Too
It turned out to be an incredible irony. The week Lance Armstrong finally admitted to Oprah that he had lied about doping was the same week that we read the Torah portion “Bo,” the story of the final three plagues in Egypt.
Building a Serious Jewish Library
A young friend and former student of mine recently asked her Facebook network for suggestions as to what books she ought to buy as first steps in building a serious Jewish library. Although her request welcomed the nerdy, I have striven to recommend for a broad base of reader/collectors.
Leading Prayer - Praying for Leaders
What an interesting idea! On the day immediately following the pomp and ceremony of the inauguration, what is the first thing that the President and Vice President do? Convene their staff? Hold a press conference?
Galilee Diary: Brand Recognition
The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.
-Genesis 27:22
My Grandmother's Hands and Psalm 90
We are in her house in Dallas. Sesame Street plays on the television I am supposed to be watching. But instead, I watch her, specifically her hands. She grips her new, clean easel, finagling its three legs in different positions until it stands independently.