Tu Bishvat Sameach

Shalom and Tu Bishvat sameach (happy Tu Bishvat). Today as we celebrate the biblical New Year of the trees and plants may we have an awareness of the majestic beauty of nature and may we participate in our partnership with G-d to maintain it.
Here are some informational sites about Tu Bishvat:
My Jewish Learning
URJ on Tu [...]

Powerful saying on Truth

Thanks to The Fourth Rabbi for the following quotation from Nachman of Bratslav.
To be a person of truth, be swayed neither by approval nor disapproval. Work at not needing approval from anyone and you will be free to be who you really are.
– Reb Nachman of Bratslav

Belated Greeting

A very belated Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim friends and readers!

On the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In celebration and remembrance of Dr. King’s life and work, I participated in the local commemoration of his birthday. I humbly share with you an excerpt of my brief welcoming remarks.
Dr. King shared his message of hope, faith and non-violence with all who would listen. Over forty years ago, long into his mission, he [...]

Weekly Torah Portion - Beshalach

This week is Shabbat Shirah, the sabbath during which we read/sing the Song at the Sea. The crossing of the Reed Sea (which some call the Red Sea or Yam Soof) is a climatic moment for our people and represents G-d’s care for the Jewish people. Yet, this climatic moment does not solve the Israelites [...]

Rabbis & Imams Praying Together

Wonderful, hopeful news out of Brussels in Sunday’s Ha’aretz. On Wednesday, Rabbis and Imams prayed together (following a moment of silence) for the tsunami victims. The participants spoke of the spontaneity, joy and camaraderie of doing so. Read all about it in the article.
Also hopeful is the fact that the rabbis and imams [...]

Some thoughts on Sunday’s Palestinian Authority Elections

Sunday will be election day in the Palestinian areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Palestinians will elect a new President to replace Arafat. There are many predictions, pronouncements, warnings and hopeful statements on the web and in the media. I do not intend to duplicate any of them nor even summarize them. Rather, [...]

Israeli Company Donates Tsunami Warning Systems

This morning’s news from Israel includes a great statement about generosity, hope and help above profit. Meir Gitelis of Avtipus Patents and Inventions Ltd. is giving away - for free - tsunami alert systems to countries in South East Asia affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunamis. What a moment of pride. I [...]