Infinity: A perfect topic for my interview on this innovative podcast. It’s called PTR: Philosophy, Theology, and Religious studies. Or, if you prefer, “Poststructuralist Tent Revival.” PTR is hosted by Jacob Given, a doctoral student at Villanova University. Here we discuss ideas from my book The Infinity Inside: infinity, kabbalah, God’s existence, dreams, and mystical…
Category: Dreams
New Citizen of Canada: Time for a Life Review
This week I became a citizen of Canada. But the journey began sixteen years ago. With a Sunday morning dream. I walk through my house with a realtor. Every wall, shelf, and table full of memorabilia. Each one a work of art, recalling an event, project, or value. I know I have to sell it…
Prophecy in Politics: How do we know it's true?
Prophecy. It’s equal parts spirit and politics. Predictions of doom and calls to action. Today’s public sphere is filled with prophecy. But do we know how to pay attention? Or how to tell if a prophecy is true? Jewish tradition offers some guidance. Content Counts in Prophecy In the Torah’s view, it’s all about verifying the content.…
Symbol of God or ordinary kitten? On spiritual dreams
Symbols symbolize — says Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman. Objects, ideas, and rituals are meaningful. No one can say exactly what they symbolize. Religious symbols evoke memories, emotions, sensations — some shared, others highly personal. If you insist on a single correct interpretation, you reduce the symbol to a mere “sign.” A cipher, a picture, a solved…
No Finish Line
On Sunday morning, I dream. A package is delivered. My housemates and I unwrap it carefully. Inside is a tightly woven flax doll. The doll is and is not alive; it is a baby and full grown. My housemates consider it a baby. We should rejoice, they say, because new life is rare in our…
I Asked for Wonder
Imagination, wonder, amazement. Attitudes that add zest to our lives — and train us in spiritual sight and insight. How can we cultivate an attitude of wonder? In this 25-minute video, Kabbalah: Wisdom Hidden in Plain Sight, I offer a few first steps. This talk was presented at Unity of Vancouver, March 19, 2017.
What God is NOT
Paying attention to dreams is an ancient Jewish spiritual practice. Our biblical ancestors Isaac and Jacob dreamed of God. Jacob’s son Joseph was a skilled interpreter. He would analyze dream symbols with reference to current events, and articulate truths the dreamer was afraid to face directly. Last week, I had a dream, highlighting some questions…
Wake up, wake up!
Don’t stress, and don’t be angry with yourselves that you sold me here into slavery; actually God sent me ahead of you to save lives — says Joseph to his brothers. (Gen. 45:5) At what point does Joseph clearly discern God’s plan for his work in Egypt? Torah offers an answer: vayehi miketz shnatayim (Gen.…
When Bridges Collapse (Miketz)
Last week, the 14-member U.N. Security Council passed, with a vote of 13-0, a resolution condemning Israel’s expansion of settlements in occupied Palestinian lands. Prime Minister Netanyahu responded by recalling Israeli ambassadors, reprimanding foreign ambassadors, and cancelling foreign aid programs. So, I dreamed: A woman travels to Israel by helicopter to rescue a child fleeing Syrian…
Magic Stones (Vayetze)
Jacob sets out from Beersheva towards Charan. He encounters a place, and sleeps there, because the sun has set. He takes from the stones of the place, puts it by his head, lies down in the place and dreams (Gen 28:10-12). He wakes and says, “Wow! God is in this place and I, I did…