Jul 12th, 2010
by rabbifink.
This post has been cross-posted to DovBear. Way more discussion here.
I really like the Museum of Tolerance. The overall message of the museum is a message that I wholeheartedly agree with.
Tolerance is a very important value in my worldview and the museum does a super job teaching that message.
(For a more complete review of the museum read my previous post My Visit to the Museum of Tolerance at the Simon Wiesenthal Center.)
There was one thing I noticed, or rather, did not notice that I find necessary to question and perhaps even criticize.
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Dec 25th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Last year I spoke from the pulpit about the Israeli Military operation in Gaza, and the issue of partial truth and whole truth.
It was posted last year and you can read Truth or Consequences – Drasha Vayigash, by clicking here.
It is worth a read and I would love to hear your thoughts.
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.
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Jul 13th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A Religious charity in Israel has embarked on what I and many others feel to be a misleadeing charity campaign.
Promises 0f safety from danger, special perks and privileges and out of context quotes from great Rabbis permeate the campaign.
I wrote all ab0ut in on DovBear. You can check it out by clicking below.
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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…)
Apr 27th, 2009
by rabbifink.
With the upcoming Yom Haatzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim holidays I felt it was a perfect time to discuss the role Israel plays within the Torah system.
For many people Israel serves as a bastion of democracy in the Middle East, for others it is a Jewish homeland where no Jew will be denied access, for others it holds tremendous historical value, there are others who cherish its spiritual significance and there are yet others who pine for the elevated Torah study of the Land of Israel.
Our goal was to find the meaning of the Land of Israel and its connection to the Jewish people from the Torah. We went to the source to find why there is an intrinsic connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel.
This relationship did not begin in 1948.
The class ended with some really interesting anecdotes (I don’t want to give anything away – but suffice to say, very interesting stuff) and a few great points from our Connections attendees.
Click through to listen to the class right now.
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Jan 4th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Normally I don’t like to tread the dangerous waters of politics. That is why you find no commentary on the current skirmish in Gaza. However I feel it necessary to mention that our thoughts and prayers are with Dov Dalin – Dov Chaim ben Masha Chana. Dov is the son of community members Gary and Marsha Dalin. He is a reserve in the Israel Defense Force and serves as a sniper in the paratroopers. He is currently being deployed to Gaza. We pray for his safe return and the success of his mission.
A war is on the news and in the papers – we don’t necessarily feel it. When we know someone fighting in the war – we feel it. Right now – I feel it.
Bracha V’Hatzlacha Dov!
This post has been cross-posted to DovBear. Way more discussion here.
