Tag Archives: university

Instant Karma-Behar/Behokutai 2013

I usually don’t think of rabbis making threats, but one statement in the Mishnah in Avot has become one for me: Ribbi Nehunia ben Hakana says anyone who takes up the mantle of Torah the responsibilities of the world are … Continue reading

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The Delusion of Alienation-Parshat Emor 2013

A lot of people are trying to understand how could it be that two American teenagers could do what the Tsarnaev’s did in Boston.  I believe believe both sides are equally concerned with trying to stop it, but taking it … Continue reading

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Profiteering off of Jewish Ritual

I am well aware by now that many Christian groups have reversed the traditional anti-Jewish position that the various Churches have taken over the centuries.  I am even aware that some have started Judaizing, which is the practice of adopting … Continue reading

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Righteousness of an ‘Entitled’ Girl’s Rant

Maybe Suzy Lee Weiss was whining.  That’s really not for me to evaluate.  Her message was nonetheless stinging and insightful: the college admission process has made the tafel ikar and the ikar tafel (the secondary primary and the primary secondary). … Continue reading

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It’s a Boy, and other eighth day ideas-Parshat Shemini 2013

This will probably be the last of a blitz of things I’ve written/posted… about having a son, which is a big deal for me.  I really thought after 2 girls that was it for having a boy.  It is different. … Continue reading

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JVO Question: Is there such a thing as Jewish race memory?

Question: Is there such a thing as a Jewish race memory? I have what seems to be an overwhelming identity with Jewishness, yet I was not born a Jew in any sense. My father was the son of a Jewish … Continue reading

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30 Days before the Festival

Everyone I know, Jew and Gentile alike, can’t stand how Christmas has become a two month celebration starting basically right after Halloween.  It’s OD.  For almost a solid month some radio stations play nothing but Christmas music, though I noticed … Continue reading

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Causes-The Virtual Golden Calf

What I am about to say is somewhat objectionable, but that’s fine.  Anyone who doesn’t want their sensibilities challenged a bit is probably not going to read a Torah web site anyway.  I’m not saying everyone who does wants it, … Continue reading

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Giving and Giving-Parshat Terumah 2013

I’m tired.  I’m fried.  I’m burned.  My wife is having pregnancy complications now and on top of everything else I’m doing I’m now part-time nurse and Mr. Mom, and I have no bedside manner.  It’s a problem and I’m working … Continue reading

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Vicarious Atonement

One of the fundamental principles in Judaism is that everyone is rewarded and punished on their own merit.  Not everyone believes this.  A significant part of the world believes that the suffering of one individual suffices for all.  I demonstrate … Continue reading

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