Looking all around from my corner of the universe
This morning I had a double honor of attending and participating in two civic ceremonies: the swearing-in of our new Washington State Supreme Court Justices and the opening session of the Washington State Legislature. In the morning, I was invited to share words at the Court, after three Justices, fresh off of their re-election, were …
Oy, I've been a little lax in posting each new episode to my blog. Well, here it is: Hold Accountable 60 SECONDS TO WISDOM. Short teachings on the weekly Torah portion. Suitable for all who seek.
This past week we marked the turn of the new Gregorian year. For me, December 31 marks a more auspicious and serious anniversary. On December 31, 2012 I woke up quite ill. I had a bad headache and had nausea, what appeared to be a bad flu. I slept in, but then needed to communicate …
Continue reading The Theological Question is Not “Why” but “What”
To be honest, I have tried to keep my partisan political opinions at bay. While I try to be outspoken on social issues, endorse legislation or ballot initiatives, I have generally been more silent when it comes to partisan politics. But since we are not in an election cycle, and things have gotten to be …
Continue reading Yes, Trump is Pharaoh, and Pharaoh, and Pharaoh, and Pharaoh.
As the biblical story of Joseph comes to its climax in this week's Torah portion of Vayigash, we note his tears. The story in quick summation: Joseph is the favored child of his father Jacob, much to the chagrin of his 11 brothers. Plus, Joseph has dreams that indicate that he will rise above his …
Which is the right picture of our biblical Joseph? There is Joseph, the young idealist who through no fault of his own is hated by his brothers who first try to kill him then sell him into slavery, who has beautiful visions of the future and acts on them, who although enslaved nevertheless was responsible …
Right place, right time. Listen to the latest episode of my podcast here: 60 SECONDS TO WISDOM. Short teachings on the weekly Torah portion. Suitable for all who seek.
Tonight marks the beginning of Hanukkah, that eight-day celebration when we bring light into the darkness by lighting the menorah each night. The story of Hanukkah is retold and well known—the Hasmoneans (Maccabees) lead a revolt against the assimilationist forces of Antiochus and the Syrian-Greeks and emerge victorious. When they go to rededicate the ancient …
Keep moving forward. Listen to the latest episode of my podcast here: 60 SECONDS TO WISDOM. Short teachings on the weekly Torah portion. Suitable for all who seek.
