Racist Uniformity
We learned that Nazi websites had posted a call to burn our synagogue. A frail, elderly woman approached me as I stood on the steps in front of our sanctuary, crying, to tell me that while she was Roman Catholic, she wanted to stay and watch over the synagogue with us. At one point, she […]
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The differing standards of proof for criminal and civil cases is well known. While civil cases require a preponderance or balance of probabilities, criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. How though does “beyond reasonable doubt” translate? No doubt that reasonableness and doubt are in the eye of the beholder—or in our justice system […]
Damn Nation
Senator Bernie Sanders made headlines this week for challenging a statement made by cabinet nominee Russell Vought that “Muslims do not simply have a deficient theology. They do not know God because they have rejected Jesus Christ, His Son, and they stand condemned.” There was a swift response denouncing Sanders’ supposition that this kind of […]
A Tough Act to Follow
It was the 66th commencement for graduates of Brandeis University, my younger son getting his Bachelor degree. Graduations can be rather tedious for graduates, family, and friends and then again you can be moved by a speaker. The commencement address at Brandeis was delivered by her honor, Canadian Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, […]
Final Week! Counting of the Omer: Week 7 Malchut – Realizing Change
Week 7 Malchut: Realizing Change The definition of Malchut is sovereignty and represents the final stage of the flow as reflected in manifestation or expression. It is the stage of coming into actualization. Our way of looking at the Sefirot flow has been the creation of a plan for change. Malchut then is actualizing our […]
Counting of the Omer: Week 6 Yesod – Truth or Distortion
Week 6 Yesod – Truth or Distortion Over the past two weeks, we have been challenged by obstacles that need to be overcome (Netzach) and surrendered to or at least suspended our notions of what the outcome of our plans need to be (Hod). Yesod is the foundation. Yesod is also defined as “truth” or […]
Off Color
In contemplating the theme for this summer’s film class, it was noticeable that there was a plethora of Academy Award nominated films whose stories focused on the lives of darker skinned people. From “Loving to Moonlight” to “Fences” to “Hidden Figures” to “Lion” (feature films) and “I Am Not Your Negro” (feature documentary). Then this […]
Counting of the Omer: Week 5 Hod – Giving Way
Week 5 Hod: Giving Way Your blueprint is designed as to the change you are committing to—perhaps altered a bit already based on the evaluation and work of the past week (Netzach and overcoming obstacles). Hod literally means to acknowledge and in the context of change a need, to be honest about what you accept […]
Counting of the Omer: Week 3 Tiferet – A Harmonious Blueprint
Week 3: Tiferet – A Harmonious Blueprint A blueprint or plan harmonizes all input—takes into account all aspects and if it serves the manifestation of change—then it is harmonious and beautiful. The first two weeks of our count have been preparation for this week of Tiferet (they were significant in themselves as creating the possibility […]
Counting of the Omer: Week 2 Gevurah – Determination and Focus
Week 2 Gevurah: Determination and Focus This second week of the counting of the Omer is connected to the Sefirah of Gevurah which means strength. In Kabbalah it is taken as the strength to set limits. As Gevurah sits opposite Chesed (the Sefirah of unbounded love) Gevurah is often interpreted as love through saying, “No.” […]