Watch For New Segment on Jewish Life Television

After thirty plus years in the rabbinate as a student and teacher of Judaism there are two important things that I have learned. The first thing is that I don’t know everything. The second is to ask for answers. That may not sound too complicated- after all no one knows everything! It is the second point that is a little trickier: sometimes we hesitate to ask questions. The truth is “asking questions” is a very Jewish hobby. The first Jew, Abraham, was always asking questions; in fact he wasn’t even embarrassed to ask God questions! Yes, the history of Judaism is the record of a four thousand year of give and take- questions and answers. Sometimes our questions have been hard to ask. Sometimes we haven’t liked the answers! Four thousand years later we are, like Abraham, asking questions that have no answer at all!

The rabbinic theory of learning depended on the dynamic of real dialogue- sharing questions and answers through which both participants would grow. I would like to invite you to be a part of that age-old dialogue and join me on line and on the air for “Ask the Rabbi.”

“Ask the Rabbi” will be a new addition to JLTV.TV for 2016. Come on line and go to the website to ask me anything about Jewish tradition, culture, or history. You can send your question to “asktherabbi@jltv.tv.” I will answer your question in an email and use your question on a new broadcast feature on JLTV. I will respond to questions on the air throughout the broadcast day on the air. It is a great way to get your questions answered and to share your question with the entire JLTV audience.

As the host of “To Life L’Chaim” (seen on JLTV on Tuesdays at 10:30pm) I am constantly reminded of the many ways by which Jewish life, culture, and religion have touched and inspired so many people, Jewish and non-Jewish. I believe that the more we know the more we will be inspired. That’s why I encourage you to be a partner with me in making Jewish Life Television the central address for entertainment and learning. As a viewer you are the most important part of the equation- that is why you choose to watch “America’s chosen network.” I hope you will also choose to make it the place in which we share our questions and our answers.

Again, contact me at “asktherabbi@jltv.tv.” Ask me a question that has been on your mind and allow me to share the answer with the world-wide audience at Jewish Life Television.

My Interview with Elisabeth Duda

The Prime Ministers: Soldiers and Peacemakers

Stories From the Past that Put the Present In Perspective

Rabbi Yaakov Thompson

The Prime Ministers is a new documentary from Moriah Films that opens in South Florida November 6^th. Based on the book by the late Yehuda Avner, the movie covers much of the unknown history of the Rabin and Begin years. Personal insights come from Avner’s career with both Prime Ministers and include his account of Rabin’s second term before his murder. The mid-70’s were fateful years for Israel, the first blooming of peace with Egypt, Entebbe, and Camp David. They were also the years that, at times strained the relationship between Israel and the American government. Carter wanted the return to the Green Line. Reagan wanted Israel out of Lebanon. They were also years of promise- I was living in Jerusalem when Sadat made his historic visit- it was an amazing event that many felt was the first step in the long road to real peace. Now, almost 40 years later, we look back and see that expectations were too high but there are still lessons to be learned.

As you view the film containing much footage seen for the first time you are drawn from the past to the present. One can’t help but compare “then” to “now.” That is why I think this film is more important at this moment than even its producers could have imagined. The current Israeli government is still faced with the same basic issue as those years in the 70’s: the challenge of trying to talk peace when Israel is under siege daily, the public and private dialogue with an American government that has its own agenda, and the struggle to protect the citizens of Israel.

Today’s situation is much more dire- the Iran issue, ISISs’ daily advance closer to Israel, and the new media war against Israel make the problems of the 70’s almost tame. The real power of The Prime Ministers is its power to evoke the courage of the past. As its subtitle suggests, the Prime Minister of Israel must be both a soldier and a peacemaker. It should renew our support for Israel’s government that must cope every day with attacks but, nonetheless, never give up on the possibility for peace. In retrospect that was the theme of the Rabin and Begin years and now that retrospective can help us put the present in perspective.

The Prime Ministers is a powerful dose of history- it is the strongest medicine- it helps us understand how the present was shaped and inspires us to shape the future.

The Prime Ministers: Soldiers and Peacemakers opens November 6^th at O Cinema in Miami Shores, AMC in Aventura and Sunset Place, and at Movies of Del Ray and Lake Worth.

From the Internet Somewhere! Don't know the source but the piece speaks for itself!!!!  Maybe some day the world will open its eyes!

Elisabeth Duda joins me on To Life L'Chaim Tuesday, November 3rd, 10:30pm.

Elisabeth is a Polish born actress who now lives in Paris. She plays the female lead in a must-see new film called Run Boy, Run. It is the true story of how a young Jewish boy evaded the Nazis. It is a powerful story with powerful performances. I was lucky enough to spend some time with Elisabeth while she toured South Florida openings. Join me on the 3rd at 10:30pm for the interview and make sure to see the movie.

To Life, L'Chaim #272-Prof. Alan Dershowitz

Interview With Rabbi Lau, Chief Rabbi of Israel

The link will take you to my interview with Rabbi Lau, former Chief Rabbi of Israel. Rabbi Lau talks about his life as a survivor of the Shoah.