It is enormously difficult to change one’s belief system. The older and more invested we are in our convictions, the harder it is to change them. Whether this means abandoning a prejudice or a political system, accepting a relationship with God or rejecting the faith in which one was brought up, changing belief systems is...
Most Americans have not heard of Israeli politician, Naftali Bennett. Yet, a YouTube video of his that has gone viral in Israel holds lessons for conservative Americans. In the video, Mr. Bennett is in disguise, portraying a hapless man who constantly apologizes. A waitress spills his coffee – he apologizes. Someone slams into his car...
When I picked up the phone and heard Marcia’s voice saying, “Can I please speak to the Rabbi?” I knew it wasn’t time for chitchat. Buzzing through to my husband on the intercom, I told him, “Marcia’s on the phone and it sounds like something really bad has happened.” When he came out from his...
Congratulations, Mr. Boehner. As expected, you won the battle for Speaker of the House. If reports are correct, you also took the first step to help cause a Republican loss in the presidential election of 2016. By punishing those who voted against you, you sent a “who needs you” message to vast numbers of Republicans...
Has one of your children ever approached you with a long litany of complaints? Your offspring begins detailing his grievances, some of them more perceived than real. You gently interrupt to contradict the mistakes. Perhaps it’s a friend or professional associate. The instinct to defend ourselves against what we feel is an illegitimate allegation is...
