All sorts of schools ranging from elementary to graduate level are abolishing grades or objective entrance exams such as the SATs. It is not a coincidence that this is happening as less learning and less transmission of verifiable skills take place. Numbers have a funny way of revealing reality. Just as most speedy drivers would...
I came across a book entitled Invoking Angels written by a Master Kabbalist. Do you recommend this book, and what are your thoughts on Angels and Kabbalism? Fred Dear Fred, If you are at a dinner party and someone you have just met tells you that he is the top-ranking undercover spy for the CIA,...
Thank you for all you do providing wisdom and guidance. How does one who isn’t Jewish know if the Bible is for him, or just for a certain people living at a certain time? Thanks again. Marcus W. Dear Marcus, In one of the most delicious ironies of history, the home of the French philosopher...
Question: Dear Rabbi Daniel & Susan Lapin, I am a Christian woman who is enjoying the journey of learning our Jewish roots. I recently ordered your library collection and I am quite enraptured in the wisdom that is shared. You are absolutely right when you say, ‘You need a rabbi!’ I have a question regarding...
Question: In the Bible, genealogies are stated mostly in terms of fathers and sons. Yet, in speaking to contemporary Jews, I am told that the determination of whether one is a Jew or not depends upon the mother’s lineage and faith. Is that the Biblical standard or was that changed over time? ∼ Christopher...
Having debuted in 2006, Psych is the USA cable network’s longest running original series. It is set in Santa Barbara but for reasons having to do with production costs and trade unions, the series is filmed in Canada. The scenery is recognizably coastal British Columbia, which my family and I know well from our summer...
Our office and store will be closed from sunset Monday night 3/25 Pacific Time through an hour after sunset Wednesday night 3/27 in obedience to God’s command to not work on the festival days of Passover. We appreciate your patience. Please look for your Thought Tool one day later than usual. ____________________ Please be aware...
Usain Bolt set a new Olympic record in London for the hundred-meter race. Though true, it wouldn’t be particularly helpful if he advised aspiring athletes, “It’s easy; just move your legs faster.” Similarly, while true, it isn’t helpful to remind ourselves that success comes to those who do what they must rather than what they...
He struck success when his children were aged 10, 7, and 5. He and his wife moved out of their dilapidated house near downtown Dallas and into a mansion in Preston Hollow. They worried about their children becoming spoiled and never growing the will to struggle and succeed. They dreaded their kids developing the decadent...
Celebrity endorsements can mean a great deal to a company. So we thought it a tremendous coup when Illinois Governor (though probably not for long) Blagojevich give an unsolicited plug for our audio CD, Perils of Profanity: You Are What You Speak. After all, while the governor is not being impeached for his vulgar...
