Rabbi Yaakov Thompson

2012-02-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

Of Readers and Responsibility

A recent editorial in The Atlanta Jewish Times caused a storm of public reaction. The paper’s owner and chief-editor, Andrew Adler, wrote a piece concerning the possible policies that Israel could pursue against a nuclear-armed Iran. Among the possible reactions that Adler posited was the idea that Israel should assassinate President Obama. Adler has since resigned and is looking to sell the paper. Adler’s remarks caused a crisis in Atlanta- the Federation and other community agencies distanced themselves from the paper, a stand that they said that they would maintain until his resignation. Beyond this, the entire American Jewish community was embarrassed by these comments and now has to do damage control. As a journalist Adler embarrassed himself and the entire community. While he said that his comments were meant “to get reaction” from his readers, his comments about assassinating the president were irresponsible and, in a word, stupid. A journalist cannot write something like that and think that he is just eliciting reaction. As a journalist and as a Jew I am embarrassed by this episode. Reflecting on Adler’s poor judgment and irresponsible words made me reflect on my own role as a writer and community leader.

As a writer for this paper I feel a double sense of responsibility. As the rabbi of the Sunrise Jewish Center I am always mindful that my comments reflect on my congregation. Whether I am speaking from the pulpit or writing in this paper, I know that my words will be taken as more than just the opinion of one person. As a writer for this paper I am always mindful of the responsibility that I have to the readership and to the community. The Jewish Journal produces 160,000 copies every week. We have readers throughout all of South Florida. That means that the opinions and stories that appear here reach a large community. All of us who are involved with the paper must always realize the impact that our words and ideas can have. As a writer I don’t feel that I have to write something that everyone likes or agrees with but I do have to write an accurate and responsible accounting of my ideas. In the age of internet communication the truth is that anyone can write anything and put it out there for the world. On the internet true and false become relative. It seems like the crazier the idea the more attention it gets! I don’t know what you call that but it is not responsible journalism. The other side of that coin is a community based paper like the Jewish Journal or any other community based Jewish paper. Far from being anonymous like the internet, a community paper represents a specific readership. That is why every journalist needs to be very careful with every story.

It seems obvious that Mr. Adler forgot about his readership and decided to concentrate on the “shock value” of his message. Perhaps he was thinking that an outrageous statement can be good if it sparks a healthy public debate. Whatever the intention was it certainly backfired. A good column should spark debate and the exchange of ideas without a “hook” that creates a crisis. I am always very gratified when someone comes up to me and engages me about something that I wrote. That means they read it! That means they thought about it! A journalist should never, however, be tempted to write something just for a reaction- as we see that can lead to a very bad outcome. I take very seriously the trust that all of my readers put in me by reading my columns and I know that the entire staff at the Journal does as well.

All communication is based on trust- you wouldn’t talk to someone if you felt you could not believe him. You would not read an article that you knew contained less than the truth. That is why I must emphasis the responsibility of speaking (or writing) in the public forum. Mr. Adler’s article was a tragic mistake that touched many lives and hurt a community. The Atlanta Jewish Times will, I am sure, bounce back under new leadership. The damage done is another story. Words, once written or said, remain no matter how many times you apologize. It is the task of anyone who would speak on behalf of the community to always remember the trust the community puts in him or her.

This op-ed appeared in The South Florida Jewish Journal, February 1, 2012

2012-01-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

HOLOCAUST RESPONSA

There are currently two collections of Holocaust response available in English. Respona are questions of Jewish law (Halacha) that are submitted to a rabbi- responsa, the response, is the answer to the question. Rabbi Ephraim Oshry, himself a survivor, edited and translated questions that he received in the ghetto of Kovno, Lithuania. His volume is titled Responsa from the Holocaust. The second collection, Rabbinic Responsa from the Holocaust, was edited and translated by Robert Kirschner. This volume contains both responsa from the Holocaust as well as questions that deal with the aftermath of the war as well. Both authors are to be thanked for these important contributions that provide insights into the religious life, bravery, and faith of those who lived and died in the Holocaust.

While these responsa are available in English for the first time, two questions remain: Will people read them and, if they do, what will they understand to be the real message for their own lives? I am unable to answer the first question but I do feel compelled to attempt an answer for the second.

As a Jew I feel obligated to read these volumes carefully. As a human being I feel obligated to read them again. As a rabbi and teacher I feel that I should urge others to read them as well.

I think most readers will immediately perceive (at least to some degree) the human suffering that the responsa reflect, but I think many readers will react by finding the idea behind the responsa completely incredible. Under such circumstances how could anyone be “bothered” to ask a rabbi about ritual and religious obligations? When the world was falling down around them how they could be concerned with minor points of Halacha.

My first answer was “faith.” Yet, as I thought about it, I felt that an appeal to faith was an incomplete answer. Also I knew that a faith that was that strong was something that would demand explanation. How could “faith” serve as an explanation to those who could not imagine a situation in which that faith was the only possession left?

I offer these thoughts in order to share another path toward understanding and teaching these responsa to American Jews. It should be no surprise that I found the answer in the writings of a survivor, Dr. Viktor Frankl. A psychiatrist who survived Auschwitz, Frankl emerged from the Holocaust to found a new school of psychotherapy which he called Logotherapy. Frankl approach stressed the need for meaning in life. From his experience in Auschwitz Frankl made the claim that the individual can endure anything in life and overcome anything in life if, and only if, life itself has meaning. Freud would have predicted that, deprived of food, freedom, and even life itself, any person would abandon “normal” behavior and would do anything to stay alive. The attitude to life demonstrated in the response proves that Frankl’s “will to meaning” was stronger than Freud’s “will to pleasure.” Moreover, it provides us with a key to understanding the responsa as a struggle to maintain meaning through the observance of Jewish law. That key is the concept of “meaning” in Frankl’s sense of the word. Meaning is this sense of purpose in life, a goal higher than life itself.

Those who suffered during the Holocaust were denied everything that we would, under normal circumstances, consider to be meaningful. Every loved one, every possession, every bit of self-worth was robbed by the Nazis. These brave Jewish souls refused to surrender the very meaning of their existence. That meaning was rooted in the observance of Judaism and it stood firm and unyielding even in the face of a planned extinction. The Jewish soul refused to say that life was meaningless, that purpose and hope had been extinguished in the ovens of Auschwitz.

Perhaps the greatest problem confronting the reader of these response is the challenge to understand how and why a person robbed of all but his last breath would inquire into the status of wet matza or the use of tephillan that had not been checked by a scribe. These are the questions asked within these pages that explain why Jewish prisoners could survive with a purpose that could not be destroyed. As long as one could live as a Jew, even in the most unimaginable of conditions, life was ultimately meaningful and, therefore, worth living.

In his work Rabbi Oshry notes that only three cases of suicide occurred in the ghetto of Kovno. Only three Jews were truly conquered by the Nazis by admitting that life had lost meaning and, in Frankl’s terms, was no longer worth living.

We must read the Holocaust responsa not “simply” as documents attesting to punctilious observance of Jewish law (although that in it would be heroic.) Nor can we be satisfied to say that their faith was greater than our (although, no doubt, it was.) It was not the faith but the meaning of that faith that made the difference. There is an important lesson about survival that should not go unnoted. We stand silent trying to understand how anyone survived. We are at a loss to understand the suffering or the miracle of survival. One thing that we can do is to understand that at least one of the keys to survival was the finding of meaning even in a life that might, at any moment, end. Every survivor is a brave soldier who, in the end, defeated Hitler.

We must teach the facts of the Holocaust, but we must also try, in whatever small inadequate way, to explain what it all means. We must not only be shocked, appalled, and angry at the suffering of our people but we must also be inspired by the lives of those who stood against the Nazis without giving in to despair. We can never forget that Jews died because they were Jews, but we should never forget those who survived because they were Jews.

If we read the responsa as documents of meaning we begin to see a new definition of Jewish resistance. So often it is asked, “Why didn’t they fight back?” The truth is that they did fight back. Those who sought to continue living according to Jewish law were fighting back on the battlefield of life’s basic meaning and worth.

It was because of the meaning that life retained that so many survived conditions that would make death a blessing. The Holocaust responsa are treasures not only for what they teach about the Holocaust or about Jewish law. Their real worth is to be measured in what they teach us about what it “means” to be Jewish.

This article first appeared in the South Florida Jewish Journal

Watch My Interview With Dr. Raanan Gissin

2012-01-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

2012-01-04T16:41:00.001-08:00

Word of the Year

With the coming of the new year the folks at Merriam-Webster have announced the “Word of the Year” for 2011. I was not surprised by their choice- the word “pragmatic” topped their list of words that have been looked up on their on-line dictionary during the past year.
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that “pragmatic” would get so much use during 2011. I believe it is a perfect representation of our mood- facing limited resources we have to prioritize how to spend our time and money. Learning to do more with less calls for a “pragmatic” state of mind! It has been a hard word to learn for many of us. It’s a lesson we wish that our government would learn too… less revenue means spending taxes dollars more wisely. “Pragmatic” also means addressing the differences between “want” and “need.” I can’t think of a word that could better describe the American psyche right now- after so many generations of enjoying luxury and “frivolous spending” we now have to think about being pragmatic. I think some of the lessons have been good and I hope that, when things turn around, we will remember some of the things that we have learned.
So yes, I agree; “pragmatic” is a perfect word to describe what we have all been thinking and saying in the year that has passed. It is, however, a word that bothers me as a Jew. Being pragmatic is a great way to approach some things but it is a terrible way to address some aspects of life. While Jews have shown they can be very pragmatic- making the best decisions possible in the most impossible of situations- we are the least pragmatic people in the world! Has there ever been anything about Jewish existence that was pragmatic? Face it, we are a nation of dreamers and we always will be! That has been the key to our role in the human drama. The first Jew in the world, Abraham, did not understand being pragmatic- he believed in a God you couldn’t see, he left his homeland and went on a journey without knowing where he was going, and finally came to a new land that God promised to the children that he did not yet have!
As a people we have witnessed the worst that humanity could create and yet we affirm our belief in the goodness of man. We have wandered from place to place but still believed in a homeland to which we would return. We have seen how much hatred can come into the world but we have never stopped believing in the power of love. With a resume like that we can hardly be called pragmatic! Pragmatism would have demanded that we abandon our beliefs and values but instead we have tried to reshape the world around them.
2011 was a year in which we learned to be pragmatic about many things but not everything! In 2012 keep dreaming big and believe in the least pragmatic premises of all time- the God of Israel, the Land of Israel, and the People of Israel.

2011-12-20T18:12:00.001-08:00

Eight Days of Decisions

We tend to think of Hanukah as a “fun little holiday” for children. Maybe that is a trap we fall into because we have allowed it to become so commercialized as “the Jewish Christmas.” Maybe it is because we have allowed Hanukah to become a bigger deal than it was ever meant to be. To me it is odd that a Jewish family would make a big deal out of Hanukah but do next to nothing to mark Rosh HaShanah or Pesach. I guess it is a matter of perspective and we have certainly, of late, lost all perspective on Hanukah! When we do focus on the message of the holiday we usually talk about the amazing military victory of the Maccabees, the miracle of the oil, or the lighting of the Hannukiyah.
This year I would ask you to consider Hanukah in one new way which, I believe, is very true to the spirit of the holiday. Hanukah does not mark the end of a struggle that was only political. It was a spiritual struggle. Antiochus called upon the Jews to make a decision- follow his religion or be punished, worship God or worship the personification of the empire. It seems many Jews were willing to compromise with this decree. There were those who were willing to embrace the Greek gods in order to make their lives easier. Had they prevailed Judaism would have been doomed and the Jews would have disappeared into the population of a vast empire.
There were, however, other voices. The Maccabees brought together those who refused to abandon their faith, their values, and their identity. I have no doubt that their decision was the hardest thing that they ever had to make. To oppose the emperor meant the risk of death. To fight him meant facing an enemy army of great superiority. Those who joined with the Maccabees did so at great risk and yet it was the only decision that they could make.
I believe this is the most inspiring aspect of Hanukah. We celebrate the bravery of a group of our ancestors who had to face a monumental decision: What does being Jewish mean to me? Is it only a label, one that can be discarded if need be? Is it something so deep that I refuse to live without it? Most of us are lucky enough not to have to face that question ourselves. What is incumbent upon us is to reflect on the courage of those who did face such a decision. When we celebrate Hanukah we celebrate the strength of their faith and the resolve of their decisions.
The world eats away at our souls in so many ways- it is hard to be a spiritual person when so much of our energy must be directed to our physical needs. It is hard to maintain the uniqueness of one’s Jewish identity when there is so much pressure to “be like everyone else.” Hanukah is the perfect time to think about the decisions you make to be Jewish. Trust me, you do have to decide, you have to make a conscious choice very often. Will you be a Maccabee or will you choose the easier path? Your life may not depend on the decision but your soul does.
If you want to give a loved one a great gift for Hanukah give them the gift of your decision- the miracle of Jewish life. We have to make decisions of all kinds every day. Make Hanukah eight days of making the right decisions.

2011-12-12T10:34:00.001-08:00

This article appeared in the December 1, 2011 issue of South Florida Jewish Home.

The L'Chaim Show JLTV-- Looking Ahead

2011-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

Watch for my upcoming interview wih Dr. Raanan Gissin on the L'Chaim Show. The show will soon move to Sunday evening- watch for details.

2011-12-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

The 90 Million Dollar Internet
Most of us think of the internet as a wonderful tool. You can get information, send e-mails, go shopping, and a wealth of other daily chores. To be sure, the world-wide-web has changed our lives in many ways. We all know that with all the blessings come the “dark side” of the web- all the bad things that can happen on line. It is a mixed blessing but the flow of digital information has become a permanent part of our lives. While much of the future is unknown, one thing is for sure- the internet will be an even greater part of the lives of our children and grandchildren.
There is an important public debate that is taking place that may affect all of us eventually. Even if you are a casual or novice user of the internet, two bills before Congress are worthy of your attention. One is called the “Stop Online Piracy Act,” the other is called the “Protect IP Act.” Both bills have good reason for consideration. They both basically try to protect the rights of people who produce entertainment, movies, music, and books. The bills will try to prevent the on line piracy of these media- to prevent people from “pirating” them, i.e., creating digital versions that other people can get without paying.
At first glance this seems more than fair- it costs money to make a movie so why should someone be able to download it for free? On the surface these bills do nothing more than try to prevent people from stealing what “belongs” to someone else. Only fair, right? The stakes in this battle are very high. Estimates say that groups on both sides of the issue have spent more than 90 million dollars in lobbying for or against these bills. Why are groups so willing to spend so much money? For the entertainment industry the investment makes sense- spend a little, save a lot! People will have to pay for their music and movies. Why are other groups spending millions to oppose the bill? Are they a bunch of crooks who just want to steal music?
This brings us to the bigger issue- the control or restriction of the internet. The “net” is the most powerful weapon on the face of the earth. From “Occupy Wall Street” to the popular uprisings in the Arab world we have seen the new tool that moves, motivates, and unites people is their ability to communicate instantly. Those who oppose these bills worry that new restrictions will begin to eat away at the freedom of information and communication that we now enjoy. Their thinking is that “the internet does not need police.” While piracy is one of many abuses of the internet, some folks are very skeptical of regulations.
While these seem like small issues to many of us, what we decide now will dictate how we use the internet in the future and, while I don’t justify piracy, I would like to keep the internet a cyber-place without stoplights and parking tickets. Next time you are on line say “hi” to the grandkids for me!

This article appeared in the South Florida Jewish Journaland the Atlanta Jewish Times

2011-11-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

Is Religion a Myth?

Well, the short answer is yes, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Oy! Why would the rabbi write something like that? The word “myth” has been on my mind because it is December already and the group known as “American Atheists” is up to its annual campaign to convince people that all religions are “myths” (although they misuse the word completely.) American Atheists has placed billboards in New Jersey (at the Lincoln Tunnel,) Ohio, and Florida to convince people that the celebration of Christmas is only the perpetuation of a myth (in this case meaning a falsehood.) Here in Ft. Lauderdale we will get to hear a lot about their efforts because the annual American Atheists convention will be held here this month.
When this group says that religion is a myth (they are targeting Christianity but would include any faith system that teaches that God exists) they mean that it is a lie, that any religion is false. They make their position very clear claiming that there is no God and, therefore, society, law, and morality should be based solely on humanistic, secular values. While I would defend their right to believe or disbelieve anything they want, I must reflect on the real meaning of the word “myth” and why the “myth” of religion is important to us all.
I believe that there is a God. There is only one God and all the fighting that we do is all about the various ways in which we choose to worship God. More importantly, I believe that Judaism is the proper way to worship God. That includes respecting people who worship differently or not at all. What of myth? Used properly, a “myth” is a sacred narrative. It tells us where we come from, how and why we got here, and where we should be going. Judaism starts with Abraham, the first individual who posited that God was a solitary unique being. Abraham entered into a special covenant with God and we are here to be a part of that “myth” because we affirm all that Abraham believed.
I am a Jew because I hold the “myth” of Judaism to be the very essence of what I believe to be true. This sacred story tells me that there is something that connects me to the past and the future and that the short little burst of light that represents my life is part of a much greater existence. My belief in God explains where that little light comes from and where it fits into this vast universe.
I actually worry about people like American Atheists. If they want to say that they live without myth they are the ones who are really practicing self-deception (a charge they would level against those who believe.) Their myth is one that they have to create- that man is the measure of all things- the final arbiter of good and evil. That’s a pretty scary proposition to me!
For Jews our “myth” is our sacred history- it is the story of our past and our future. It is the story of why we continue to bring a little more light to this dark world to this very day. Myth is the highest form of truth.

This article first appeared in the South Florida Jewish Journal

2011-11-17T14:54:00.001-08:00

Join me on the Internet for Music and Memories

Below you can read the story I did for South Florida Jewish Home. As you learn a little bit more about Internet Radio and my friend Peter Wein remember that you can join me for the two shows that I do on weinetwork.com.
The 45rpm Show airs Tuesday nights at 8pm, on Sundays at 10am and 5pm. On this show I play records (yea, those round little black things that spin) from the 60’s and 70’s. If you love the music relive in with my record players and me! Music you will not hear anywhere else. From Iron Butterfly to the Monkees I’ve got you covered.
The Bebop Jazz Hour airs Sundays at 12noon and at 7pm. I play the classics of 40’s and 50’s bebop and always try to include music that even most jazz fans have not heard. I play the classics of Jazz and always try to teach you something new about the music.
Remember, if you can’t log on when the show airs you can go to the weinetwork.com homepage and link-up to free i-tunes archives to stream or download. Hope to meet you in cyberspace real soon!

2011-11-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

Internet Radio In South Florida

Tech Tips, by Rabbi Yaakov Thompson

The internet has changed the way we do just about everything. The way we communicate with each other, the way we get our news, the way we pay our bills, and, yes, the way we are entertained; all these activities have been reshaped by our access to the internet. The big shift in radio entertainment began in 1994 with a very modest internet broadcast of a concert. Next the Rolling Stones would open the web to their live music. Before long the idea of an audio stream that would offer the content of a terrestrial radio station gave birth to thousands of “internet radio stations.” After more than 25 years of development there are now thousands of internet stations in every corner of the globe and the really great fact is that you can listen to any one of them no matter where you are. This fact gives the internet radio phenomenon a decided advantage over traditional radio with its limited broadcast area. Combining the best of both worlds is what has become known as satellite radio- picked up by radios but with a world -wide audience- although it remains a pay-as-you-go medium.
Statistics show that more than 30% of Americans now listen to internet radio and that number is constantly growing. With the computer equipment that most of us already own we are able to hear “broadcasts” from anywhere in the world and find “stations” that interest us the most. The big draw is that internet radio can cater to the listener who may not find his or her desired programs on regular commercial radio. Ethnic music, foreign language broadcasts, and stations devoted to those genres of music that have limited commercial impact can all be served by internet radio.
Here in South Florida we have a local internet station at weinetwork.com. Simply log on as you would to any other website and see a selection of programs to interest you. Music, including rock, jazz, oldies, and even theatrical music is available. Weinetwork.com offers a full array of talk shows including political and economic news, green technology, investing, and real estate. There is even a show produced by middle-schoolers to talk about topics that confront them. One of the great features for the internet listener at weinetwork.com is that the radio shows are archived on i-Tunes and can be downloaded for free at any time. This offers the same flexibility as a podcast (more on that next time.)
Peter Wein,61, owner of weinetwork.com began his career in marketing and then discovered that internet radio could combine effective marketing for advertisers as well as the ultimate in local and global entertainment. Wein works out of his Wellington studio providing his regular programming as well as live webcasts to help promote community and charity events. Speaking about the wide range of programs, Wein commented “Weinetwork.com is a station that has something for everyone. Our programming reflects the great range of interests that our audience has and the many ways in which our programming addresses the needs of the listening community. While most of our listeners are in South Florida, we have regular listeners across the globe. That is the mission of weinetwork- while our programs are produced locally, we know that the whole world is our audience.” You can check out all the shows by logging onto weinetwork.com. You will hear the show currently airing and can then go to any of the pages describing other show on the station. Happy listening!

This article appeared in the November 11th issue of South Florida Jewish Home

2011-11-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

What can I do?
Do you ever ask yourself that question? I seem to be finding myself asking that a lot lately. It is usually in the context of “I am just one person, so what can I do?” While there are many issues that might make me stand in front of the mirror asking that question, one seems to be recurring often- what can I do to help protect Israel from the lies and assaults from her enemies? I am too old to serve in the IDF and I am too far away to do anything that seems “tangible.” Yes, I write columns and speak to people but there must be something else! A brand new campaign to help Israel is being kicked off this year. It is tangible and it can help!
“Buy Israel Week” is an event that is meant to help bring awareness that I (and we) can do something to help- to buy Israeli products and ask our retailers to stock them. “Buy Israel Week” is the brainchild of Manhattan marketing executive Frances Zelazny. I had the opportunity to speak to her last week and gained a new understanding of “put your money where your mouth is.” We all know that there is a general assault on all things Israel. We tend to think only of the military or political assaults but there is a concerted effort to boycott Israeli products and bring pressure on retailers not to stock products of any kind from Israel.
Those who support the Palestinians portray Israel as “the aggressor.” They use economic tools such as boycotts and protests in order to hurt Israel’s ability to export products. What can we do? The simple act of buying and using Israeli products allows us to “push back”- to respond that we support Israel. If you use a cell phone, you are using technology developed in Israel. If you get sick and need state of the art treatment, you will probably need a medical protocol that was developed in Israel. So why not enjoy cheese or wine or cosmetics or a thousand other products that are made in Israel?
It may seem trivial- what difference could buying a few groceries make in the face of the great struggles facing Medinat Yisrael? A shopping bag full of Israeli items is a bag full of the Jewish future! Wow, how is that for a bargain! When we ask ourselves “what can I do?” we are admitting defeat. We are admitting that we can’t influence the world around us, but we can. We can all do a little and the accumulative result is enormous. Visit “buyisraelweek.com” and get the full story.
“Buy Israel Week” is going to be an annual event. It is also an effort that we can support every time we buy the things that we need in our homes. It seems so easy and it is. It is one more way that you can support the present and the future of Israel.

This article appeared in the South Florida Jewish Journal and the Atlanta Jewish Times.

Join Me For the L'chaim Show, Comcast 239, Direct TV 366, Tuesdays at 8PM

2011-11-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

L'Chaim.153 12/6/11 - An interview with the editor of Jewish Home Magazine
and a discussion about PJ Library, an organization that sends out Jewish
books to children of all ages for free.

L'Chaim.154 12/13/11 - A look inside the Professional Advisory Council of
the Boca Ration Federation to see how it raises funds for Jewish services,
and we take a trip to CD Heaven inour "Eye on Jewish Business" segment.

L'Chaim.155 12/20/11 - Michael Andron discusses Kodesh.org, an organization
devoted to personal and spiritual growth and mind-body effectiveness
training, and Harry Silverman talks about Synagogue Solutions.

L'Chaim.156 12/17/11 - Senior speed dating where seniors come to meet other
seniors in a very unique enrivronment, and Scott Brockman talks about Hillel.

Watch on these South Florida stations. Remember JLTV airs throughout the US and Canada- to find your local listing go to JLTV.tv. Thanks to all of you who watch and support the show!

2011-11-08T11:35:00.001-08:00

A Chilling Spring

Since my last column many people have talked to me about the release of Gilad Shalit. As we all know, two Jews equals three opinions! It has been amazing to hear just how divided people are. Both here and in Israel people are concerned about the bigger issue of prisoner trades. Will it help or will it only embolden Israel’s enemies? It is certainly too soon to know but I think we can put that issue in a larger context. While Gilad’s return home was occupying much of Jewish news two other very ominous events occurred. Voters in Tunisia gave power to an Islamist party and the newly victorious Libyan interim government announced that it would seek to change Libyan law to a model closer to Sharia law. Increasingly, this is becoming the fruit of the “Arab spring” and I have to tell you that it is leaving me with a real chill!
We have been told over and over that the continuing wave of Arab democracy would bring new hope for the Mid-East. I do not believe that is true. This continuing “democratic” wave is only creating new dangers to Israel and the West. As each new country “falls” and supporters of Sharia rule are able to come to power there is less and less chance for peace. I don’t understand why people are willing to die in the struggle against a tyrant and then chose a new tyrant to take his place. That may sound harsh or perhaps like I haven’t given these new rulers a chance to show what they will do but the facts speak for themselves. Those countries that embrace and propagate Sharia are the countries that are the most radical.
It is this same radicalism that threatens to bring new war to the Middle East and new terror to the West. If you look at recent events in Egypt it is clear that the animus that overthrew the government was almost instantly turned against Israel and America. It is very easy to see this becoming the trend in the new “democratic” Arab world. What of Iran? The longer we choose to do nothing to deter Iran the braver the rest of the Arab world will become. Again, all of this will be fueled by a theology and legal system that seeks to bring Muslim dominance. Much of the stability in the Arab world (for better or worse) was fostered by governments that embraced a secular model of life. These governments forced this stability by abusing their own people and now that accumulated hatred is turned against other enemies. The Arab spring is proving to be a very chilling experience.

2011-10-25T17:15:00.001-07:00

Gilad

Last week we all witnessed a piece of history. After more than five years Gilad Shalit returned home. If you are a parent you can imagine the joy that his parents felt but if you watch the videos you know it was a moment of joy and relief for the entire country. Israel is such a small country that your neighbors really do know you and your family. That feeling of “family” was felt on a national level as Shalit embraced his father on camera. While all of us share in that joy we also know the heavy price that was paid to make it happen. Over one thousand terrorist murderers were freed to ransom Gilad Shalit. That is a simple fact- don’t try to second guess the decision. I have already heard the arm-chair soldiers who feel that the trade was wrong. I don’t know the answer but I do know if it was my son there would be no price too high to gain his freedom. The trade is done so the best thing we can do is to understand what we can learn from it.
The most important lesson is not new but one that is worth repeating. For the Palestinian prisoners the “home-coming” was a chance to make one clear statement: the crowds called for more “Gilads,” a call for more kidnappings to facilitate more prisoner trades, to gain the freedom of more terrorists. While Israel made a trade that cost dearly to save one life the Palestinians negotiated a trade to take more lives. That is the moral difference between the Israelis and the Palestinians. It is a simple question: what do you value more, life or death. The Arab celebrations made it clear what they value and yet these voices of hate and terror fall on the ears of a world that chooses not to hear.
I can only hope that the world was watching TV last week. I hope that if there was ever any doubt about the intention of Hamas and the PA then these events showed the truth. While the Palestinians continue to pressure for statehood and claim that Israel will not negotiate, the truth is that reality is very different than the political rhetoric. For the Palestinians the priority remains the same- to destroy Israel one Jew at a time. More freed prisoners mean more soldiers in that war.
Let us breathe a sigh of relief for the return of Gilad Shalit. Let us hold our collective breath as one thousand terrorists can now return to murdering Israelis. This drama has shown the role that the two stars will play. Israel will continue to choose life and seek peace. The Palestinians will continue to choose murder and terror.

Remember to tune in to The LChaim Show

2011-10-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Join me on Tuesday evenings at 8:00pm or 11:00pm for "To Life: LChaim" on JLTV. The show airs in South Florida on Comcast 239 and Direct TV on 366. For other parts of the country and Canada check the directory at JLTV.tv. Thanks for your support and keep watching!Here is the show list (subject to change) for the rest of the year.

11/1 #147 Holocaust survivor Jaques Wiesel (cousin of Elie Wiesel) talks
about his experiences in The Holocaust and how they led him to become "Mr.
Motivator", and Michael Andron discusses the controversial topic of
circumcision

11/8 #148 Rabbi Sheldon Harr talks about the current state of Judiasm in
the United States and Peter Wein discusses internet radio in our "Eye on
Jewish Business" segment

11/15 #150 Rabbi Michael Gold discusses his temple's open door policy and
talks about marriage and family relations and the future of Judiasm

11/22 #151 In the kosher kitchen cooking a meatless bolonese sauce, Rabbi
Yaakov Thompson discusses his discovery of Judiasm and his journey as a
congregational rabbi

11/29 #152 Jewish and Israeli artists and their artwork, and Michael Andron
from Kodesh.org

12/6 #153 Jewish Home Magazine, PJ Library

12/13 #154 PAC, CD Heaven

12/20 #155 Nancy Lublin from DoSomething.org, Synagogue Solutions with
Harry Silverman

12/27 #156 Senior Speed Dating, Scott Bachman from Hillel

Craig Henne Show 10/11/11

2011-10-11T15:48:00.001-07:00

2011-10-11T15:23:00.001-07:00

The Stolen Lulav

This week as we celebrate Sukkot we come face to face with the rich symbolism of the holiday. The Lulav and Etrog remind us of the Land of Israel and the fall harvest. In ancient Israel Sukkot was a harvest holiday. The Sukkah reminds us of the wandering of our ancestors- seeking temporary shelter on the long trek from Egypt to Israel. The Sukkah also recalls the frailty of human endeavor- no matter how great our achievements; we are also subject to forces greater than ourselves. Inviting honored ancestors into the Sukkah, Ushpizin, gives voice to the connections that we have to the great luminaries of our faith. Sukkot is probably the one holiday that is richest in symbols and spiritual metaphors. It is, therefore, very puzzling when we study what our sages wrote in the Mishnah, the first code of Jewish law, about Sukkot.
Yes, there is the mention of the prayers to be recited and the timing of the Holiday and the rituals to be observed, but then the rabbis take an unexpected turn. They begin to discuss the status of a stolen Lulav! What! A Jew would steal a Lulav? Well, yes, I don’t think the Rabbis are discussing a wanton act of robbery but, rather, an accident that might happen. Picture this: a pious Jew is walking among beautiful palm trees and spies just the perfect branch. He feels the tree is in the middle of nowhere and cuts off this beautiful Lulav to celebrate the holiday. Little did he know that he was walking through someone else’s property and the tree has an owner. He now has a “stolen” Lulav even though that was not his intention. Wow, you say! Those Rabbis sure thought up crazy situations! I remind you that in an agricultural society this situation is not crazy at all! Well, even if that’s true, what’s the point?
The Rabbis were not just making a crazy scenario for the fun of it. They were teaching an important lesson that we should ponder. It is a very good thing to want to do a Mitzvah. It is a very good thing to achieve a lofty goal. Nonetheless, one should never try to achieve such a goal in the wrong way. The Rabbis wanted every Jew to have a beautiful Lulav and Etrog to mark Sukkot but not at the price of “stealing” it. The case of the “stolen” Lulav is a simple but profound statement- even when it comes to serving God the ends never justify the means. Even the best intention must be achieved with the best of means. If you lose sight of that your achievement is not noble, it is not a Mitzvah.
This is an important message for us right now- our country, our entire world, calls us to action. So many things to fix, so many things to make right, so many competing visions of the future! I would ask you to always remember the lesson of the stolen Lulav. The end result never justifies the means that are unjust or wrong. We are judged not only by what we achieve but also by the means we use to get there.

2011-10-04T11:01:00.001-07:00

Who is to Blame?

A recent book caught my attention as I began to prepare for Yom Kippur. Office of Blame Accountability is a book that is the result of one giant road trip. The authors traveled the country asking people one simple but telling question: who do you blame for your problems? Some of the answers are funny, some shocking, and some simply so outrageous it’s hard to believe someone could really think their problems are caused by others. The book does illustrate one truth about people- almost everyone wants to blame someone else for their woes.
The concept of the book caught my attention as I reflected on the themes of the High Holiday season. Repentance, self-correction, forgiveness (and the ability to forgive,) are all common themes as we fast and pray that God give us another chance to get it right. The Hebrew word Teshuvah contains elements of all these words and more. Teshuvah, repentance, is a process- recognizing what you have done wrong and then creating an “action plan,” a self-imposed path to better living. This new plan is the whole purpose of the Penitential Season. We examine the ways in which we went wrong- how did we stray from our best intentions? How did we fall short of our greatest potentials? With God’s forgiveness and a new year of life ahead we still have a chance to make up for lost time. This mini-lesson in Jewish theology makes good sense- it is the core value of return and repentance. But wait- one little snag in the grand design.
Office of Blame Accountability documents one fact that makes Teshuvah very hard for most of us. When we finally get around to some Yom Kippur style self-scrutiny we cop out for the easiest excuse- “It’s not my fault, someone else is to blame.” Yes, we love those words! I did not create my problems, I did not make a mess of my life, I am not to blame for what I have done. Someone else is really to blame- not me. We fall into the trap on Yom Kippur- it is easier to pass the buck or point the finger. But if we choose that option we will never achieve Teshuvah, after all, why try to atone for something that is not your fault? If you truly expect to make things better in the year ahead don’t point the finger of blame unless you are standing in front of a mirror!
Blaming others… it is not just a religious pitfall. It is destroying our society by creating and nurturing a culture of victims- no matter what a person does, well you just have to understand, someone else is to really blame for his actions, he is just a victim. This attitude eats away at one of the noblest parts of humanity- personal responsibility.
In the year ahead we will face moments when someone else is to blame- we all have bosses, friends, and family. Sometimes they make decisions that affect what we do, that force us into situations in which we have to choose “the lesser of two evils.” The trick is to never tell yourself that they are to blame for all your choices. Our mistakes are our own- we have to accept the blame but we don’t have to live with the mistakes forever. We just need to acknowledge the things that really are our fault because those are things that we really control. That is real Teshuvah

2011-09-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

New York 9

In the few short weeks since the special election in New York’s 9th District we have heard every possible opinion and explanation. The race to fill Anthony Weiner’s vacant seat has been the subject of much debate. Was it voter anger focused on the President? Was it the voter disgust aimed at Weiner? Was it a referendum on the economy? Was it the Jewish vote that expressed anger over Obama’s failings on Israel-related policy decisions? Was it the influence of Ed Koch crossing party lines in protest of those decisions? Like so many, I believe it was all of the above and that is the biggest lesson. Democrats are hiding their heads in the sand if they do not hear the wake up call. It is the beginning of the “perfect storm” in which an entire litany of mistakes and wrong assumptions will soon avalanche into a snowball that could carry the 2012 elections in a new direction.
Readers of my columns know that I have been critical of the President since before he was elected. I believe my criticisms have been justified and confirmed by the last two and one half years of failure. The economy is worse. People have less faith in a better future. Government has grown bigger and more intrusive. After long expected speeches all we get are re-wrapped packages of ideas that have already been tried and have failed and, for those of us who look at foreign policy, Israel is less secure.
One of the interesting results of being a columnist is that people like to talk to you (or, maybe, at you.) I am surprised how often (and in the most unexpected places) someone will approach me and comment on something I have written. It wasn’t that long ago that I was a pariah- a Jew who didn’t like Obama. All of a sudden things have changed- maybe I wasn’t so crazy after all! So what does the race in New York’s 9th mean?
I believe that the “myth” that Jews must be Democrats is starting to be questioned for the first time. Yes, we had many reasons to vote Democratic in the past. Many of those reasons still make sense. I will confess- when I moved to Florida I registered as a Democrat without any hesitation and with very little thought about the issue- it was just a “given.” However many of us as Americans are discovering that the Democratic Party has changed. It took a while for that message to sink in but it is now coming home to haunt us.
We now have to stop looking at labels and ask, who really represents the things in which we believe? I don’t mean that in a philosophical or religious way- what do we believe about America, what do we believe about the economic well-being of our country, and what do we believe about American values? While I would never suggest that Jews vote as if Israel is the only issue, I would ask you to consider what the current administration has done to de-rail any chance for peace. We may have to wait to really understand what New York ‘s 9th will mean in the bigger picture, but it is time to re-think some of our assumptions.

This column appeared in the South Florida Jewish Journal

2011-09-18T15:50:00.001-07:00

Can you 10Q?

I subscribe to a great website called “My Jewish Learning.com.” Although I have spent many years in Jewish learning I believe that, no matter how much you have studied Judaism and the Jewish people, there is always something new to learn. This website sends a daily message filled with all sorts of off-the-beaten-path Jewish news and information. Like everything I receive in my e-mail, sometimes I read it but sometimes I just delete it feeling that I am way too busy to ever go through all the “junk” my in box can hold on any given day. The other day one of the messages caught my eye because I could not figure out what it meant. It read “10Q: Reflect, React, Renew for Rosh Hashanah.”
Being a congregational rabbi for thirty years I had that old familiar feeling that comes every fall. Hmmm… what should I talk about this year? You would think that after thirty years it would get easier but it doesn’t. I still sit in front of a blank piece of paper (or computer screen) and wonder how I can best use my three magic wishes. Wishes? Well, I wish to give three great sermons that will send everyone out of the synagogue better than they were when they came in. Yes, better in every way- better people, better Jews, better inhabitants of this tiny planet. (Is that too much to ask for?) Once I opened the “10Q” e-mail I knew it could help all of us fulfill our wishes.
“10Q” is short for 10 Questions. I quote from the e-mail: “10Q is a national project that asks people to answer a question a day online for 10 days during the High Holidays. It offers a new way for Jews and people of all backgrounds to slow down and reflect. Answers are emailed to a secure online vault just after Yom Kippur; next year, just before Rosh Hashanah starts, answers are sent back to participants and the whole process begins again.”
Take one of the questions, “Is there something that you wish you had done differently this year?” Where would your answer begin? The High Holiday period is meant to be one of spiritual correction- getting back on the right path. What better way than to answer some important questions about your life? With 10Q you can’t just answer them and then forget about it- the magic of technology will make sure that your answers come back to you next year! It is all too easy to forget our goals, to make excuses for our shortcomings, or to just forget the things we really wanted to do.
Next week we start a brand new year. None of us can be sure what it will bring but we can be sure, through introspection, that we know how we plan to shape those events that we can control. Consider joining the 10Q project- make a little personal time capsule – a snapshot of your hopes at this moment. In a year compare what you have done- just the resolve to do it will put you on a better path.

2011-09-13T18:12:00.001-07:00

The Victory of Ignorance

It seems like every time I look at a paper or read news on –line someone else is declaring a boycott of Israeli products or selling off their investments in Israel. It has become so common it doesn’t even draw my attention- just another day in the battle to demonize Israel. You read all the claims, “apartheid state,” “invaders,” “Nazis,” “oppressors.” Sometimes the rhetoric is so predictable and rehearsed I have to laugh! It is, of course, no laughing matter. There is a well orchestrated effort to make Israel out to be some demonic cross between Nazi Germany and Apartheid South Africa (with a little old-fashioned imperialism thrown in for good measure. This kind of hatred starts at the UN and seeps down to the most trivial of organizations. (Hey, think it’s time to throw the UN out of New York?)
We can’t do anything about those who hate Israel because it is a Jewish state- Moslem nations would hate Israel no matter where it was located. That is not going to change. What I refuse to accept is the kind of Israel bashing that is fostered by social causes and college campuses. It has become very chic to champion the cause of the “poor Palestinians” without any knowledge of the real facts. Young people are being fed lies about Israel without any ability to discern between lies and truth. It confounds me that institutions of “higher learning” have no problem allowing their faculties to spread lies and total falsehoods for the sake of their personal politics. That makes these institutions breeding grounds for anti-Israel causes. Worse than this, it makes these institutions breeding grounds for ignorance rather than learning.
It is very easy- take a bunch of young people who have seen little of the world (many of whom probably couldn’t find Israel on a map,) then use your “authority” and “learned opinion” as a professor to present a one-sided set of lies to people who know no better. “Presto” you create a “students against Israel” brigade! The only problem is that this entire construct is based on lies told to and believed by the ignorant.
The final battle in the war against ignorance will be waged on the world stage. As you know there is an up-coming vote in the UN to create a Palestinian state. Such a move has no basis in reality nor does it address any of the realities of the Middle East. It is nothing but a step to destroy Israel and her sovereignty among the nations. It would be a strategic victory for those who hate Israel and bring them one huge step closer to their goal- the destruction of Israel. It is unfortunate that this victory would be urged on by those who are ignorant, ill-informed, and totally deceived about Israel. We all know that the world (and our children and grandchildren) are being lied to- we must not allow ignorance and hatred to achieve their final victory.

2011-09-06T10:43:00.001-07:00

Lost and Found: $78 Million

I believe the true character of an individual or an entire people can best be seen in moments of adversity. Good times made altruism an easy trait but crisis or disaster creates a challenge to all the ideals that a person or group claims to cherish. I think that those who have, albeit grudgingly, praised the Jewish people have done so because of the undeniable fact that we have overcome every situation that history has thrown our way and held on to those principles that we value. It seems only proper that I pay tribute to another nation that has shown a similar moral resilience in the face of destruction.
A blog article told the story—since the massive destruction in Japan- earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear threat, the Japanese has shown just how strong their society is. Try to imagine the desperation- land now under water, thousands dead, more missing, homes and businesses gone forever. One could imagine this would be the stage for total chaos and an “every man for himself” fight to survive. Instead the Japanese have shown just how strong their values are. Since the destruction and its aftermath people have found all kinds of personal belongings that were spread far and wide by the forces of nature. Have people been looting? Have people stolen from each other? Has law and order disappeared? No.
Reports tell us that in the time that has passed people have found money, valuables, and even safes that were scattered in the debris and, much to their honor, Japanese citizens have turned in over 78 million dollars (2.3 billion yen) of money and valuables that have been found. This almost defies human nature- people who have lost everything still have the honesty and respect for their neighbors to surrender what is not theirs. That fact alone should tell you that there is something that Japanese society and culture is doing right and the rest of the world could certainly use their secret.
The recent riots in England proved the point—the riots were not “protests”- they served as an opportunity to loot, steal, and destroy. The mob knows it was safe to commit crimes when the police were overwhelmed. In our own country we have witnessed a new way to steal, hurt, and kill – the flash mob. The premise is easy- create a moment when the police can’t respond and you can get away with anything. Unfortunately I fear that the flash mob is the true indicator of American society. We have somehow gone very wrong and now we pay the price.
In Japan people will return 78 million dollars that they could keep without anyone knowing. In this country there are people who would attack you for 78 cents and then video tape it! This might be just the right time to think about healing our own society- that would be worth more than anything.

2011-08-17T07:22:00.001-07:00

End of the Story… For Now
For several weeks those of us who write for the Jewish Journal have been keeping you up to date on the San Francisco proposal that would outlaw circumcision for children. In my writing I have tried to strike a balance between the Jewish issues and the “personal rights” issues. As a Jew I oppose such a law because it infringes on my rights to practice my faith. As an American I oppose such a law because it is an attack on personal freedom and rights. I refuse to support any legislation that dictates issues in my personal life that are of no concern to the government. I believe many of you feel as I do. The reaction to my articles and other pieces that have appeared in these pages show that laws such as this one are nothing more than the strategies of small groups to impose their will and their values on society.
Since this topic is no longer making “front page” let me give you an update: A court recently struck down the ballot issue. The judge said that the right to regulate “medical procedures” belongs to the state, not to the city. On this basis the issue was removed from the fall ballot. This is a victory for both the Jewish and Moslem communities (not to mention a victory for parents who still believe that they, and not the government, should decide what is right for their children. Although this issue has been settled, it is only a temporary solution. The anti-circumcision folks will continue with their meaningless crusade and continue to influence public policy. I would ask you to realize that this is a long term confrontation- it goes to the core of what we believe about freedom, personal rights, and the role of government. This may be a pause but it is not the end of the story.
We live in a time when “freedom” is coming to mean that no one is free- everyone must be the same and it is wrong to dare to show that you have a belief in anything. When reading of the recent decision striking down the circumcision ban I was reminded of how very delicate our freedoms are. Closer to home, I read a story lately that reported that the ACLU has warned a local town not to display Christmas or Hannukah decorations—they might offend someone! It distresses me that we live in a society in which any (or all) religious symbols are a breach of public policy.
I remind you that we, the Jewish people, have survived only because we have refused to abandon our beliefs- what a shame if we have come to a juncture in our history in which our beliefs are subject to the “bullying” of special interest groups. At least circumcision is safe for now, but what’s next?

2011-08-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Out of the Ashes
Next week we will observe the 9th day of Av. It is a fast day beginning the night of August 8th and continuing until sundown of the 9th. The 9th of Av (in Hebrew Tisha b’Av) was instituted to mark the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE and the Second Temple in 70 CE. Historians tell us that this day also marked many episodes that brought suffering to our people. The rabbis considered it to be the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. This description is very appropriate- by all rules of history the 9th of Av should have been the yahrzeit of the Jewish nation. With the Temple gone as the focus of worship our people could have disappeared. Over night the basis of Israelite religion, the Temple sacrifice, was destroyed. It could have been the end of our history but it was not. Instead, it was the beginning of a new, transformational rethinking of Biblical ideas that would result in Judaism as we practice it to this very day.
This achievement, the transformation of Biblical ideas and values, insured the continued existence of the Jewish people and religion. Given this fact, I find a totally new message for this national day of mourning. We fast to remember what was lost- to the respective generations of the first and second Temples it was as if their spiritual world had ended. We might think of it as if we woke up tomorrow and found that every synagogue and Jewish institution had been destroyed. How would we begin to rebuild?
This was the challenge facing the rabbis of the Second Temple period. We are proof that their “reformulation” worked. I therefore find this new message in an ancient day: Tisha b’Av is a bitter but important reminder about Jewish survival. In an ironic sense this day that marks so much destruction also marks rebirth and renewal. While Tisha b’Av asks us to mourn the past, it also begs the question of future survival. Today social scientists tell us that Judaism and the Jewish people are disappearing. Apathy, intermarriage, and below-zero birthrates are forces that are all too quickly thinning the numbers of American Jewry (and much of world Jewry as well.) These voices say that statistics show the inevitable disappearance of the Jewish community as we know it. That is a frightening reality. We have not lived through four millennia of struggle to, at last, destroy ourselves!
The greatest honor we can give to Tisha b’Av is to take its message seriously. Our reaction to calamity is never desperation but renewal. I believe that even in this age when so many forces are aligned to end our history there are great opportunities to create a Judaism that is stronger than ever. The world needs our message more than ever, our ideas, values, and ideas are still able to make this a better world.
Our sages were right- the future can emerge out of the ashes of the past. Tisha b’Av may be the saddest day in the Jewish calendar but it is the perfect day to contemplate the miracles of the Jewish future.

First Printed in South Florida Jewish Journal and Atlanta Jewish Times

2011-07-28T19:09:00.001-07:00

A Gentle Reminder

For those of us involved in the synagogue world the summer will soon be over. Yes, it is still only July but in Jewish time that means that it will soon be time to begin preparation for the High Holidays. Although Rosh HaShannah comes “late this year,” there is a lot to be done in every congregation to insure that the holidays are welcoming and meaningful for our community. No matter where you will be for the holidays, our congregations and institutions will begin the new year confronting the most challenging environment that we have ever faced. Here in South Florida affiliation rates are among the lowest anywhere. The economy has made those bad numbers even worse. Every congregation has been struggling to do more with less resources and the coming year will not be any better. We are the third largest Jewish population center in America but our institutions will continue to suffer from the economic downturn. That is a reality but all the news is not bad. If you look around you will see that we continue to be a community that offers Jewish experiences, involvement, and education to all ages. Given the difficulty of the task, I would say we are doing a pretty good job!
To my fellow Jewish professionals and those who volunteer their time as members of boards, congregation officers, and community leaders I would like to remind you of some simple facts that we sometimes forget. In the day to day struggle for covering “the bottom-line” we sometimes forget how lucky we are to be engaged in the struggle! I can think of no worthier cause than to strive to serve the Jewish community.
Sometimes we also forget that institutional territorialism can be a very bad thing- yes we all want members, we all want volunteers, we all compete to flourish in a community where there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians, but the basic truth is that we are all on the same side! Despite our various visions for the future of the Jewish people, we are all working for the same goals. That is basic but sometimes we need to remind ourselves.
In the year ahead let’s try to remember these basic truths. We need each other. We need to co-operate with each other. We need to share the resources that we have to educate and serve this wonderful Jewish community. The time has passed to be worried about defending our respective “turf.” In these challenging times we need less competition and more co-operation. We need to feel the bonds of community more than ever on both the personal level and the institutional level.
As I look around at the South Florida Jewish community I see great people creating a great Jewish future. Yes, it may be harder than it used to be, but it is more important than ever. My hope is that this year Rosh HaShannah will bring all of us closer than ever. We can still achieve great things for our community but we can only do it working together.

2011-07-08T12:56:00.001-07:00

Betrayed Again

Delta Air has made it clear- although Delta is an American company it believes in making money more than it believes in freedom and the values for which America stands. You may have already heard the story- maybe not. Delta has reached an agreement to include Saudi Arabian Airlines in its “Skyteam.” As of this moment Delta will uphold the Saudi policy that forbids Jews and Israelis from flying to Saudi Arabia. As for Christians, if they bring any religious items to the country (like a Bible, a rosary, or any non-Islamic item) they will be confiscated.
Delta has defended itself by saying that, as a common carrier, it has to respect the laws of the countries it serves. Plainly, the sharia law of Saudia Arabia is more important to the Delta bottom-line than the freedoms of American citizens. This move by Delta will not really affect us- what Jew would want to go to Saudia Arabia- but it does affect those who might have to go there on business. It will certainly effect Christian travelers who will also have their rights and freedom stolen by the tyranny of sharia.
The entire discussion may seem unimportant to you but think about it- an American company has, for the sake of business, turned its back on everything for which our country stands. Would Delta go out of business if they did not fly to Saudia Arabia? What has happened to the idea of an American company running by American values? Is this the future? Will our freedoms continue to shrink to accommodate a world of intolerance and hate?
Would this not be a perfect opportunity for Delta to make a statement? Would it be so hard to reject a partnership with a society that oppresses its own people and all non-Muslims? If such voices will not be heard from this country and its business community than where will such a voice be heard?
Delta has affirmed that Jews and Israelis are subject to laws that do not affect others. Sound familiar? Delta has affirmed that all non-Muslims and all women are second class human beings in the rule of sharia. Is this an association that an American company should have? This is a time to affirm that American companies stand for the values that have allowed them to exist!
I urge you to contact Delta (404-773-0305)- let them know what you think. Don’t be betrayed in silence.

2011-06-21T19:35:00.001-07:00

A Case of Very Poor Judgment
In my last article I brought the anti-circumcision referendum to your attention. Yes, San Francisco has a proposal to make circumcision (on anyone under 18) a crime. I hope you have been following this issue- it is important to us as Jews, in effect making it impossible to practice Brit Millah within the city limits. It is also important to us as Americans- there is great danger is letting a small group of activists turn their agenda into law. I am happy to report that there are two members of Congress, one a Jew and one a Moslem, who are seeking a national law to protect parents’ rights. Such a national ruling would defuse the San Francisco law.
This debate should give us pause about protecting our rights to practice religion- this law is frontal attack on both Judaism and Islam. There is a new issue that gives me even greater reason for concern: the group sponsoring the anti-circumcision legislation (nocirc.org) is promoting their cause through a series of comic books. The hero is “foreskin man” and his “evil” enemy is “monster mohel.” I have seen several excerpts on line- the whole undertaking is very juvenile (no pun intended) but making matters worse is the depiction of “monster mohel.” The black- hated tallis- wearing mohel looks like a demon about to set upon babies to destroy them. “Monster mohel” is an ugly depiction that looks like something out of a piece of Nazi propaganda or an edition of The Elders of Zion. I don’t think any Jew could look at this and not be offended. (If you want to see for yourself, Google “monster mohel.”
The authors of the comic books have stated that they have no anti-Semitic intention in their work but if you look at the pictures a very different impression is revealed. The hero, Foreskin Man, is a blond muscular figure- his enemy is a dark evil looking character who carries a scalpel. (Yes, as I write this I too am stuck by the stupidity of the whole thing- I find it insulting that I even have to be writing about a guy named “Foreskin Man!”)
The legal issues about this city law are important- it is about personal liberty, it is about “big brother” telling you what to do; it is about being able to observe Judaism. These ridiculous comic books now cast Judaism in the role of “the evil mohel” and the pictures in the comic book are classic caricatures of an observant Jew. While the authors can claim that the books are not anti-Semitic all they want the fact remains that they are offensive and show the worst case of judgment I can imagine. To us the mohel is no “monster,” to us he represents the continuity of Jewish life. To those folks in San Francisco I would say “the world is full of real problems- go find another cause!”

Upcoming LChaim Segments, JLTV, Tuesdays at 8pm and 11pm-- Updates

2011-06-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Here are the updates for the coming weeks- be sure to tune in each week on JLTV Comcast 239 in South Florida.

Here is the revised schedule for upcoming June To "Life, L'Chaim" episodes:

6/7/11 - Uri Man discusses his experience on March Of The Living, Rabbi
Yaakov Thompson talks with Eric Stillman of the Jewish Federation of
Broward County and Robert Salomon of USY

6/14/11 - Israeli Deputy Consul Paul Herschenson talks about US/Israel
relations, Sun-Sentinel religion reporter Jim Davis

6/21/11 - Interviews about The Touch A Heart Foundation and two students
who participated in an Israel/US student exchange program

6/28/11 - Coverage of the Yom Ha'Shoah ceremony at Sunrise Jewish Center

Listen to the Audio from the Craig Henne Show

2011-06-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

2011-05-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ban On Circumcision?

You might have heard about this one but thought someone was kidding- this fall San Francisco will have a bill on the ballot that outlaws circumcision for any male under 18. It is called the MGM Bill (male genital mutilation.) It outlaws circumcision and makes it an offence punishable with a $1000 fine and a year in jail. (Bad news if you are a mohel!) This bill seems to ignore the fact that over 1.2 million circumcisions are done each year. It also ignores the many studies that prove that circumcision is a sound medical policy. Before I turn to the religious implications I remind you that it is a parent’s business if they wish a baby to be circumcised or not.

To me it is one of those laughable causes that make me wonder what people do with their time and energy. With all the problems in the world couldn’t these want-to-be- do-gooders find a more meaningful cause? It is almost a case of when you “think you’ve seen it all” something comes along that “takes the cake.” Spiritually I worry about issues like these- it shows that people do need a cause, a belief, a reason to get up in the morning and think their actions really matter. I would not be the first person to question if “activism,”- the pursuit of causes and “isms” to believe in- has replaced the empty value systems of our country. There is far too little that people “believe in” any more, and in the place of meaningful values comes a flood of “causes” that sit on the edge of silly or worse!

This proposed ban on circumcision is such a case. Even if I was not a Jew I would feel that it is no one’s business if I decide to have my son circumcised. What’s next, a ban on bottle feeding? Maybe breast feeding needs to be stopped! I have to hope that there are still enough reasonable people in San Francisco to defeat this bill but I can’t help but wonder “what’s next?”

Lastly, let me change seats and put my “rabbi” cap on! It is obvious that, as Jews, we must speak out against any action that would, in effect, deny us the right to observe Judaism. Circumcision or, for us, Brit Milah, is the oldest observance in the history of our faith. It represents the covenant given to Abraham and the promise made to the Jewish people. That is the issue that causes my greatest concern. Is this wacky proposal a veiled attack on religion in general? Remember, circumcision is central to Islam also. Is preventing circumcision one more way to chip away at the right to observe any religion? It might sound like a broad indictment but I remind you that many people do believe that America should be a completely secular society. It is that group that would revel in a ban on circumcision.

2011-05-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

I Was So Wrong

Last week I wrote a piece asking you to watch political events in Europe. I warned that the EU’s support of Palestinian statehood was a threat to the safety and existence of Israel. Well, I was so wrong—forget Europe. The most dangerous threat to Israel is in this country and he lives in the White House. Today, as I write, the news just broke- President Obama has called for Israel to return to the 1967 borders for the sake of “making peace in the mid-east.” If there was ever any doubt in your mind I hope you now have heard the message loud and clear—Barak Obama is no friend to Israel or the Jewish people of America.

Many Jewish voters have held on to the illusion of the Obama smoke-and-mirrors doubletalk. I can only hope that our community now admits the truth. America has no coherent foreign policy and certainly no logical policy regarding peace between Israel and the Arab world. Once again, Obama has sold out the safety of the Jewish State for the sake of his false beliefs that he can become the “savior” of the Arab world.

If we try to follow the twisted logic of the current administration this call for Israel’s retreat is in answer to the “Arab spring,” the false belief that the unrest in the Arab world will result in the establishment of moderate democracies. The problem is that there is no evidence to assure us that this will happen. The opposite is true- the rumblings from the Moslem Brotherhood shows that even the peace accord with Egypt may be discarded by a new Egyptian government. Syria is in crisis, Lebanon is increasingly under the thumb of Iran, and the nuclear threat to Israel remains. How can any of these developments be a basis for Israel to make itself more vulnerable than ever? It seems our president has much more faith in the future of the Arab world than most of us do. Well, maybe not faith, just wishful thinking.

Look at a map made before 1967. Try to remember what Israel looked like then. Now, imagine trying to protect that much-reduced little piece of land. Can it be any surprise that Israel has already rejected the Obama dictate? Why is our president so arrogant? How could he have the nerve to make such an outrageous statement the day before he was to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu? If I were the Prime Minister I would take great pleasure in not showing up for that meeting. Yes, if I sound bitter I am. If you voted for Obama I can only hope you come to your senses soon. In the meantime, enjoy the view from under the bus!

2011-05-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

2011-05-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

Eyes On Europe

With the Arab world in turmoil it is hard to keep up with the news. There are so many developments and such violence in countries that most of us could not find on a map. Yes, we may not be sure where those places are but we know that events there are important. At the same time we wonder about Libya, then we hear more and more about Bin Laden’s death. So many events to monitor!

In my last article I asked for your attention concerning the up-coming move in the UN- to “vote” a Palestinian state into existence as a step toward bring peace to the region. I warned you to watch this unfold- it is nothing but a back door attack on Israel’s very existence. Recent events seem to confirm my fears. In a recent interview Gerard Araud, the French ambassador to the UN said, “The recognition of a Palestinian state is an option that we are thinking about with our European partners.” This is no surprise coming from France. It troubles me more because the ambassador seems to indicate that he is speaking on behalf of the European Union. There is one exception to the wholesale European sellout— Angela Merkel has made it clear that Germany is against the recognition of a Palestinian state. In a statement to the newspapers she said that she intends to encourage Mahmoud Abbas not to seek such recognition.

I am happy that Israel has at least one ally in Europe but I am also struck by the irony! Germany has long been a good trade partner with Israel. If you have visited Israel you may have noticed how many German products are available there and you know how young Germans love to visit Israel. Yes, maybe it is the way that Germans cope with their guilt, but relations with Germany have been good for Israel.

I bring this to your attention because it is a time in which Germany’s support for Israel is stronger than ever but it is also the time in which Neo-Nazis are gaining more political influence than ever before. The last few weeks I have been watching the news coming out of a small village, Jamel Germany. It has become the hometown of the neo-Nazi movement complete with bonfires attended by hundreds who proclaim their allegiance to Hitler. On the way into town you pass road signs telling the direction to other cities including Braunan am Inn, Hitler’s birth place. While the National Democratic Party (the political arm of the neo-Nazis) preaches hatred for all foreigners, their hatred for Jews is not disguised in any way.

I bring you this story just to remind you that the nations of Europe have many problems- both social and economic- many of them are more than willing to advocate for a Palestinian state out of self-interest. I appreciate that the vast majority of German citizens are remaining to true to the lessons of history. Keep your eyes on Europe.

Upcoming LChaim Segments, JLTV, Tuesdays at 8pm and 11pm

2011-05-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

5/24/11 - Rose Smith, newly installed president of NEXT GENERATIONS, an organization of children and grandchildren of Holocaust Survivors, and we present another video produced by NEXT GENERATIONS.

5/31/11 - An interview with Uri Man, a participant in March of The Living, and Rabbi Yaakov Thompson interviews Eric Stillman, president of the Broward County Jewish Federation and Robert Salamon of United Synagogue Youth.

6/7/11 - An interview with Paul Hirschenson, the Deputy Consul General of Israel, a story about the Touch A Heart Foundation, and Rabbi Yaakov Thompson interviews Jim Davis, Religion Editor for The Sun Sentinel

6/14/11 - We visit the David Posnack Jewish Community Center and watch some shayna punims in their annual pre-school fashion show, Rabbi Yaakov Thompson interviews two students who participated in the Nativ education program and spent 5 months in Israel.

6/21/11 - Show features coverage of the Yom Ha'Shoah ceremony that took place at our own Rabbi Yaakov Thompson's shul, Sunrise Jewish Center in Florida.

6/28/11 - We talk education with Baila Gansburg, director of the South Florida Jewish Academy, Linda Medvin, from the Florida task force on Holocaust education, and first up is Eileen Shapiro, a Holocaust Studies program planner.

Please join us each week for the LChaim Show, 239 on Comcast in South Florida. For the complete channel listing for your area visit JLTV.TV.. Visit us at Facebook.com/ToLife,Lchaim

The LChaim Show, April 12,2011

2011-05-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

2011-05-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Tied to the Land

In this period between Passover and Shavuot we count forty nine days that join the two holidays together. The freedom of Passover finds its final purpose in the Giving of the Torah which we celebrate at Shavuot. This period of time is referred to as “the Omer.” In ancient times an “omer” was a dry measure of wheat which was brought to the Temple as a special agricultural sacrifice in thanks of the new spring crops. Today we keep the memory of that sacrifice alive by counting each day during the period and marking the progression toward Shavuot. This ancient sacrifice seems very far removed from our lives but, in truth, it can serve as a reminder of a very important lesson—the future of Jews everywhere is still bound up with the future of the State of Israel.

During this time of the Omer we are reminded just how important the Jewish homeland is to our people- after two thousand years the land of Israel still brought new strength and pride to Jews around the world. It is unfortunate that at this time when we celebrate our connection to the land we also have to keep a close eye on those who would destroy Israel. Need I say it? Yes, the UN is up to its usual bag of tricks and lies. The threat is a resolution that has been slated for September- the resolution would be a declaration of Statehood for Palestine which would, in effect, create a two-state partition without the involvement or agreement of Israel. Needless to say, this is no solution but rather an attempt by the UN to force, de facto, a Palestinian state into existence.

Such a resolution will do nothing to bring peace or safety to Israel, it is a lose/lose situation that will force a war with the Arab world. If you will allow me a loose analogy- this would be like the UN voting that the United States give California back to Mexico. It does nothing to respect national sovereignty or to set the stage for a peaceful outcome.

During this period of the Omer we are reminded that the fate of the Jewish people has always been tied to the fate of the Jewish homeland. That homeland was denied us for over two thousand years- we can’t let it been stolen again.

Fulfill the mitzvah of counting the Omer—let no day pass without a prayer for Medinat Yisrael and Am Yisrael.

Yom HaShoah Service

2011-04-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Please Join me at Sunrise Jewish Center on May 1st at 2:00pm.
(Reprinted From South Florida Jewish Journal)

The 45RPMSHOW

2011-04-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,Here is a short video promo for my internet radio show, "the45rpmshow." Log into "weinetwork.com" Tuesday at 8pm or Sunday at 10am.

L'Chaim Show For April 26, 2011

2011-04-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Join me for The LChaim Show, Comcast 239, at 8pm on the 26th. Please note- you can now watch on line by logging on to JLTV.tv and clicking the "watch live" player in the top right corner. Also remember that the show re-airs at 11pm. On this show I will be interviewing Eric Stillman of Federation and Robert Salamon, USY regional chairman. We will discuss the future of Jewish institutions as the economic downturn dictates that we all do more with less!

Passover Lessons

2011-04-12T20:17:00.001-07:00

The Taste of Freedom

Forget Broadway. Judaism has produced the longest running play in history. It only runs for two nights a year but tickets have been selling for over three thousand years; did I mention still with the original cast? The play I am talking about is the Passover Seder. It is a “play” in many ways – as we sit around the table we read the script and employ all the props that tradition has given us. Wine, matzah, bitter herbs, and a royal meal are part of this grand historical re-creation of Yetziat Mitzraim, the Exodus from Egypt.

Besides being good theatre with a lot of audience participation, the Seder touches our most intimate sense. We declare the Matzah to be the bread of slavery and, as we eat it, we actually taste slavery. We taste the plain baked bread of a people about to escape and, most importantly we taste the anticipation of freedom. I really think it is time that Judaism won an Oscar- we have created a work of art that has stood the test of time and inspired countless other peoples to take our story, the story of slavery and freedom, and make it their own. Century after century nations have recast their own struggles using the language of our ancestors. How many times in the course of human history has the phrase “let my people go” been the cry of those wanting nothing more than the chance to live in freedom.

As we draw nearer to Passover, I would ask you to reflect on a different question: what does freedom taste like? The Jewish people were given freedom as a gift centuries ago but how can we ignore the fact that there are still entire populations that serve modern pharaohs and risk life itself for the chance to live in freedom.

The current state of rebellion in the Arab world is an example to remind us that freedom can come at a very high price. As we watch the people of several countries fill the streets in protest we can’t help but think of our own experience- we know what it is like to be ruled by an individual who seeks not the welfare of his people but their virtual enslavement for his own profit.

We do well to think about the taste of freedom- for much of the population of the Middle East freedom would taste like having enough to eat. Freedom would taste like the meal purchased by one’s own wages. Freedom would taste like a fine stew made of democracy and security. I only wonder if such a meal will ever be served.

I realize the implicit irony of talking about freedom in the Arab world- it is a world that wants to wipe the Jewish people off the pages of history. It is hard to wish freedom for those who profess hatred for you but perhaps that freedom would be a first step in destroying some of that hatred. Ironically perhaps that wish is our greatest expression of our freedom. I have to imagine that a world in which freedom is a universal possession is a better world than the one we live in now. Only time will tell but, as we sit around the Seder table, let’s give some thought to that possibility.

More Is Less!!

2011-04-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

While you are busy reading take a break for a song- here is a video that Evan Gonshak and I recorded at the WLRN studio in Miami.

2011-04-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

Saying Kaddish For Religion?

I came across a news piece that immediately caught my attention- the headline read “Religion to die out in 9 Countries.” When I saw that title I just had to look at the story and see how religion was about to “die out.” The story was based on some research done in England that showed that, based on mathematical models, if the current trend continues there will no members of the population who label themselves as members of a religion. The countries surveyed were Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. The research shows that in these countries fewer and fewer people consider themselves as members of any religion. The survey claimed that, from a functional point of view, religion will die out in these countries because belonging to a religion does not have the appeal of alternative ways to identify one’s self. That seems like a statistical way of saying that people won’t affiliate with a religion if it doesn’t serve any social purpose.

While I understand the logic of this gloomy declaration, I think the researchers failed to consider at least one important factor: people affiliate and identify themselves as “religious” or as “members of a religion” because they believe in it. While it may be hip and cool to go to the “right” church or synagogue, that is not the only reason to affiliate. Religion is about the core beliefs that an individual has- it is not about what being a member of this place or that place can do for you. (Yes, I know, for some folks it is!)

I believe that people who have faith do not ask if they are popular. They do not ask if they are doing the “in” thing. They ask if they are doing the right thing. The implications of this study do raise some interesting questions for the Jewish community. We know that fewer and fewer Jews belong to a synagogue. Fewer Jews participate in Jewish communal life. Despite this, however, many aspects of Jewish identity are stronger than ever. It is hard to explain that but I think it is a clear indication that our identity is bound up with the fate of Judaism as a religion. While Jews may prefer to call themselves by other labels such as “secular” or “Zionist” or “cultural” or the many other variations of modern Jewish identity, it remains clear that the “ground zero” of our people is still a religious identity.

I am not yet ready to say Kaddish for religion. I can’t speak for other religions but I can speak for the Jewish people- our religion makes us who we are. We can protest it, we can reject it, we can even deny it but, at the heart of our people is a core belief and faith system that defines and shapes us.

2011-03-23T08:59:00.001-07:00

One Less Word In The Dictionary

Do you ever read those reports about new words that are added to the dictionary? They are usually buzz words that start off as slang or as a word used with a new technology. Now you can “google” something. Now you can “skype” a friend. Such words come into our vocabulary to describe something new- hey “Xerox” a copy for me or send me a “fax.” I think that is the natural evolution of language – sometimes for the worse as slang words become part of proper English. As Jews we create new words all the time- we call Yinglish! Lately, however I have been reflecting on the other side of that process. Words disappear from our speech because they don’t refer to anything that we use any more. After all, when was the last time you used the word “telegram?” The word moves so fast that words (and the concepts behind them) quickly become part of the vocabulary of the past. I want to suggest one more word that we can, in many ways, relegate to the past. That word is “local.”

Remember when the news was local? Remember when an event was local? Yes, I admit it some things still are. When Mrs. Smith’s cat is rescued from a tree it is of local interest only – meaning it is newsworthy in only one location. Most of our news lately is just the opposite- we are forced to see a bigger picture, that events that did not happen in our “local” still impact us.

Last week’s terrible tragedies in Japan seem like a world away but we saw that it took only a few hours for the woes of Japan to impact our country. As I write I listen to the continued speculation of what a nuclear catastrophe in Japan would mean for the entire world. Commentators are also noting the economic crisis hitting Japan will impact the world economy. As a side note- if you have been to the gas pump lately you have been reminded that what happens on one side of the globe dictates what happens a world away!

This new reality we live in called the twenty first century is a new world. It is a world that is inter-connected by more than just the internet. It is a world in which the fate of one country is bound up with the fate of another. I don’t think there is anyone who could not be shocked by the video coming out of Japan. The level of human suffering is beyond our worst nightmare and we feel as helpless as those who lived through it. We also realize that, in ways we never understood before, our lives are bound to the people of Japan and, in fact, people across the globe.

Yes, it is a small world after all. Ironically it is so small that there is very little left that can be described as local.

Politics and Hunger

2011-02-22T19:29:00.001-08:00

There is no denying it—it is a political world. In one way or another politics plays a role in the way the world turns- for better or worse. Perhaps a reason for that is the power and strength of political ideologies. After all, how could terrorism exist if people were not ready to act on their ideology? How would the great revolutions and reforms have occurred if people did not value their ideologies more than their own lives? Much of human history can be measured in terms of the strengths and weaknesses of competing political ideologies. All the “isms,” all the passionate causes, all the fanatic behavior this world has witnessed have had some kind of underlying “political” motivation. Yes, even religion, has its own version of politics.

With that statement in mind, let me address the unrest sweeping through the Arab world. Many commentators have spent much time and much ink analyzing these events. We have watched country after country has its own “day of rage.” We have held our breath through it all waiting to see what these “revolutions” will create. That is well and good, these vents are important and we should be watching them. I find one fault with most reporting. Commentators are busy talking about the desire for democracy, the desire for freedom, and the desire for new governments. These “talking-heads” want to convince us the entire Middle East had a mass revelation that democracy is better than tyranny. If that is true I applaud the collective Arab mind. I think, however, there is another explanation that we could offer- one that makes just as much sense and has even more frightening implications.

I believe the basic “ism” behind much of what we see can be called “hungerism”- it is a very strong ideology. You believe in it with all your soul when your stomach is empty. If America has learned any lessons from all the news it should be this- our image of Arab countries is a façade. Close your eyes and you see them- those rich sheiks in their flowing white garments. Those petro-dollars they carry around to buy their private planes, they way they love to rent entire hotels for their vacations. (Or maybe they just buy the hotel.) This image is a lie. The real picture of Arab countries is this- millions of people who live on pennies a day in a society that has more unemployed than employed, a society in which the biggest employer for the lucky few is most likely to be the police or military.

This is the reality behind the revolutionary spirit of democracy. It is the strongest ideology of them all. It must leave us asking one thing: who will deliver the goods? The guy who can deliver the bread first will be in charge! That is the scariest reality of them all.

L'Chaim Show For April 12, 2011

2011-02-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

L'Chaim airs on Tuesday Nights at 8pm on Jewish Life TV. On the April 12th episode of the show I will be interviewing Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed of the Darul Uloom Institute in Hollywood Florida. We will be discussing his role as an interfaith activist and spokesman for moderate Islam. We will also discuss Jewish and Moslem relations. JLTV airs on Comcast 239. In Miami Beach watch on Atlantic Broadband 167, and nationally on DirectTV on 366.

The L'Chaim Show JLTV

2011-02-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

I am happy to add new postings concerning the L'Chaim Show, part of the show lineup for Jewish Life TV. The folks at L'Chaim have been kind enough to bring me on board as a reporter for the show. My first segment (an introduction to the viewers) will air on March 1st at 8:00pm. In South Florida JLTV can be found on Comcast 239. For channel details on other cable systems check out JLTV.TV. I will be reporting local events here in Florida that we feel are important to share with the national Jewish community. JLTV reaches 32 million viewers. At L'Chaim we are working heard to showcase the very best of Jewish life in South Florida. Check out more details at tolifelchaim.com.

2011-02-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Let the Arab World Look to Israel

For the last two weeks we have been watching images of the Arab world on fire both literally and figuratively. The fires of revolution are changing the Arab world in the blink of an eye- governments are falling and old governments are in disarray. What started as a wild mob in Tunisia inspired the would-be reformers of Egypt. Protests are spreading through the Middle East and we are left wondering what the scene will be when the smoke clears. We hear cries for democracy but wonder what “democracy” will look like in countries in which Islamists and secularized Arabs will fight for control.

The events in Egypt remind us just how much these events could impact Americans. A feared interruption in the Suez Canal could bring our oil-based economy to a halt. An Islamic government would have access to the millions of dollars worth of arms that we have given Egypt. Needless to say, these popular revolutions could also put Israel at risk. (Although there may be a temporary upside- if the Arab world is fighting with itself maybe Israel will be a little safer!) One thing is clear- we are seeing the order of things changing in the Arab world- old ideas are dying, new ones are replacing them for better or worse and, yes, way too early to answer that one.

I would like to make one humble suggestion to the Arab world that is about to tear itself apart in search of a new identity. Extremes don’t work—look at Iran- a Moslem country ruled by Islamic law that is brutal and oppressive. Iranians are afraid to talk, to speak out, and to seek freedom. If the newly re-created Arab world does not want to sink into the black hole of Fundamentalist Islam (as I am sure many people do not) I ask them to look at their neighbor Israel.

All of you who have been to Israel have seen the split personality of our homeland. The very religious and the very secular live side by side. Sometimes they hate each other. Sometimes they fight each other. Sometimes it is hard to believe they are brothers! Nonetheless, Israel is one of the most creative countries on the planet. A totally religious Israel would not work- nor would a totally secular Israel. It is this strange mixture of secular Zionism and religious Zionism that makes things work.

Could the Arab world learn this lesson? In the Arab world a lot of people seem to only see black and white- one extreme or the other with two sides at war to reshape Arab society. If such extremes can be avoided the entire planet will benefit! Terrorism, suicide bombers, and jihadists can only be nurtured in a certain kind of intellectual environment. They have a harder time growing in an open society where there is free speech and thought. That is what the Arab world needs to learn from Israel. I am no dreamer- I know many want an Islamist society with the destruction of Israel and America at the top of the wish list. There are others, however, who are tired of violence, who don’t want to raise their children to kill others, who want peace. To them I say, look to Israel. Look to a society that can embrace both the secular and the religious vision of its people.

2011-01-28T14:02:00.001-08:00

The Wheels on the Bus…

In my last column I brought you some information about a very disturbing situation- the proposed anti-Israel bus signs in Seattle. From the feedback I received it was clear that my readers took the news very seriously. We all saw through the very transparent veil hiding the anti-Israel (and, I dare say, anti-American) sentiment. At that time I opened with a journalistic understatement “Israel has enemies everywhere.” Now I am happy to be able to say “Israel has friends, well, maybe not everywhere, but in a lot of places!”

When the story began to get national attention many people, Jews and Christians, saw the dangers. The flood of e-mails and calls has forced the city to re-think its policies and put a hold on the signs. Let me share some details of what transpired. Most interestingly, the David Horowitz Freedom Center began a counter campaign and soon contracted with Seattle to put signs on buses that would read “Palestinian War Crimes- your tax dollars at work.” This clearly demonstrated that the place for politics is not on city buses. As a result Seattle City Council put a temporary ban on all non-commercial advertising. The Horowitz Center showed the issuing dodging council that their bus line was no place for the lies and distortions of the Seattle Mideast Awareness Campaign, which seems to have links to the anti-Israel International Solidarity Movement. Could anyone honestly believe these signs would not foster violence- just an excuse for the crazies to come out of the woodwork. Have people forgotten that it was only four years ago that a terrorist shot six people in the Seattle Jewish Federation building?

At the same time that the merits of the sign campaign were being debated two Christian groups, Christians United for Israel and StandWithUs, began their own efforts against the hateful signs. Happily the sheer force of numbers made the city council rethink it’s policies. So, for now, the anti-Israel signs will not be appearing. Please don’t lose sight that, as in all political double-talk- Seattle City Council is now “reviewing” their policies.

Once all the dust has settled, what we have learned? That people are always ready to accuse Israel? No. We knew that already. Will we learn that we always have to look at what our enemies serve up to the public under the guise of “free speech” and “information? No. We should know that by now. Maybe we won’t learn but, rather, re-learn—evil wins if no one stands up for the good. Lies become the truth if no one says otherwise. In this case the truth prevailed (at least for now.) But without all of those who acted the outcome would have been different. If it becomes your turn to act, to speak, to stand for what you believe, don’t hesitate.

The wheels on the bus go round and round- this time they didn’t run over us- but watch out for on-coming traffic!

2011-01-11T18:19:00.001-08:00

It is no secret that Israel has enemies everywhere. Some choose guns and bombs as weapons. Some would prefer to use the power of public opinion, using half-truths and one-sided stories to report on Israel’s struggle to exist. Then of course there is the mass-media that never tires of distorting the stories of Israel’s self-defense effort. Of all places, Seattle has become the latest ground-zero for attacking Israel. (Maybe they figure that if they do it there no one will notice!)

All of us who live in urban areas are used to seeing city buses with all kinds of advertising and pictures on them—these “rolling billboards” are really a “no-brainer” to generate revenue. That’s fine- why not use advertising dollars to help public transportation. New signs on Seattle buses are a very different story.

Imagine driving down the street and seeing a sign on a bus that read “Israeli War Crimes- Your Tax Dollars at Work.” Together with the headline the sign displays the obligatory picture of children and destroyed buildings. The group sponsoring these ads is called “Seattle Mideast Awareness Campaign.” Their spokesman, Ed Mast, had the nerve to comment “I wouldn’t say it’s an anti-Israel message… we would like Israel to stop violating human rights.” I think I disagree. To portray Israel’s acts of self-defense as “war crimes” can hardly be considered a neutral statement about human rights. (If you would like to see the original report and pictures of the bus signs go to my blog, “yaakovthompson.blogspot.com.” Click on the link “War Crimes Bus Story.”)

As for King County Metro (these are public buses)- they say that the signs do not violate their guidelines. These signs contain no reference to “pornography, alcohol, tobacco, or threaten public safety.” So, as far as King County is concerned, the signs are fine!

I would love to see the list of people who provided the money for these signs. I am sure it would be very interesting reading. I far as I can anticipate there would only be two groups on that list- the first are those who hate Israel, the second would be those who are so blind to the realities of what Israelis face every day that they really believe bogus stories like this. This would be the group that has been convinced that Palestinians have human rights but Israelis don’t.

I think it is particularly insidious that these signs not only present a false picture of the terrorism coming out of Gaza and Israel’s attempt to stop it, but they also insinuate that all Americans share the guilt because it is the American taxpayer that makes these “war crimes” possible. This argument is absurd and of course fails to remind the American taxpayer that the people of Israel can always be counted on as the true friends of America. No, Israel is not guilty of war crimes. Israel is only guilty of self-defense. Any other argument is but a play for public opinion and an attempt to hide the real issues.

If you have to go to Seattle soon don’t ride the bus- call me and I’ll give you the cab fare!

Link To "War Crimes" Bus Story

2011-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Israeli-War-Crimes-signs-to-go-on-Metro-buses-112108154.html

To The New Year!

2010-12-28T13:58:00.001-08:00

How will you remember 2010? It’s usually hard to remember one year from another- the effect of time seems to be to melt all of our memories together into that jumbled recollection that leaves us saying “I remember that but I’m not sure when it happened.” I don’t think any of us will be saying that about 2010! It has been a year to remember – economic crisis that touched everyone, continued polarization of our citizens- politics, policies, and division have taken their tolls on our land. It has been a tough year for everyone- we are more uncertain than ever about what the future will bring. I am not claiming that it has been a year without any good news at all but I think this year will stay in our memories as a time when we said to each other “things can only get better.”

I hope that those words will be the most enduring memory of 2010. It has been a year in which many of us, our families, and our friends have faced real problems and challenges The Jewish community has faced a hard year also- downsizing has become the key phrase in all of our institutions. That will have an impact of Jewish life for years to come. Many of our memories of 2010 may be things that we wish we could forget! That seems like a very sad statement to make but if you are like me you are ready to say goodbye to 2010 with a heartfelt “good riddance.”

As a Jew I am constantly amazed by the history of our people. No matter what history has tossed in our way, we are the people that declared “it can only get better” over and over. We have never given up or given in… the future has always held opportunity to make things better. I wish we had some magic way of sharing that optimism and hope with our fellow Americans. That fact is that, as bad as this past year has been for many of us, we have seen people respond in very heroic ways. Even in these tough times people continue to help each other. In this age of “less is more” and “no frills” we have been reawakened to the values that are most important. That is a very good sign. The lessons that we have learned have been very bitter but we have come out on the other side with a renewed sense of what really matters.

I will be very happy to welcome the new year as a new chance to make things better- to see people struggle less, to worry less, to get back to living with joy. I don’t know how quickly that can happen but I do know that if we reflect on what we have learned in 2010 we can welcome the future rather than dread it.

2010-12-26T15:32:00.001-08:00

The Genie is Out of the Bottle

Most of us don’t really understand how the internet works. How is it that your kids or grandchildren can send you pictures or letters from anywhere in the world and (like magic) you see them on your screen! Does it work like TV? Well, maybe like a car- I don’t really know how it works either but when I turn the key it takes me where I’m going. For all of us who don’t really understand how those things work one thing is certain- the internet does work and it is a Genie that will never go back in the bottle! Yes, the internet does great things for us- human beings have never had access to so much information before. The only thing I worry about is how long it will take us to understand the difference between information and wisdom.

The flurry of stories about Wiki leaks is multiplying faster than I can read them. The details are pretty simple although the issues are much more complex. Does anyone have the right to steal secrets and then publish them? What pertains to governments also pertains to people. If we assert that the internet should not be censored then there is really nothing you can do if I decide to uncover and make public anything I want, like your credit card numbers or your social security number or anything else I choose.

Mr. Assange (the Wiki leaks guy) thinks he is doing the world a favor by revealing America’s “dirty little secrets.” In truth he is committing a crime against every American citizen (which, I believe, is closer to his intent.)His intentions have become even clearer as he states his threats against us- should he be arrested or killed there will be a flood of information that will be released. This is his “insurance policy.”

Does the age of the Internet mean that cyber-spying or cyber-terrorism should go unpunished and unanswered for the sake of “freedom-of-information?” I think not. We are now engaged in a war of wills- who will submit first? Those who have acted against Wiki leaks have seen their own websites attacked (MasterCard, PayPal.) Threats have been made to insure that these cyber-pirates stay in business. In one sense we are powerless- the internet has a life of its own somewhere out there in the flow of electric information- but behind that borderless flow of information are real people who choose to act as they do and should be held responsible. The Genie is out of the bottle but maybe a jail cell would be just the right size!

2010-12-01T19:50:00.001-08:00

Don’t Underestimate the Power of One Candle

As we gather throughout the nights of Hanukkah one ritual draws our attention: the lighting of the Hanukiyah, the Hanukkah menorah. Each night we add a candle until we reach the last night and have all eight candles burning. In essence each day of the festival is represented by one candle, a rather meager representative by today’s standards!

Have you ever seen one of those space photos taken of the earth at night? What we see is an entire planet that seems aglow by electricity. Major urban areas can be identified by the big “blob” of light that can be seen even from space. In this age in which our planet is aglow with artificial light it might seem that one small candle doesn’t really mean much. Perhaps it doesn’t if the only measure we use is the amount of light that is added to the darkness of a winter night. In fact that one small candle adds much to the winter night – it adds the light of community. A sense of community in numbers- that one light that I burn adds to the light that you kindle. Then we can multiply that by the number of Jewish homes in which small solitary candles begin to add up to a massive number- candles are lit across the globe. No, you might not be able to see them from space ,but you can certainly see them as you pass proud Jewish homes in which a great miracle is being recalled and celebrated.

More importantly I think we might underestimate how important one candle can be if we failed to consider the impact of this very easy ritual. Our people have a long history, one that has defied the normal expectations of historians and the common life cycles of nations. Through the millennia nations have come and gone, empires have been won and lost; wars have brought destruction to cultures and entire peoples. Yet, through it all, our people survived. The occasion of Hanukkah begs that we ask the question. An often quoted verse is “Not by power, but by the spirit.” Those few words say volumes about our people and even more about the significance of “one little candle.” We have survived because of the power of our rituals. We have survived because of those special acts that unite us as a people, unite us as a community, and unite us to a past that we never experienced directly but is a part of our “sacred present.” It is the power of this very “small” ritual that ties us to the past and the future.

Often the word “ritual” is considered to be something bad- an empty act that is simply done because someone said you have to do it. Rituals are considered just empty actions but they are not- they are the symbolic actions that focus our minds and bodies on spiritual truths. Lighting one candle may shed a tiny bit of light but that same candle can light the spirit of an entire people.

Reprinted from The Jewish Journal, 11/24,2010

2010-11-24T06:48:00.001-08:00

Readers of the Jewish Journal are very lucky. They are served by a Jewish newspaper that contains all the important Jewish news of South Florida. We should be proud of our paper and the staff that continues to keep the Jewish community informed about news, events, and accomplishments in our small part of the Jewish world. A few months ago the paper also launched its official website, “floridajewishjournal.com.” The website insures that you can read current news anytime you wish. The website also offers several features that are not included in print. Among these features is my “Ask the Rabbi” column. While this feature is usually only offered on line, I wanted to share a recent entry with you because I feel it is important for us, as supporters of Israel, to read. It is the kind of question that you might get in your workplace or from friends. I hope my answer will help you think about the issues involved. The following exchange appears on the homepage of The Jewish Journal and appears by clicking the “Ask the Rabbi” column.

Dear Rabbi Thompson,
I am a Christian Catholic living in Canada. I need to have better understanding of how Israel is conducting its disputes with the Palestinians. This past few years has caused my opinions of Israel to become negative. It seems we only get news of the negative Israel is doing. I understand the need of Israel to protect itself and how in the past the Palestinians were not recognizing Israel's right to exist, and, really why should I care. But I do. I really pray for peace in the Mideast and I also need to change my opinion on how I feel Israel has gone about protecting itself.
My problem is that I had a prejudice regarding the Jewish people because of what was happening and I want to change my attitude. What can you suggest I do in order to become a more forgiving person?

Regards,
John
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Dear John,

First let me say that I don’t think you need to be a more forgiving person- you only need to be a better informed person. Needing forgiveness implies that you have done something wrong. In my opinion you have not- you realize that your opinion of Israel has been shaped by a media that is overwhelmingly anti-Israel. One has only to look at the ridiculous resolutions coming from the UN to see the double standard that is applied to Israel. I take great pride in knowing that Israel is one of the most compassionate nations in the world. After the earthquake in Haiti Israel was first on the scene with field hospitals. Israel sends doctors around the globe and, yes, Israel gives Palestinian patients the best medical care available.

I am glad that you pray for peace in the Middle East. I hope you will do some reading. History will reveal to you that Israel has been fighting for its very existence since the moment of its birth. Terrorists continue to send missiles into civilian areas almost daily. Israel must live with the constant threat of war and terror attacks. While the Palestinian Authority continues to air its demand for peace it does nothing to curb violence. For those of us living in North America it is impossible to understand that fully.

The media often says that Israel is heavy handed in its reactions to the Palestinian threats. The papers and news shows love nothing more than to show armed Israeli soldiers staring down “poor Palestinian children who are “only” throwing rocks.” Ask yourself this as a Christian and as a human being- which culture is it that teaches their children to carry bombs and blow themselves up to kill others? The answer to that question should tell you something about the enemy that Israel faces each day.

Has Israel ever made mistakes? Of course they have. But do these mistakes justify an endless war of terror? John, I don’t want you to forgive Israel, I want you to understand her.

Thank you for your prayers I would be glad to join you in prayer any day!

Rabbi Thompson

2010-11-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Let’s talk!

You might have forgotten to celebrate a big occasion! The UN recently observed “International Statistics Day.” Yes, before you know it Hallmark will come out with a “Happy Statistics Day” greeting card. I must say, it seems we already have enough statistics to keep us busy- I don’t know if we need a special day to celebrate the “too much information” age! In looking at the information I did, however, see a startling statistic that makes me worry about the future of human communication. The UN studied the current state to telecommunications and found that 1.6 trillion text messages shoot around this world every year. Let me break down the math for you: that number means that every second of every day there are 200,000 text messages being sent. Texting now has its own special language of letters and abbreviations that makes the punch-those-little-letters messages go even faster.

While it is amazing that we can communicate at the speed of light, I worry that maybe we get a little too used to shortcuts and the ambiguities of those short little messages. OMG, will we forget how to talk to each other! (For those of you not up on your texting language, OMG means Oh My God!) The technology we have today makes it possible to communicate in ways never dreamed of before. Remember when the goal was “reach out and touch someone?” Now we can reach out and touch the whole world in a nano-second! The only problem is that it makes me wonder how good we are at communicating anything of value.

People now joke about “snail mail” – we remember how it was waiting a week to get a letter or document you needed. E-mail was a revolution for business and personal use; no more waiting, no more missed deliveries! Texting is a revolution too but I wonder if it’s a revolution for the better – there is something I miss about actually hearing a person’s voice! A text message, while it may be fast, is a rather “flat” medium. Was that text supposed to be funny? Sarcastic? Angry? Hmmm…. Can’t really tell!

Yes, instant communication is great but sometimes I really need to hear a person’s voice to understand what he is saying. Just by listening you can tell if you are hearing a frown or a smile! 200,000 invisible messages flying through the air every second, just makes me wonder how many of them are really saying anything at all!

Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?

2010-10-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

These days that is a question we all hear more frequently. Although the question is more likely to be “can you spare a buck?” Yes even those guys who stand at the traffic lights have to figure in inflation. You don’t have to go too far in any direction to find those who are in need of help. It might be those we call “homeless” or it might be those who are about to become homeless due to the economy. I guess its all relative- I recently read about a famous entertainer who was losing her home and is 50 million dollars in debt. It seems that even those who we think are rich are actually broke! I think it is safe to say that we are all a little worried; I heard a report on the radio recently that 53% of Americans are worried about making their next rent or mortgage payment. These are not good signs and point to something that we need to be serious about. Our country, our citizens, our neighbors, and yes we ourselves are in trouble. We need to concentrate on getting ourselves and our country back on track. We can’t sustain a society that is built on worry and mistrust.

I can’t think of anything more important that at this moment than restoring faith and confidence in our future. I would suggest that all of our national and individual efforts be focused on achieving that goal until we can say that we are “out of the woods.” With that in mind, I was really surprised by a recent news piece. NASA has just announced that it plans to spend 10 billion dollars in the next twenty years to send astronauts on a one-way mission to Mars where they will establish a self-sustaining colony.

Don’t get me wrong- I love science and there is nothing that fascinates me more than outer space. To me the idea of a huge universe waiting to be explored is an inspiration. I believe that it is a “religious” experience to better understand just how large the universe is- to me it contains a deep message about humanity. On a clear night I am the first one to take out my telescope and look up- I did it as a child and I still find it just as awesome! The difference is that now that I am a little older I begin to contemplate how much it costs.

It is great to think that we could achieve a Mars mission, it is astonishing to think that we could establish a colony for research, but I have to ask: “Where is the money coming from, how about we establish a self-sustaining colony right here in Earth, say, maybe in the United States?” I support science and research but I think our little blue planet is in a little too much trouble right now to look to the stars. 10 billion dollars makes for a lot of dimes and dollars that could do a lot of good right here on Earth.

From The Jewish Journal

2010-10-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

2010-10-15T09:44:00.001-07:00

Terrorism’s Saddest Victims

It is a far cry from Disneyland. It is a theme park for children but there are no rides, there are no cartoon characters in costume, there are no magic shows to amuse. (There are, of course, vendors who sell hats and T-shirts for the children to take home!) This theme park is in Beirut. It is called “Landmark for the Resistance.” This “park” was built at a cost of four million dollars by Hezbollah (with money from Iran, no doubt.) This park has no attractions other than destroyed Israeli military equipment. This park celebrates the war Hezbollah has waged against Israel. Children can be led through the displays of tanks, mortar shells, and machine guns where they can play out being soldiers in the war on Israel. It’s a sort of Wanna-Be city for little terrorists in training. I think all of us have trouble understanding how a parent could wish this for a child but, believe it or not, since the “Landmark for the Resistance” opened in May there have been over a half a million visitors.
In the last few weeks we have seen and heard many comments about the current peace negotiations. The Jewish community has been divided about Israel- some saying Israel needs to be more flexible, some saying that only a “hard-line” approach will accomplish anything. The government of Israel itself has been divided on the issue of the settlement freeze. It is clear that we all want peace we differ only on how to get it! If anyone has the answer to that please call me! In the meantime let’s take a lesson from the “landmark.” There are forces in the Arab world that have no interest in peace and it is folly to think that they do. Terrorists do not want peace, they want victory. We need to learn that lesson.
Hezbollah is a group that raises children to be fodder in the war on Israel. Taking your child on a visit to a terror park is one more step in indoctrinating an entire generation to commit terror for the sake of holy-war. Children are taught that the only victory is to destroy Israel. When children should be playing games they are being taught to glorify killing and their own death. A people willing to do this to their children is not a people looking for a peaceful solution. These children may be the saddest victims of terrorism and they may prove to be the generation that brings Israel’s saddest days.

2010-10-03T06:19:00.001-07:00

What the Rabbi Learned from the Neo-Nazis

Ok. Admit it. With a title like that you just have to read on! It’s true; this week I learned several life lessons from a Polish couple who will be featured in a CNN documentary about Poles who have rediscovered their Jewish roots. Of special interest is a couple known as Pawel and Ola. They were childhood sweethearts and grew up to marry. As young adults they became Neo-Nazi skinhead “nationalists.” Ola speaks of their lives then as follows “I was 100% nationalist… back then we were skinheads, it was all about white power… that Jews were the biggest plague and worst evil in the world…”
So far it sounds like the typical hatred that is re-emerging across Europe. Sad but true, and I can’t tell you how many times I have heard survivors speak of Polish hatred for Jews. So far nothing remarkable here. Well Pawel and Ola’s story took a remarkable twist when they discovered that they were both actually Jews! Records in the Jewish Historical Institute showed that their ancestors had hidden their Jewish identities to escape the Holocaust. Imagine what a shocker that was for a nice middle class skinhead couple! So how does this twisted tale of hate and secrets end? Now both Pawel and Ola are 33 and live as Jews and are active members in their orthodox synagogue.
So what has this rabbi learned from this very strange tale? First, God has a heck of a sense of humor! Well he must if he made us, clearly the most curious species on the planet. Even animals learn from their mistakes but it seems like we never do! In the course of a mere sixty years we can get burned by the same fires that consumed us in the past. Next, the story reminds us that, sometimes, we are not who we think we are and there may be someone or something out there that knows us better than we know ourselves. There is always a divide between the part we play and who we are behind the mask.
Then this little fact- if you hate others you really only end up hating yourself. No matter what you claim to be the “worst evil” in someone you hate, it already exists within you. The only way you can respond to that discovery is to realize that none of us are without the “worst evil.” The question is what you do about it. Any flaw you see in your fellow human being is only a reflection of the one within you.
I also learned that it’s true what they say about the Jewish soul- a Jew can never stray so far away from God that he can’t find his way back. An important lesson for all of us when we are feeling so lost that we wonder if we remember the way home. Lastly, this strange story affirms a truth that anyone who grew up in New York knows, see… I told you everybody is Jewish!
I hope that God reads my columns… maybe if he reads this he will get a really good laugh out of it and feel a little more patient the next time we really mess up!

2010-09-15T20:50:00.001-07:00

A Sukkot Reminder

This week we begin the seven day period of Sukkot. The holiday has several obvious symbols that we all recognize- the Sukkah, a temporary hut to recall the days of the desert wandering, the Lulav and Etrog, symbols that tie the holiday to the fall harvest and to the Land of Israel. If you attend services these are symbols that you can’t avoid. There are other symbols of the holiday that are not so obvious. Perhaps the most important is found within the Torah reading. The Rabbis called Sukkot “the holiday.” There was something so special about it that it was “the” holiday unlike any other. I suggest we look for the reason in the Torah reading containing the narrative of a series of sacrifices that were only brought during Sukkot.
The Book of Numbers commands that 70 oxen be sacrificed. Each one of the oxen stood for one of the peoples of the world. (In Rabbinic politics the world consisted of seventy nations.) As a people we were to offer a sacrifice to God for every nation of the world. This has to strike the modern reader as strange: why would we pray for the other nations? Surely, some of them could be our enemies, yet God commands that we sacrifice and pray on their behalf. To the Rabbis this was the seed of Jewish universalism. After spending Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur praying for ourselves and for the Jewish people God reminds us that we need to pray for all human beings.
Today we live in a world filled with tension and hatred. (So did our ancestors.) Our own country is more divided than ever it seems- we need to heal from all of the polarizing elements that plague us today. Can you think of a better time to pray on behalf of those that we might tend to dismiss as “enemies,” as “them,” or as “those people.” It is not an easy thing to do. It tends to challenge human behavior but that is exactly what the Rabbis wanted us to learn from Sukkot- at every turn, even on most sacred of days, we need to look at the rest of humanity and remind ourselves that we are all in this together.
Observe the lessons of Sukkot: visit a Sukkah and remember how very delicate the world is. Hold the lulav and etrog and remember the beauty that exists in this world. Pray for the well-being of others and hope they pray for yours!

For Yom Kippur

2010-09-08T10:43:00.001-07:00

Ideas are Fireproof

One of the challenges of the print media is that you always have to work ahead—printing and distribution takes time. So I find myself writing about Yom Kippur on Erev Rosh HaShannah to reflect on events that may or may not have happened by the time you read this! Boy, this can get confusing, so what’s all the fuss? As I write today (Erev Rosh HaShannah) the big news is “will he or won’t he?” This question refers to the planned 9/11 Koran burning in Gainesville. By the time Yom Kippur comes we will know what happened but either way, I think the issue teaches us something about ourselves.
Erev Yom Kippur Jews will gather to hear Kol Nidrei. No matter where it takes place the service is pretty much the same and so is the congregation: a mix of people who represent the community. There will be Jews who pray every day, there will be Jews who haven’t prayed since last Yom Kippur, and there will even be Jews who won’t even be praying because they are still trying to figure out why they are even there! My point is that there is something that draws us together on Yom Kippur that may be beyond our ability to explain. The music, the mood, the desire to reconnect or to connect for the first time- all of these and more draw us to the idea of spending Yom Kippur in shul. But what in the world does this have to do with burning Korans to protest 9/11?
Let me first say that I do not support this “protest.” It is hateful and serves no purpose. Those of you who read my columns regularly know that I spoke out very early on about the Ground Zero mosque but the actions planned in Gainesville are not the way to react to that or any other situation, nor does it honor the victims of 9/11. There is a bigger issue that we should also learn from Jewish history: you can burn books but you can’t burn ideas.
Look at our history: The church burned sacred Jewish books in the streets of Europe. Torah scrolls, prayer books, manuscripts, and other Jewish literature were thrown into the flames to wipe out Judaism. Centuries later the Nazis would also try to destroy us and they started with the burning of our books. What did it achieve? Think about it when you are at services on Yom Kippur—the bonfires of hate could not touch what was most critical to our existence- our faith, our ideas, and our beliefs. To paraphrase a midrash “you can burn the scroll but you can’t burn the letters.”
The burning of the Koran will only produce more acts of hatred. No matter what you do to an object you can’t change people on the inside unless you change their ideas. Our books have been burned over and over but no enemy has ever been able to assault what we believe. Maybe that is the enduring idea of Yom Kippur.

Some Rosh HaShannah Thoughts

2010-09-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

It's OK to fail!!

No, I am not making excuses. I am just asking you to think about things a little differently as we celebrate the new year. There are so many “sub- themes” to the High Holiday season—we speak of the passing of time, the concepts of repentance and forgiveness, and the acknowledgement that our lives really are in God’s hands. The holidays are also about self-evaluation, a task for which we usually make too little time or effort. As we begin the new year I share with you some thoughts about our need for such evaluations.
I have spent the last thirty years studying and teaching about Judaism but I still find it as exciting as ever. Not many people get to say that because after a certain time you can get bored with any job! So why am I still excited? I think it is because I am constantly amazed, intrigued, and inspired by our tradition and the insights that it has about God and man. Our tradition never ceases to surprise me—just when I thought I knew something I have to start thinking about it all over again—so too with the concepts of success and failure.
Our ancient teachers had an amazing gift of sympathy for the human condition- if religion preaches ideas about how people are to be “perfect” what do you say when they fall short? How can any religion (ours included) try to teach and instill moral perfection in the face of human imperfection? (Hence the art of the sermon- a message made to remind you that you aren’t perfect. Maybe the Jewish twist to that idea is… you aren’t perfect yet.) The important part of the message is that you are not free to stop trying! I think that idea informs Judaism’s concept of man. A human being may be imperfect but what makes us human is our determination to keep trying.
So is it a mitzvah to fail? No, not at all. We live in a society that is driven by the idea of success. It might be expressed by the job you have, or the money you make, or the car you drive. Our society is also driven by the idea that failure is bad, if you fail you are second rate, if you fail you must be lazy, if you fail you are “bad.” At Rosh HaShannah we should really confront the ideas of success and failure. In the realm of religion it is about moral perfection (or at least meager progress.) In the realm of our own self-evaluation it is about renewing our resolve to keep trying. Yes, it’s OK to fail, welcome to the human race. It’s not OK to stop trying. As we stand before God we don’t offer excuses (failure) we only confess and acknowledge our humanity. If we do that there is only one place to go—back to the drawing board for another try. Have a sweet year and try your hardest!

2010-08-25T20:24:00.001-07:00

Rosh HaShannah: Some Personal Observations

The High Holiday season is a hard time for rabbis. Understandably, it is the busiest time of the year: after a lazy, quiet summer you have to hit the ground running! As the holidays approach it is time to make Rosh HaShannah “happen” for everyone else. Sermons, logistics, planning, honors, participation, and more must all be done so that services flow smoothly. All the “behind the scenes” work has to be completed so that all is ready when the crowds begin to gather. You can’t say “come back later.” It is a time during which the rabbi gets “one chance” to touch people, to get the message across, to set the stage for the year ahead, and to create a spiritual framework for the season.
Through all of this the role of the rabbi is to make sure that everyone gets to reconnect with the traditions of Judaism. This is all well and good. It is, after all, the reason that I and others become rabbis . Although it is a big task I always feel that it is a great privilege to stand before a congregation and have the opportunity to speak about our traditions. It is an honor to lead others in prayer and one by which I am always humbled.
With all of these tasks to do at Rosh HaShannah it is often hard for me to make a spiritual time for myself. I liken it to cooking for a crowd but the cook never gets to eats! Allow me to share some of my personal thoughts about the holidays that keep me going (and, yes, sneaking a snack for myself.)
I believe that to live as a Jew you must live with passion- passion for our traditions, passion for life, and passion for the beliefs that make you who you are. That’s a very big order—the daily grind of life often steals our passions. Our daily struggles rob our energy, our time, and our passions. The High Holidays serve as a time to step back from the daily grind to rediscover and recharge those passions! It is often impossible to live in the world of the spirit—the holidays are like a mini vacation for the soul. That fact alone makes Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur the very best time to reconnect to your Jewish heritage and to yourself.
Although I might have the chance to speak to a thousand people over the course of the holidays I can only do that if I take the time to speak to myself first. I can only remind others about those things that I remember myself.

Back On Track: Rosh HaShannah

2010-08-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

There is a ritual that we observe on the first day of Rosh HaShannah called Tashlich. The word means “casting away.” It is a part of the celebration of the new year and our preparation for Yom Kippur. (We perform Tashlich the second day if the first day was Shabbat.) The custom observed by most communities is to gather at a spot where there is free flowing water (pretty easy in Florida) and, after several Biblical verses are read, we cast bread into the water to symbolize the “casting away of our sins.”
There are communities that don’t include “the bread” but make Tashlich an oral declaration only. However one does it, it is clear that Tashlich is a symbol of what we hope to achieve during the High Holiday period—to rid ourselves of all those traits that we wish we could “throw away,” and retain the parts of our personalities that are the noblest!
If only it was that easy! We often make plans to change our behavior, our attitudes, stop bad habits, and improve ourselves. Of course we know how that usually turns out—we have great goals but most often fall short of what we planned. How great would it be if getting rid of all our bad habits or problems were as easy as throwing some stale bread into the water!! Wow – the world could be a better place pretty quickly! From experience we all know that the only thing that is really that easy is to make another mistake! Things don’t change by just wishing for them to be different.
With this said, should we despair? Should we give up on bettering ourselves by using the excuse that we “will probably just fail again?” One enduring message of this holiday season is an answer to that question: No, it is not easy to change, it is not easy to break old habits, and it is not easy to change one’s behavior. Often it is a slow process with ups and downs, with success and with failure. Nothing comes as easy as Tashlich—but by performing this one small ritual we are reminded of the message of Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur—getting back on track is always possible.
As we head into the holiday season it is not too early to start our spiritual preparation – we may dismiss rituals like Tashlich as “silly” – a simple act that really doesn’t change anything. That’s true on one level but the larger truth is that sometimes such rituals can serve as a reminder of what is possible. It’s been a very tough year for all Americans so a little reminder about “what is still possible” couldn’t hurt anyone!

2010-08-03T19:59:00.001-07:00

Will Israel be Forced to do America’s Dirty Work?

Looks can be deceiving. Relatively calm water can hide great dangers below the surface. While that might be a good weather forecast for hurricane season, it is an even more accurate forecast for conditions in Israel. We have been focused on American problems for months and, since the flotilla confrontation, the news from Israel has not been that alarming. I remind you, however, looks are deceiving. The American press has been under-reporting events in the Middle East to such an extent that we have been lulled into thinking that things are “normal” (What ever that would mean for Israel.) The truth is that tensions are growing every day. Last week Israeli and Lebanese soldiers exchanged fire with deaths on both sides. Recent rocket attacks from Gaza have struck Israel again. Arabs leaders have gathered to urge restraint and ask Turkey to serve as a messenger between Israel and Arab states. Some signs seem to indicate that Turkey may no longer fill that role.
Of course there remains the most dangerous state in the Middle East—Iran. While other Arab states seem to sense that an all out war would be bad for everyone, we have to face the ugly reality that Iran is just waiting for the ability to turn Israel into a mushroom cloud. Likewise there are forces in the Arab world waiting to destabilize Saudi Arabia, poison its oil, and, in that way, bring America to her knees. It is also frightening that our administration is doing little to discourage any of these scenarios. Both to placate the Arab world and the American Left our administration shows little serious intent to confront Iran.
T hese factors seem to be putting all the conditions in play for a real catastrophe- even Time magazine has recently described the current situation as the most dangerous set of circumstances in years despite the “relative calm.” Is this the calm before the storm? Only time will tell but I, for one, will be holding my breath for a quiet holiday season! Netanyahu has already remarked that any attack will be met with immediate and full response. That is code for: should war come, it will be full force and fast. Israel has learned that it can’t afford the luxury of hesitation.
Just one last observation: I think very few of us have been happy with the current support that America gives Israel. Too ambivalent. There has been a recent development you may not have heard about- House Resolution 1553, sponsored by Representative Louie Gohmert (R, Texas) and 46 other US Representatives. Resolution 1553 both condemns Iran’s threats against America and Israel and “supports using all means” for Israel to deal with that threat. This resolution is the “green light” for Israel to strike. While that may be Israel’s only choice at some point, I only hope that this will not amount to Israel having to do America’s “dirty work” at a time in which every decision can ignite a regional conflict. Pray for Israel!

2010-07-23T14:22:00.001-07:00

Cordoba House Revisited but not Reconsidered
Several weeks ago I wrote an op-ed piece titled “Chutzpah Redefined” in which I argued against the building of a 13 story mosque/community center adjacent to Ground Zero, the former site of the World Trade Center. I stand by my comments made then and, based upon the feedback I received; I believe I gave voice to what many of my readers believe. You can find the original piece on my blog “yaakovthompson.blogspot.com.”This week I revisit the issue in answer to a recent op-ed in the Miami Herald.
On July 21 Leonard Pitts, a columnist for the Herald, argued against what I had said and quoted passages from my original piece. I have met Mr. Pitts a couple of times and respect his work but I must respond to his criticisms of my position. Mr. Pitts accuses me of opposing the building and “condemning” its supporter. He writes “… the rabbi still demands New York tells them No. In doing so, he blithely legitimizes the idea that tribe is destiny, that you and I are each individually answerable for the crimes of those who merely look like, talk like, or pray like, us.”

To answer Mr. Pitts, my comments did not “condemn “any one. I did not condemn any individual but, rather , what I consider to be a bad idea. I do not consider Muslims to be a “tribe” with corporate guilt- I made it clear that the supporters of Cordoba House are not terrorists—I did not accuse them of anything. My argument is that the building of a mosque at Ground Zero is more “chutzpadik” than common sense can explain. Why create a confrontation that is unnecessary? Mr. Pitts wrote that the new mosque would be “unavoidably painful and provocative.” What? It is avoidable… just don’t build it at Ground Zero! Why would one advocate for an action that is, by his own words, “painful and provocative.” (To quote a phrase, “Just say No!”) In a rhetorical question to me Pitts challenges, “aren’t Muslims Americans too?” Yes they are. But as Americans can we not ask of them some sensitivity and awareness that the planned action would be (avoidably) painful?
Mr . Pitts wrote that he fears “a nation where a rabbi can blandly condemn someone, not for his crimes but for the crimes of his tribesmen. Speaking of tribesmen Mr. Pitts, what does it matter if I am a rabbi or a plumber? Am I not an American either? I am not faulting a tribe as I said before nor am I defending my “tribe.” I am merely asking, as an American, why should we allow/support an action that is simply in-your-face- upsetting to so many? Do we have to build the mosque just to prove what a good, gracious, and loving people we are? I, for one, think that America and her people have demonstrated that many times.
Mr. Pitts concluded his column with the following, “So yes, putting that building in that place might be painful… but it would be a reminder of the very values the terrorists sought to kill.” I don’t think we need a mosque at Ground Zero to affirm American values. I would appeal to the national values, of healing and reconciliation. How can Cordoba House, if built at the proposed site, contribute to those goals?

2010-06-30T17:15:00.001-07:00

Anybody Home?

I can’t believe it… Congress finally did something right! My regular readers will know that a statement like that is unusual for me so let me explain: After the hypocritical outrage of the world community following Israel’s flotilla “incident” stories appeared about these reactions. We do not need to recount the self-serving lies of the UN or the President’s total refusal to stand with Israel and affirm her right to self-defense. It was all one more well orchestrated deception to condemn Israel for actions that were legal and moral to anyone willing to look at the facts (and the video!) Nonetheless it became one more chance for Israel’s enemies to appeal for help against the “terrible aggressor.” That was nothing new, the only new element was the lack of support from America. I would like to place that failure on the White House where it belongs. There is one more element to the story that has been tragically under-reported by the media- it has remained so far “below the radar” that it seems many people are not even hearing about it.
Congress has taken a definitive stand in support of Israel by writing a letter to President Obama stating that it is “in our national interest to support Israel at a moment when Israel faces multiple threats from Hamas in Gaza, Hizbullah in Lebanon, and the current regime in Iran.” This letter was signed by 87 senators. Four days earlier the House sent a similar letter signed by 320 members of the House of Representatives. The House letter included a call to the President to use the veto power of the US in the UN Security Council to block “one-sided, anti-Israel resolutions.”
These numbers indicate that at least three-fourths of American law-makers recognize Israel’s right to protect herself and her on-going importance to American security. That is an important number—it should remind us that most Americans understand the realities of the situation even if they seem to be too hard for the White House to grasp.
Congress has gone on record to support Israel and to call attention to the fact that the flotilla and its sponsor, the IHH, are nothing more than the puppets of organizations that the US government has already identified as terrorist groups. Still the White House prefers to be silent. I applaud and thank the Senate and the House for their support. I am sorry that the story is not getting more coverage. I thank these lawmakers who have sent a “special delivery” message to the White House. I only wonder one thing…. when the mailman came to deliver was anyone home?

Redefining Chutzpah

2010-06-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Remember when chutzpah was a Jewish attribute? Remember when chutzpah was a bad thing as in “how could you have the chutzpah to say such a thing?” I think chutzpah used to be a good thing also- it explains the “nerve” of the Jewish spirit to survive despite all the obstacles that we have faced as a people. Well, I think chutzpah has now been refined by a Muslim named Feisal Abdul Rauf, an Imam from New York. Rauf is the spiritual leader of a group of Muslims who have taken chutzpah to a new level! He and his group are behind the Cordoba House Project, a proposal to build a 13 story Islamic center at ground zero. The development would include a mosque, an auditorium, a swimming pool, restaurant, and bookstore. To put it in simple language- this group wants to build a mosque on the ground on which 3000 Americans died in the World Trade Center! If that isn’t chutzpah I don’t know what is!
As I have been following this story there is only one thing that shocks me more than the project. Mayor Bloomberg has publicly supported the building of Cordoba House. How can the mayor of New York City have the chutzpah to say such a thing? I would like to hear him explain his actions to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11. How can any American endorse covering the scars of 9/11 by the building of an Islamic outreach center? If I didn’t know better I would think that this is just a bad joke.
While I realize that those behind Cordoba House have no connection to terrorism, I do wonder what happened to common sense. How could Mayor Bloomberg be so short sighted in this insult to the victims of 9/11? If this is about “forgiveness,” or “plurism,” or some misguided attempt to show how very inclusive our society can be than I must miss the point. To me this is a shameless, suicidal betrayal of the American people. Beyond this I am angered by the limitless chutzpah of anyone who would even think to suggest this proposal. There comes a time to say no. There comes a time to stand up for yourself. I believe that the building of an Islamic center at ground zero should be seen as an insult to the American people.
While we discuss the new limits of chutzpah I would ask you to consider one new way to express chutzpah. How about a little chutzpah for Americans? How about a little self-respect? How about a little common sense? Americans died at ground zero. Americans continue to be threatened by a hostile minority within the world Muslim community. Yes, I ask you to remember that not all Muslims are terrorists- most are wonderful people who should be free to practice their religion in peace and security. But the other side of that argument is that Americans also deserve peace and security. To me the building of a mosque at ground zero will be a distasteful, insensitive, chutzpadik reminder of the murders of innocent Americans. It is time to say no to Cordoba House.

2010-06-02T07:57:00.001-07:00

Oil and Water

As I write I am listening to the latest radio report about the oil spill- it has, unfortunately, become a daily ritual. The latest bad news is that the oil is spreading and may touch Florida’s shores for the first time today. I am sure that all of you share my frustration and bewilderment—why is this still going on? I don’t really want to watch more videos of the oil gushing into the water a mile below the gulf’s surface; I just want to hear that someone has found the answer. The proportions of this accident are so huge I don’t think any of us can really grasp it. The worst part for me is that all I can do is stand by and watch- no matter how much I would like to help there is nothing I can do. It reminds me of that very powerless feeling I get when I know that there is a hurricane coming and all any of us can do is watch, wait, and hope for the best. That sense of “powerlessness” is the worst feeling of all- when you know there is something wrong but you can’t do a single thing to stop or prevent it. We always like to feel that we are “in control” – when events remind us that we are actually very seldom in control the world becomes a hostile, threatening place. We don’t like unpredictable. We don’t like random. We humans seem to prefer a world in which we can makes plans and have some idea of what tomorrow will bring.

I think there is, in this circumstance, a certain irony to the old saying that “water and oil don’t mix.” It reminds us that even the forces of nature sometimes do battle with each other and we stand on the sidelines as observers. That sounds so simple but it is such a profound truth to grasp. Our daily lives are lived in the microcosm of our daily needs – how easy it is to forget that there is a huge world out there! How easy to forget that this huge world runs by its own rules, not by ours!

Faced with these uncertainties there are things that, nonetheless, always remain in our control. First and foremost is our ability to choose how we will react and respond to a world that does not always run the way we would like it to. We can run or we can fight. We can despair or we can hope. How we react to the unexpected is our choice as human beings. As human beings we can never be satisfied merely to observe- every observation should be a call to action. Even when the forces of nature threaten it is our ability to respond to and for each other that can lift humanity above the power of nature itself. Gushing oil is a blind force- it does not choose to flow or stop, to run onto land or into water, to cause harm or provide benefit.

While the world around us works by its own rules, our choices are always our own. While this is a lesson to be learned it comes at a very dear price. Stay tuned- make the right choices- be ready to help.

For Shavuot

2010-05-05T13:57:00.001-07:00

Well Worth the Trip!

How often do you plan to go somewhere or plan to attend an event and find yourself wondering if it’s “worth the bother?” That’s what we call a schlep- time and energy to do something about which we aren’t sure. We often feel that way about the trivial things in our lives, the “small” journeys. It is even harder when we start a long journey with mixed feelings. It does, however, happen. We might need to change jobs, or relocate, or make a major decision about our life. We just can’t help but wonder “is it worth it?” or “is it the right thing to do?” That terrible middle-of-the-night feeling that fills us with doubt no matter what we decide. It is a part of human nature. We always tend to wonder “what if…” If it’s any consolation we can at least be assured that we share these little doubts with everyone else. We can also be comforted by remembering that even a luke warm decision is better than no decision at all!

As we read the chapters of the history of our people that began with the exodus we see over and over again our ancestors asked “is it worth it?” How many times did they confront Moses complaining that they would have been better off if he would have left them alone and let them stay in Egypt? In retrospect we can’t imagine how they could have felt that way. It is hard to imagine that anyone would prefer slavery to freedom. I think the truth is that, in those moments of doubt, our ancestors were voicing their fear of the unknown. Better the “security” of slavery than the wide open, empty, uncertain, wilderness that stood between them and the land of promise.

Why was Moses so sure but the people were constantly riddled with doubt? Moses had his eye not on the journey but on the destination- as a leader he knew the trip would be long and hard but he never doubted that it was worth it. To Moses the trip was not just about getting to Israel but rather the trek to Sinai. On Shavuot, May 19th and 20th, we celebrate the greatest journey that any nation has ever made. Leaving slavery, our ancestors arrived at Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah. Their doubts would persist but now they would be a nation- a people reshaped by a Divine law. Was the trip worth it? I think Jewish history holds the evidence- thousands of years later we are here still fulfilling the mitzvot, still participating as partners to bring holiness to a world terribly in need. We are still the living link to that unique conversation between man and God. We have given the world a code that has never been superseded- I would say the trip has been more than worth it!

Our journey through history is still a schlep! It is never easy to walk in the footsteps of Sinai. The journey of the Jewish people continues to take us into unknown territory, through hostile places, through the valley of doubts. But keep your eyes upward- on Shavuot we celebrate the destination. Each time we remember who we are and why we are, we stand at Sinai again.

Who Can You Trust?

2010-05-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

This week I share some recent poll results that makes me ask, “who can I trust?” An investigation by the Pew Research Center yielded some poll numbers that should make all of us take note. The poll noted: “a perfect storm of conditions associated with distrust of government- a dismal economy, an unhappy public, bitter partisan based backlash, and epic discontent with Congress and elected officials.” With that said I can’t think of much good news. It seems that we, as a nation, have lost confidence in those whom we have elevated to leadership. The Pew poll reveals some shocking news- only 22 percent of American citizens say that they trust the government to do the right thing “just about always or most of the time.” While most of us might react “I could have told you that!” it is a very sad commentary on the current situation. According to this poll we have to conclude that 88 percent of Americans don’t trust the government to do “the right thing.” What should we make of these numbers?

The first thing we have to conclude is simple- there is a wide gap between what the government does and what Americans want. No matter what your political ideas are, it is hard to refute these numbers- we have become a nation that lives in distrust. Those of us who believe that the government should represent the people have become disappointed with our leadership. As a side issue I think that one other fact emerges- we do not trust those who should be watching out for us. We do not believe the constant “spin” that we hear on issues. We do not assume that what we hear or read is true. As sad as this sounds we have a real crisis of trust. It is good to be skeptical but it is not good to live with the knowledge that the vast majority of Americans have no expectation of our leaders “doing the right thing.”

With this said I answer my own question—who can you trust? Trust yourself! It takes a lot of work but trust yourself! Read, think, question! Remember when self reliance was a value that people treasured? Remember when people were willing to be responsible for their actions rather than waiting to be “bailed out?” Remember when debate used to be described as “healthy?” Remember when people used to say “if it’s in the paper it must be true?” Remember when people thought for themselves? All of these things now seem like just “memories.” Sometimes it seems we have become too lazy to think for ourselves but I think it’s time to get “back in shape.”

There are so many issues facing America at this moment: terrorism, the economy, energy, deficit spending, immigration, and the list goes on. Every day the news is just too much to absorb! We are overloaded with challenges and overloaded with people telling us what we should do about them! Take a deep breath…. decide what you think …. trust your own opinion. If we can’t be a nation that trusts its government let’s try to become a nation of people who trust themselves.

2010-04-21T19:10:00.001-07:00

A Jewish Mulligan

I don’t play golf but I have heard about this strange term, “mulligan.” Having researched the term fully (thanks Google,) I learned that history cites three men named Mulligan who have been credited for creating this now-famous do-over rule. If your first shot is not so great you get a second chance. It seems that having left the realm of sports jargon nowadays any kind of second chance can be called (for better or worse) a mulligan. You know that we Jews never like to be left out so, yes, there actually is a Jewish mulligan!

The Jewish mulligan began in the wilderness as our ancestors celebrated their second Passover. There were those among the Israelites who had been unable to make the Passover sacrifice. They appeared before Moses and asked if there was something they could do. Taking advice from God, Moses instituted Pesach Sheni, meaning “second Passover.” The law was that one month after Passover, the 14th day of Iyar, would be the day on which anyone could make the Passover offering if they were unable to do so in Nisan. (This year Pesach Sheni is on April 28th.) Today, although there is no sacrifice to “make up,” many people have the custom of eating a piece of matza as a reminder of this ancient law.

The Jewish mulligan gave everyone who needed it a do-over to be a part of celebrating Passover and the exodus from slavery to freedom. While in ancient times this law applied only to Passover I think we need to be reminded that sometimes life is one big mulligan. Yes, it is true that sometimes we only get one chance at certain things, but there are other times when life grants us the luxury of a do-over to make up for something that we missed. We really only lose that second chance if we fail to take it. Think about it… let your mind wander… if I had another chance… a second shot. Makes for a pretty interesting proposition doesn’t it? As I mentioned, a lot of times life never gives us a mulligan but I am very happy to report that a play by play analysis of Judaism shows that life is full of them!

I can’t tell you how often I hear people say, “If I would have learned Hebrew,”” or “if I had the chance to do this or that.” Guess what… you still have the chance. On the field of Jewish living you are never too old to be a contender. The law of Pesach Sheni is our reminder- if you missed the mark the first time around use your mulligan! I’ll even volunteer to carry your clubs (well, at least your Siddur.) Passover may come and go but there is something worth celebrating every day as a Jew.

Make your own Pesach Sheni- do a Mitzvah you never did before. Don’t ever think that it is too late to try again. A Jewish mulligan? Who would have guessed!

Told You So!

2010-03-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

A year and a half ago people looked at me like I was crazy. My own daughter was among those who were angry at me for voicing an opinion that I had at the time. All this uproar was caused by several statements that I had made concerning my feelings about the upcoming election. Having been interviewed by this paper and others as well as TV and during what I thought would be a non-political radio broadcast, I repeated my belief that one of the reasons that I would not support candidate Obama was my mistrust of his future policies concerning Israel. People told me that concern was ridiculous: “democrats always help Israel,” “the whole Jewish community supports Obama, it will be OK.”

None of those arguments changed my mind. Now I am sorry that my concerns were well founded. Events last week prove that our President is much more concerned in courting the favor of the Arab world than in the security of Israel or the simple recognition that Israel is America’s only ally in the Middle East. Obama slips Netanyahu in the back door to avoid pictures, tries to tell him how to run his country (sorry threats don’t work like they do in American politics,) and then leaves him sitting like a scolded school boy while the President goes to eat. I think Ed Koch said it best in an editorial that he wrote last week. Koch noted that Obama treated Bibi like a third-world dictator, while he treats third world dictators like honored heads of state.

I am saddened by the widening rift in our country. The “great uniter” is tearing our country apart. While many hail this time as a “rebirth” of a new, better America, I believe the short presidency of Obama has already done more damage that we can even measure. That is an American problem that we will deal with in the next election. That will be the debate that we will hold until the next election. What I hope is that all Americans and, in particular, all Jews will agree on right now is our need to support Israel. Democrat or Republican, you must affirm that Israel is America’s ally for peace not, as the administration has said, the road block to peace.

Obama’s shameful break of trust comes at the worst possible time. It weakens Israel and emboldens terrorists everywhere. All this at a time when Israel may be the only one to stand up to Iran. Now we know that if Israel is forced to act they can’t count on our President for support. That is the greatest insult of all. If you love Israel I ask you to think about these events and share your feelings with others.

Finding Answer?

2010-03-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

Looking for Answers

I don’t understand it. How can some Americans be so filled with self-hatred and anger? I refer specifically to the case of “Jihad Jane.” Colleen LaRose looks like just about anyone you would pass on the street or wait behind in a line at your local store. Somehow she decided to become an enemy of our country and to offer her very life to kill others for the sake of Jihad. I understand that she was a convert to Islam and obviously has deep religious feelings. How did those feeling turn into the desire to kill others? I don’t understand it—as a Jew I want to live for my faith not die for it. I want to live to teach and help, to learn and share, to use the time that I have on this earth as a chance to make it a better place not to destroy it. I firmly believe most people (regardless of their religion) feel the same. I guess that it why it remains so hard for us to understand this obscene twisting of faith into the praise of martyrdom and the call to kill others.

For me it is doubly inexplicable that an American can feel this way. I know that our country is not perfect. I know that we have made mistakes and that our democracy is still a work in progress, but I also know that this is the greatest country in the world. We are the most generous. We are always the first to help others. We are always the first to fight for those who have no one to protect them. Yes, all in all, I am proud to be an American and am not at all apologetic about it. We may not be perfect but we are the best society to ever exist on this planet and I believe it will be the models that we have produced that will serve to point the way to that time when a society will finally “get it all right.” Should that ever happen it will in no small part be due to the example set by America.

So how is it that an American could be convinced that we are the “worst” – that our country should be attacked, innocent lives taken, our society torn apart by the sword of “holy war?” I can but offer the following: We often take what we have for granted and, thereby, belittle it. We often choose to dwell on what we do not have rather than what we do have. We often tend to forget that most of the world would be happy to have the freedoms that we squander. Sometimes we start to believe the rhetoric of those who hate us. I believe that Colleen LaRose thinks this way. She does not understand or appreciate what it means to be an American. I am not even sure she understands what it means to be human. To be human you must feel a common humanity with others. You can’t feel that when you are plotting murder.

What can we do? I make one small suggestion: Let’s not forget to remind ourselves of who we are. As Americans we can serve to bring light to this world even in these moments when there is so much darkness. Our society is not perfect but we have not given up on the ideal of perfection. Such perfection would be a moment in which every person has freedom, justice, and opportunity. Yes, it is a big dream but that’s why it’s called the “American dream.” We are the first people to dream so boldly. “Jihad Jane” is what we look like when you stop dreaming.

Tamarac Community Center Photo Exhibit

2010-03-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Please stop by at the Tamarac Community Center, 8601 Commercial Blvd, during the month of March. My photos will be on show for the month.

Looking Ahead to Pesach

2010-02-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Why is this night different?

On Monday evening, March 29th, we will begin the holiday of Passover. It is a unique opportunity to bring the realities and treasures of our tradition into your home. I can’t think of another holiday that is so based in the home and in the family unit. It is one holiday on which the synagogue takes second place to the individual home. While we come together in the synagogue for prayer, it is the individual Seder that really tells the story of Passover and reminds us that we are connected not only to every other home in which Passover is observed but to every generation that has come before us.
Through a series of questions and answers scripted to be meaningful to all ages, the Hagadah leads us through a reenactment of Yetziat Mitzraim, the exodus. As hard as we work preparing for Passover, the cleaning, cooking, and planning become anti-climactic as we reach the moment that everyone is seated around the table to begin a “back-to-the-future” journey through Jewish history. If you think of the Seder as a play then it is every one of us who becomes the starring actor- we all have lead roles to play in the retelling of the history of our people. This retelling is not just for the sake of telling “an old story that we all know,” but a chance to be reminded that we are a part of a community that has brought hope and faith to this world for thousands of years. This begs the question of just how we did this. How did we survive and flourish under the most impossible of conditions? How did we maintain an identity and spiritual message in a world that changed over the course of history? How did we beat all odds and become “the eternal people?”
In part we have survived by creating multiple institutions to insure that our children are educated and involved in Jewish life; we have youth programs and camps to teach Jewish values. We have social, cultural, and philanthropic organizations to promote our heritage that do an amazing job of bringing our community together. Unfortunately we are now in a situation that is unprecedented- many of our institutions are struggling to survive, the economy have taken its toll on our institutions, and those of us in leadership roles are faced with the challenge of creating a new vision of the Jewish future that we will create on the other side of the current crisis.
At this Season of Freedom I offer one insight that is not new but deserves repeating. The abiding message of Passover is that Jewish life begins at home! As our institutions are revamped and reshaped for the future, it will be the Jewish home and the lessons and priorities taught there that will give shape to the future. Our leaders are not created in a vacuum, nor are their passion and commitment created by institutions. Jewish leaders are Jews who have grown up in homes that were passionate and committed.
As you sit at your Seder take that time to look around at your friends and family? Are you helping to ignite their love of Judaism? Are you providing a role model for some future Jewish leader? The Seder may seem as though it is all about the Jewish past—the reality may be that it is all about the Jewish future!

Sun-Sentinel, 2/7/10 click to see full size

2010-02-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

Article from Sun Sentinel- Click to see full size

2010-02-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

Low Tech Security May Be Best

2010-02-01T13:36:00.001-08:00

Eye to Eye

Wouldn’t you know it! Once again Israel comes up with a break-thru technology! Forget about the cell phone, the computer, and the advances in medical treatments. What is of interest to us right now is much more pressing—airport security. Since the attempt to blow up the Christmas day flight and the subsequent political finger pointing we have been reminded that it only takes one mistake to bring catastrophe. The security scrutiny that has followed has been even more discouraging because the more we look the more flaws we find in the system that we thought was keeping us safe. Even the “no-fly list” seems to work too slowly as evidenced this past week when an individual on the list (this time because of illness) boarded a plane with no problem.
With all this renewed concern for airport safety one of the many reports that I heard stayed in my mind and actually contains a lesson for all of us. One reporter wonders why the obvious flaws in our way of doing things are not found in Israeli security efforts. When asked why El Al has such a good security record an Israeli spokesman gave a very simple answer. He said that Israeli security agents do one thing that Americans omit- when people come to the gate and security inspection the Israeli agents make sure to look them in the eye to “see” their intent.
Reflecting on this simple method the reporter noted that on his last flight the TSA agent looked at his belongings, looked at his documents (to the extreme of examining his driver’s license with a jeweler’s loop,) and searched his carry-on. The TSA agent never looked at him though- he was focused on the property and never looked at the person. In retrospect we see how useless this approach can be- remember all the murderers of 911 had valid documents. Sometimes you do need to look at the person!
It seems strange to us to depend on such a low-tech method. We spend millions of dollars to build machines that do more and more sophisticated imaging. Perhaps you have heard about the new full body X-ray that literally produces a picture of you as if you were naked- while an image of that resolution can certainly guard against a lot of threats it still can’t see into the eyes of a terrorist. I guess we should be reminded that no matter how amazing the machines are that we build, they pale in comparison to the human mind that created them. That’s a very good lesson to remember—in this age of e-mail, text messages, twitter, blogs, and more there is still nothing that tells you more about what a person really means that the tone of their voice. The same is true of the human eyes—they are still the portals to the soul. Who is your friend and who is your enemy? You need to look eye to eye to be really sure. Low-tech but reliable!

One Nation...... Indivisible?

2010-02-01T13:35:00.001-08:00

Like many of our basic institutions, the Pledge of Allegiance only seems to draw our attention when there is controversy. We have all witnessed the changes in our society in the last generation. More and more our public “rituals” are scrutinized for the sake of political correctness. This faulty theory seems to be that “inclusiveness” is better than commitment and that we should not express any feeling that might offend someone else. Hence, dozens of lawsuits have been brought that insure that our public life is stripped of any association with anything that looks or sounds like a belief in something! I understand that this is the consequence of freedom- a person does not have to do something (like recite the Pledge of Allegiance) just because other people want to do so. The most recent objection to the Pledge has been that it mentions God—an offense to atheists.
Today I argue on behalf of the Pledge because it contains a word that we, as a nation, need to hear now more than ever… indivisible. The Pledge has undergone changes in the past. First penned as a recitation for a student assembly in 1892, the most recent change was in 1954 when the words “under God” were added. In every version, including the first draft, the word “indivisible” has been included. Perhaps this was still an issue less than 30 years after the Civil War. Perhaps people needed to be reminded that families had fought each other over this very principle. Now tragically I think we need to revisit that word and the idea it represents. As Lincoln said “We are now engaged in a great battle…;” I am not predicting that we are on the verge of a civil war but we are engaged in a battle in which the only victory can be to make the word “indivisible” the battle cry of both sides.
If you are like me you watch the news every day and ask “when will this all stop?” The fight over health care, the fighting over the budget, the deficient, the right, the left, blue dogs. These are all conflicts over our different visions for the future. Whatever side you are on you must affirm that this is the democratic process for better or worse. I accept that but what I can’t accept is the divisiveness that these public debates are causing. Every issue becomes “us and them” without the reminder of the “we.” There is a war going on- it is the war of words and the war of politics. It is a war that we all will lose because each day we stray further and further away from the idea that this is one country… indivisible.
We are too quickly losing sight of the things that unite us, we are being buried alive in the flood of rhetoric, attack, counterattack, and (maybe worst of all) over analysis. Take the time to consider these words that express a vision for our nation over 100 years ago… one nation, under God, indivisible.

No Presumption of Innocence

2010-02-01T13:33:00.001-08:00

It was with regret, disbelief, and bewilderment that I listened to the announcement of the Attorney General. As he explained that the 911 terrorists would be tried in a civil court and that this would show the world the “power of the American judicial system,” I failed to understand the purpose of this trial. There are so many cogent reasons not to do this that it is hard to know where to start. I reject the idea that these men (I use the term loosely) have “civil rights.” They are not citizens of our country, they are not white-collar criminals, they are terrorists. They are soldiers in an army without uniforms. They came here to kill us- it is that simple. So why should you and I spend millions of dollars on this trial (we will, don’t doubt it, it’s called tax money)? Why should the citizens of New York City and New York State carry an even bigger burden? Why should we give these men an open stage and limitless air time to preach hate and murder?
All in all I fail to understand what will be accomplished by this trial- we will waste millions of dollars just to listen to the defendants put America on trial. We will be the villains, we will be the terrorists. I have no doubt that the weak-minded among us will end up apologizing to these killers because we are “the bad guys.” Yes, only in America! This stage show for hatred will be paid for by you and me so that our administration can claim some kind of moral victory. It will be a hollow victory. It is an empty gesture that only shows our hesitancy to protect ourselves and our own self-defeating policies. Is there no common sense left in Washington?
I understand that we can’t appear to have no rule of law. I also understand that there is military law which has now been rejected. All of this has to be viewed by what is perhaps the boldest act of hypocrisy ever; when questioned about the trial members of the government have stated (no, they have promised) that the defendants will be found guilty! If this is the promised outcome- again I ask, why must we suffer through this trial?
Please understand that there is a fact here that should guide our thinking and our judgment. It is a premise of American law that you are innocent until proven guilty. It is one of the things that make our system better than any judicial system that ever existed. But what should we do when there is no presumption of innocence? These men have confessed their crimes with pride and arrogance. There is no need to prove that they are guilty, so why put on the show? We have gone too far in our quest for justice – we try the victims and protect the criminal.
It is time that we learn that justice is a two way street. When there is no possible presumption of guilt what purpose does a trial serve? Think about it.

Sunrise Forum, 1/27/10- Click to see full size

2010-01-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

Let's Rethink Government

2010-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

Democracy for Sale

As of late I have been very worried about this country. Like many of you I am concerned about the direction we are taking. All the recent talk about those who have a new vision for this country has left me very fearful. Socialism, government ownership, and big government spending are not the answers to our woes. The last couple of weeks have, however, made me see that there is indeed hope for us – I don’t know why people are worried about socialism. Recent events have shown that the current administration and the congress are confirmed capitalist! The recent vote on health care shows that we are, more than ever, a capitalist country. After all, when you can buy as many votes as you need to pass a law, how can you worry about socialism? I am not an economist but I know an open market runs on supply and demand. That must be true because the senators who held out got more money than anyone else. I guess when every vote counts the value goes up! Rather ironic that money paved the way for a set of laws that will, if left unchecked, move us closer to the failed social systems of Europe. I guess money can even buy the workers’ utopia!
At the end of the day I think we should all be embarrassed by our leaders. Hundreds of millions of dollars were promised to those who pledged their votes at the eleventh hour. It should make us all angry. We see that bribery is a part of political business, and deals are made that border on the illegal. This is all done for the sake of reforms that, according to polls, do not even have the support of a majority of citizens. There is something very wrong here. I guess that is just the way things work in the new vision of America. Since I want to be a good American I guess I get a seat on the “change train.”
That being said I have come up with my own strategy to support our country. We all know that mid-terms elections are being held this year. So to show what a good American (and supporter of capitalism) I am), I have decided to put my vote up for sale just like they do in Washington. So here is my official notice: My vote is now for sale to the highest bidder- I don’t care what party or policy you support. Just show me the money and you can be sure that I will cast my vote for you. As long as you spread a little subsidy my way you can count on me. Of course it would be nice if you also gave something to my friends, and my kids, and maybe a new house, and maybe college money for my grandchildren and maybe a nice no-show job for me during my golden years. Would it be too much to ask if I could also be exempt from income tax? That’s all I ask, not much for something as precious as my vote.
So that’s my new policy to help our country. Am I a great citizen or what! Remember, it’s not bribery- it’s just democracy in action. Now I have only one more decision to implement this crucial contribution to the American way- should I sell my vote on E-bay or Craig’s list?

Created Equal- a New Biblical Study

2010-01-31T16:17:00.000-08:00

Created Equal, Dr. Joshua Berman, Oxford University Press, 2008.

Having earned a doctorate in Biblical studies I have read a lot of books about the Bible. One of the things that I learned along the way is that you are often better off reading the Bible itself! Scholarly books can tend to be very dry and too specialized to be of any interest or value to anyone but the “experts.” Unfortunately, every academic field is like that as we tend to produce studies that are more and more specialized. With that said, Dr. Berman’s book is more than a breath of fresh air—it is a windstorm of fresh ideas that will interest the general reader. Moreover, it presents a fresh and very important way for us to look at the history of our people. Perhaps most importantly, while this book discusses Biblical society and politics it is a book that demonstrates just how very much we need to hear the message of the Bible for the twenty-first century.
In Created Equal Berman uses his broad knowledge of the Bible and Ancient Near Eastern studies to demonstrate that along with the Bible’s radical theology (monotheism) there existed a radical view of humanity- that all men are equal. (yes, the usual caveat, women are not included nor are slaves or minors.) That caveat aside, the Bible presents a world view in which all people are created in the image of the Divine. It creates a plan for a society in which all people have an equal economic basis and equal value. Berman makes a cogent case for suggesting that Biblical Israel was to be a classless society.
When entering the world of politics Berman looks at other near eastern societies. He documents the view of other societies in which the king reigned by divine rule. The citizens existed for the sake of the king who represented the gods or (as in Egypt) actually was worshipped as a god. This meant that the citizen existed for the sake of the state. All his efforts, his very body and soul, were the king’s property. In contrast, the Israelites worshiped no king- in fact the first experiment in kingship with Saul was a terrible disaster. Even with the rise of David the king is nothing more than a leader who can be openly chastised when needed. More than this when Solomon would inherit the throne the vast majority of the kingdom would turn their backs to him and the nation that David had forged would become the split kingdoms of Israel and Judah. By today’s standards these may sound like small things but in their historical setting they were of monumental importance. In ancient Israel all men were created equal by the act of God’s creation- their lives were to be equal by their ability to care for and rule themselves. Even those who fell short of this goal were to be helped “back to their feet” according to the social theory of the Bible.
Again, the critic would say that this “equality” is an illusion because it did not embrace woman or children, but I remind you that as recent as the founding of this country equality was a relative term. Even the founding fathers of this country some four thousand years later would have, in our eyes, a very limited view of equality. What remains for us to appreciate is that Berman’s short and easily read study gives us a whole new insight into the history of our faith and culture. People were no longer to be the “mules” of the state but the full partners in a creative process.
I can’t imagine a time in which a study such as Created Equal could speak with more authority to our present moment. We still debate social theory. We still are in the process of trying to create a society based on equality. The current social and political debates are still revolving around some basic questions that we have yet to answer. Created Equal is certainly an affirmation of the Jewish worldview- the worth of the individual can never be compromised. Neither societies nor governments exist for their own sake- they exist as the common will of the individual and for the sake of the individual who is created in God’s image as we all are.

Conquering Fear

2010-01-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain Time, by Rabbi Harold Kushner, A.A. Knopf, New York, NY, 2009.
Reviewed by Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Thompson
In his new book Rabbi Harold Kushner confronts an age old human problem with which man still struggles in the twenty first century: the fear of uncertainty. While we live in a time in which technology makes our lives more comfortable than ever, we, like those before us, live in a time in which there is little that we can take for granted. Today’s “sure thing” can still become a bad decision. We can predict the weather but remain helpless in the face of nature. We have better medical care than ever but still worry that illness may strike us. More profoundly, Kushner’s monograph reminds us that it can take very little to shake our faith in the future. Should that happen we are destined to live with the worst disease that can strike the human heart- deep personal fear of what tomorrow may bring.
While “fear” may be a rather nebulous “boogeyman,” the author reminds us that some of our fears are unfounded and irrational. These can be dealt with by a simple dose of logic. After all, air travel really is safer than car travel, natural disasters are actually “rare” in their occurrence, and sometimes we are just afraid of being afraid. There are, however, some real fears that we all share. Some are specific to this moment. Terrorism is a fear that we, as Americans, have never had to face before. It is the twenty first century version of the fear of the dark. The fear of the unknown that threatens us without warning- we just can’t see it coming. We conquer this fear when we go on with our daily lives, while we continue to travel, while we reaffirm that, in the end, evil will consume itself.
Moving to fears that touch us more intimately, Kushner notes that many of us may fear change. Now, more than any time in history, the world moves faster than we can fathom- invoking the now rather mild image of “future shock,” he notes that many of us are suspicious and fearful of new technologies. The new possibilities for good make us worry about the new possibilities for evil. To live boldly is to embrace and recognize change. We are comfortable with the present moment but to live as if nothing changes is not realistic. None of us can function at our best when we feel the ground under us in constant motion – but we can boldly claim those things that are unchanging: the human need for mentoring, parenting, and love.
Writing just last year, Kushner also reflects on the economy, corporate downsizing, and the fear of job loss. He reminds us that some of these fears are larger than life itself because we sometimes confuse our jobs, our economic worth, with our human worth. To lose a job is not to lose one’s identity or one’s humanity. In fact, he poses, it might be a new chance to rediscover one’s worth. Living with courage means seeing past the grief and anger of loss. It means having a vision of who you will be when you emerge on the other side.
As a Jew I find Kushner’s work to be a great resource. In very human terms it reminds me that “living boldly” is a mitzvah. God intends for us to live with courage not with fear. Over and over again our sacred literature affirms that life is a process that unfolds between the polarities of human experience. We all live between moments of hope and moments of despair, between moments in which we feel connected to every other life in the universe and moments in which we feel desperately alone. In every circumstance it is within our power to conquer fear, to choose hope, and to create a future as we envision it to be.