Prologue: Living in an echo chamber is easy but debilitating. If we don’t encounter ideas other than our own or ones that challenge our thoughts, our minds become duller and our beliefs less stable. For this reason, I follow certain personalities with whom I disagree much of the time, but I find them rational, thoughtful,
We Love the Story but Reject the Lesson Read More »
Dear Susan and Rabbi, About seven months ago I bought myself a copy of your book Dear Rabbi & Susan: 101 Real Life “Ask the Rabbi” Questions and very much enjoyed it. Thank you both for writing it. I recently went back to the book in the hope that one of the 101 questions deals
Does My Girlfriend Love Me? Read More »
to know of his disability. My husband is severely dyslexic but over the decades has developed a wide range of coping strategies which effectively camouflage this condition. This week, he was criticized by his employer for behaviors linked to dyslexia, such as not taking notes during meetings. I would like him to be formally diagnosed,
My Husband Doesn’t Want His Boss Read More »
Dear Rabbi and Susan, I often think of your saying, “Politics is the practical application of our most deeply held values” when figuring out where I stand on a particular issue. I’m confused when it comes to ICE, immigration, and America’s borders. The Bible is full of admonitions to treat the stranger kindly, (Leviticus 19:33)
A long time ago I listened to Rabbi Lapin on the radio explain the opposite of love is indifference. I have been sharing this for years. Recently I told this to the pastor of my church. The pastor and I debated for a while until we departed disagreeing. I agree with Rabbi Lapin and I
The Opposite of Love Read More »
Dear Rabbi Daniel and Susan Lapin, Were you ever pranked by your children? Sincerely, Rabbi Daniel and Susan Lapin Dear Happy Warriors, Yesterday morning, we arose from seven days of sitting shiva for our beloved daughter, Rena. Being surrounded for the week by five of our children as well as Rena’s husband and children was
While discussing the verses which warn judges (and all of us) against taking a bribe (Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19), ancient Jewish wisdom relates a tale of two men who were standing under a hot sun. One invites the other to share the shielding cover of his umbrella. As they begin to chat, the umbrella’s
Some Give and Take Read More »
Question: I am very much in love with my girlfriend and I want to marry her. Recently, she got a tattoo on her left wrist that I do not like whatsoever. I am trying to get over it but the idea of looking at it the rest of my life is not thrilling. I keep
I Hate My Girlfriend’s Tattoo Read More »
This coming Sunday is Susan and my wedding anniversary. Whenever I say her name an irrepressible surge of ecstatic appreciation wells up in my heart. My gratitude for the love she lavishes upon me and for the delirious joy I feel in her company is exceeded by the adoring amazement I feel about her agreeing
February. An often bleak, cold and dark month. This may be the reason why, aside from the obvious commercial implications, cheerful, bright, pink and red valentines endlessly bombard us as soon as February approaches. For women’s magazines the theme of the month’s issue is pre-ordained – romance. Generally this means that even more clap trap
It’s the Genes, Stupid – originally posted Feb. 2007 Read More »
