I concluded in a previous post that the Jewish God is abstract. While many ritual, prosaic, poetic and linguistic elements of Judaism can be traced back to their Egyptian, Sumerian, Hittite or Canaanite neighbors, the idea of an abstract God was truly unique and unprecedented. … Continue readingAbraham and Moses: Abstraction and Morality
The Theology of 4 Maccabees
I am starting my discussions of Post-Modern Jewish Theology from an unlikely place. With Hanukkah 2013 just behind us, this is as good a time as any to present myContinue readingThe Theology of 4 Maccabees
The Miracle of Hanukkah
As I mentioned in a previous blog, the four books of Maccabees do not mention the miracle which we celebrate as the main theme of Hanukkah: The oil canister that lasted eight days. … Continue readingThe Miracle of Hanukkah
The Real Hanukkah Story
Here is a fairly good video Docu-Drama about the real story of Hanukkah, based on the Books of Maccabees 1 & 2. … Continue readingThe Real Hanukkah Story
Readings for Thanksgivukkah #1
I was looking for something appropriate to read at the once-in-a-lifetime combination of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah dinner.The letter George Washington wrote on Aug. 18, 1790 to the Jewish Congregation of Newport fits perfectly. … Continue readingReadings for Thanksgivukkah #1
Readings for Thanksgivukkah #2
The second reading I chose for the once-in-a-lifetime combination of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah dinner were two poems by Emma Lazarus. … Continue readingReadings for Thanksgivukkah #2
Is God Abstract or Concrete?
After Moses gets his instructions from the Burning Bush in Exodus 3 to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he politely asks for its identity, like a secretary might askContinue readingIs God Abstract or Concrete?
Most ridiculous editorial in NY Times
I am never surprised to see an anti-Israeli editorial in the New York Times, but the Pinkwashing article this week by Sarah Schulman was probably the most ridiculous one I’ve seen in many years.Continue readingMost ridiculous editorial in NY Times
An Interview with Golda Meir 1973
Someone recently uploaded a very interesting interview with Golda Meir from 1973: At about 2:00: she explains the history of the Palestinian claim to Israel. At about 6:30: she explainsContinue readingAn Interview with Golda Meir 1973
Let’s get started
I have lived half my life in Israel and, so far, the other half in the U.S. (New York, to be more specific). In this blog, I’m going to capture some random thoughts on issues that seem relevant to me given this background … Continue readingLet’s get started