Aug 27th, 2010
by rabbifink.
When we think of 19th and early 20th century history, we think of everything in greyscale. It’s not our fault, picture and films from the era have clouded our ability to see those times in color.
Much of that era’s Jewish history is captured in black and white photos from Europe. It gives rise to a sense that their time was one of darkness and sadness, devoid of color. Of course this is completely false. (In fact, many would counter that the black and white mode of dress common among many orthodox Jews is more doom and gloom than the the modes of dress present in the 19th and early 20th century.)
I happened upon a selection of absolutely stunning color photographs taken in Russia in the early 20th century before the world was thrust in upheaval during the First World War. The photos are in full technicolor (more…)
Nov 6th, 2009
by rabbifink.
KCET (the local PBS affiliate) has been working on a city-wide project. It is called Departures and it focuses on the people and places that make the neighborhoods of Los Angeles. For the last six weeks they have been working on Venice. Today they came to the Pacific Jewish Center Shul on the Beach to learn about us and to be included in their upcoming Venice piece.
It was a true honor and privilege to be a part of this worthwhile project. The production should be finished in February and I look forward to seeing that.
The camera crew shot some footage of our morning services and did two interviews. (more…)
Sep 7th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This essay was inspired by a recent post on DovBear. I have cross posted this post there as well. Head over there for more discussion.
What follows is my understanding of The Oral Law and its transmission to us. This article does not attempt to validate or prove its transmission as fact, rather it explains just what is being transmitted when we refer to Torah SheBaal Peh (TSBP).
I am sure there are plenty of maamarei Chazal that are not 100% congruent with this approach. I am also sure that there are many maamarei Chazal that do jive with this approach. I have spent many hours studying and analyzing the concept of TSBP and what follows is what I believe to be a rational, coherent, non-apologetic approach. (more…)
Jul 30th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A few years ago I was a campus Rabbi for the Jewish Awareness Movement (I even made the video on their home page) at USC. One of my primary responsibilities was to lead large groups of Jewish college students on inspiring trips to Israel.
Of course, the personal inspiration for me, was very often, greater than the inspiration for some of the students.
One episode has inspired me since the moment it occurred and it is directly related to today’s Tisha B’Av fast.
(more…)
Jun 22nd, 2009
by rabbifink.
This morning I found this article in my inbox. From time to time, PJC board member, Judd Magilnick sends me (and everyone else he knows) interesting links from all around the web, stretching to the outer limits of the blogosphere and conventional media.
Today’s link covers something that is always on my mind. (more…)
Jun 7th, 2009
by rabbifink.
June 6th. An auspicious date in history.
For most it a day known as D-Day. The day the Allies invaded Normandy.
I have the greatest respect and appreciation for the massive Ally effort to maintain freedom in our world. Thank you.
If you want to see more about that click here.
For others, it is also T-Day. What is T-Day? Nothing, I just made it up.
But it is the birthday of perhaps the greatest video game of all time. (more…)
Jun 3rd, 2009
by rabbifink.
I have had my critiques of David Brooks from the NY Times.
But today, I think he got it right. Really right. Like, 100% right.
He was asked about the “Big Three”. No, not GM, Ford, Chrysler. No, not Harvard, Yale, Princeton. Not, Clemenceau, Wilson, George either.
The new Big Three is Guns, Gays and Abortion. (more…)
May 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Happy Lag B’Omer.
We had a great turnout this week despite the fact that we lost some attendees to Lag B’Omer celebrations this week.
This week Connections was the second of a series of classes about the history, philosophy, structure and benefits to Torah study.
In preparation for Shavuos, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah, this was the perfect time for the series.
Tonight we did a quick review of last week, though listening online would be a better option. You will get the full picture that way.
Our journey this week took us from the writing of the Mishna through the the beginnings of the formation of the Talmud.
There was a great discussion about “machlokes” and the differing opinions among Tanaic and Amoraic literature.
To be continued next week. See you there (or here).
Click through to listen to the class.
(more…)
May 5th, 2009
by rabbifink.
I stumbled upon this video on Facebook.
Once in a while I see a video that really makes me think. This is a video that makes me think.
Once in a while I see a video that reinforces a Torah idea that I heard or read. This is video that does just that.
After you watch the video I want to share a deep insight I heard about history. The video emphasizes the point so check out the video first. You can watch the video right here on the blog.
Just press play!
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May 5th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This week Connections was the first of a series of classes about the history, philosophy, structure and benefits to Torah study.
In preparation for Shavuos, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah, this was the perfect time to begin the series.
This class is the foundation for the next few classes so I highly recommend checking it out. The reviews of the class were great and we hope more people will join us next week.
Our discussion ranged from history of the Jewish people, the connection between the spiritual and material world, astrology and much, much more.
Looking forward to next week. See you there (or here).
Click through to listen to the class right now.
(more…)
When we think of 19th and early 20th century history, we think of everything in greyscale. It’s not our fault, picture and films from the era have clouded our ability to see those times in color.
