We are a society moved by anecdotes. For the past few decades, every American president, whether Republican or Democrat, has sprinkled special guests around the House chamber during his State of the Union speech. These guests are meant to tug at our heartstrings (they do) and, incidentally, highlight something positive about the administration or emotionally...
As the school year began anew, author (and courageous columnist) Abigail Shrier wrote about an increasing number of parents who are sending their children to classical schools or schools with dual-language curricula. She concluded that the draw wasn’t so much the foreign language acquisition as it was these parents dismay with what was taking place...
The instances where men argue with God concern me. If God knows and designs all outcomes, why does the Bible use the language of “arguing”? Is it possible to actually change God’s mind? Lynn Dear Lynn, Your question sent us on a Biblical search and we couldn’t find an example of anyone arguing with God....
When does an unintended consequence turn into a decision? How about when enough time has passed for one to recognize that even if the consequence was undesired, it is to be expected? I was thinking of this question when I read a plaintive article. The female author was decrying the “unexpected consequences of feminism and...
Is it kosher ok to drink coffee? Is coffee considered to be a “bean”? Is coffee considered to be a drug (caffeine) to be avoided or is coffee A-OK fine to drink as a delicious beverage that helps us concentrate and work and study better? Can we be at our best drinking coffee daily each...
We are heading into the Days of Judgment and Awe which means that committed Jews are engaged in deep introspection. That is why I should have been searching my conscience. Instead, I was actually browsing my computer files. I was slightly horrified to discover a Musing that was meant to appear last May, but which...
Humor can be dangerous. In Stalinist Russia laughing at a joke the regime deemed inappropriate might trigger loss of a job or worse. Today, in the United States, comedians as famous as Jerry Seinfeld no longer perform on college campuses based on the hate-filled reactions hurled at them. Paradoxically, a sense of humor remains high...
Three English translations? I noticed that in Job 31:1 certain translations read “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?” However, in the King James Version it reads “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Why is the...
If I was stranded on a desert island and we stipulated that there were no predators, an abundant supply of food and water, and perfect weather conditions, I might possibly survive. I might even have a head start on building a wagon or bicycle since I appreciate the concept of a wheel. I would not...
My Sunday school class is studying Deborah in Judges chapter 4. What is the Jewish wisdom concerning her relationship with Barak? Some say Barak was a coward and others say he respected her opinion as judge and connection to God as prophetess to lead them to victory. I personally sensed he challenged her leadership skills...
