Archive for October, 2009

The J Street website proclaims "J Street is the political arm of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement." I had the opportunity to meet Jeremy Ben-Ami, the Executive Director of J Street at a Rabbis for Human Rights board meeting last year.  I was quite impressed, and very pleased with what I heard: "at last," I said to myself, "another...
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It's almost Shabbat here in New York where I find myself this week, so I don't have time to write a whole d'var Torah, but I wanted to share a thought to have in mind as Shabbat starts.  I believe the most important teaching in this week's Torah portion -- Bereshit, the opening chapters...
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In the northern part of Israel, one can visit the tombs / graves for many of our most important and most famous rabbis. At most of these tombs you will find separate entrances for men and women, places to pray.  Usually you will see people there saying prayers or reciting psalms.  There is often...
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Should directing movies as haunting and beautiful as "The Pianist" give you a get out of jail free card? How about if the victim of your crime has forgiven you? Director Roman Polanski was arrested a few days ago on charges from 30 years ago that he raped a 13-year-old girl. Polanski has admitted...
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