I wrote this Musing before Charlie Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday. I have read a number of beautiful and meaningful reactions to that tragedy which speak what is in my heart. The United States–and the world–is a darker place today. Thirteen years ago, as Professor Dan Ariely was awaiting the publication of his book, The Honest
Less Religion, Less Honesty, Less Happiness Read More »
We recently enjoyed a delightful few days in South Florida where I was guest speaker for a large and well-established synagogue in the Fort Lauderdale area. The occasion was the Biblical holyday commemorating God giving Israel the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. It was the Bible festival of Shavuot that we celebrated at the start
My Festival in Florida Read More »
Question of the week: Dear Rabbi Daniel and Susan, In your program, Ancient Jewish Wisdom, “Our Culture,” how did Rebekah know that the jewelry represented the ten commandments when they had not been given yet? Thank you, Leah Hi Leah, Thanks for giving us a chance to expand on our words. For those who haven’t
Jewelry is Never Just Jewelry Read More »
In the 10 commandments, it says, “Thou shalt not kill.” So if a police officer shoots a burglar breaking into your home, is God happy or displeased? What about the military whose job it is to kill people? Is God happy or angry? Does it make a difference which army you are in? Is a
Why doesn’t “Do Not Kill” apply to war and law? Read More »
Mother’s Day is sacrosanct. It is almost a law of nature. Nobody dare disparage the purchase of those boxes of chocolate and the saccharine-flavored greeting cards that accompany them. Few would discourage dragging mom out to a crowded restaurant for that obligatory Mother’s Day meal. Were I to question its value as a revered date
Get Ready for Mother’s Day Read More »
There are many life-metaphors to be found in the wonderful world of boats. Boats and people both embark on journeys and both can reach their destinations or sink. When a boat is in the doldrums it is in that notorious windless zone near the equator. Old-time sailing vessels were often stuck there for weeks. When
Ditch the Doldrums Read More »
When democracies vote, citizens hope to elect leaders whose values align with their own. The problem is, how do you know? One clue is to pay far more attention to what they have done over the years than to what they say. Interestingly, in America’s recent election, the news media along with their attendant opinion-generators
Nothing Trumps Your History Read More »
Question: I have been listening to your podcasts & have found them to be very informative & fascinating. I just listened to your episode of 2/20/16 about Jewish attitudes towards money, business, etc. I was saddened, though, as I heard you discuss the 10 Commandments in terms of God’s 5 Commandments about “connections”. I am
My son has autism and can’t connect with others Read More »
James Bond knew it. Sherlock Holmes knew it. Even Lieutenant Columbo on the NBC show from the 70’s knew it. There are no coincidences in life. If these famous agents and detectives repeatedly spotted someone in their vicinity, they were being followed. If the same gun was used at separate crime scenes, the crimes were
Repetition Reveals Reality Read More »
