The purpose of Torah, says first-century Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria, is to teach that the essence of a human…
Teachings of the Land
I was raised to be an urbanite. Sure, I spent plenty of time outdoors, playing in parks, riding my bicycle,…
Mixed Feelings
A sermon presented at Canadian Memorial United Church, February 12, 2017, in video, with text version following. Song of the Sea,…
Turning Towards Death
Jewish traditions teach that we, the living, do not know what happens on “the other side” of death. However, we…
On Tyrants
Who succeeds morally and emotionally in a democracy? A person who learns moderation through experience. After all, life is filled…
The Exodus is Always Relevant
Does Judaism have a creed, a set of core beliefs that all do or should profess? Answers from practicing Jews vary:…
Freedom of Choice
In 1980, the convenience store chain 7-11 broadened its appeal to all Americans — by offering both CocaCola and PepsiCola in…
God is Breaking Through (Va'era)
I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai [Almighty God], but I did not make Myself known to…
Kabbalah and Everyday Life
God is present in the clarity of mystical experience AND in the cluttered consciousness of everyday mind. How can we learn to…