Don’t defame your enemies. That’s today’s lesson from the Biblical prophet Balaam. In 1200 BCE, mass media works like this:…
Death: Spiritual Journey, Communal Reality
Death. A key theme of Parshat Chukat, this week’s Torah reading (Numbers 19:1-22:1). Moses shares rituals for letting go of…
Wedding: Make it Beautiful, Officiants!
Wedding season! June, July and August. Some say the future is bleak. But couples are still falling in love, marrying and planning…
Crows Are Nesting in our Backyard
Crows are Nesting in Our Backyard (May 6) Crows are nesting in our backyard! Three paces from the deck. You…
Zechariah's Real Apocalyptic Views
Zechariah. Well-known in Jewish circles as a prophet of hope. “On that day, God will be One and God’s name…
Spiritual Fasting: Everybody's Doing It
Spiritual fasting. That was our study topic at last night’s interfaith iftar. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during…
Afterlife: Wisdom Hidden in Plain Sight
The Afterlife: Hidden Wisdom The afterlife. That’s what I’ve been researching for the past month. “How can you research the…
Creation: Earth Day Interdependence
To appreciate creation, we should appreciate creatures. (NOTE: Podcast version of the words below is available at the bottom of…
Havdalah: Your Priestly Responsibility
“Havdalah” means “division.” But the havdalah ritual does not divide Jews — from other traditions or from each other. Before Havdalah…