Babel On . . .
The world's first "skyscraper" was built after the great Flood. All of humanity, unified by a single language, decided to build "a tower that reaches the sky" (Genesis 11:4), known today as the Tower of Babel.
The Gift of Responsibility
One of the "Gifts" that Thomas Cahill discusses in his best seller The Gifts of the Jews is the notion of journey.
B'reishit: Gateway to Astonishment
When God began to create the heaven and the earth... God said, "Let there be light"... "Let there be an expanse in the midst of the water"... "Let the earth sprout vegetation"... "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate day from night"...
Choosing to Be Chosen
Once, I was invited to address a local middle school class as they began a unit on the history of world religions. The teacher asked me to summarize Judaism in about 10 minutes. At least I had more time than Hillel when he explained the Torah "on one foot."1 But where was I to begin?
Is It True? Not Yet
Our biblical story of creation is stirring, and poetic, but is it true? If we want to know about the creation of the universe, we are not likely to open the Hebrew Bible; instead , we would probably look to science.
On Judges, Kings, Priests, and Prophets: Is the Jewish-Leadership Status Quo Sufficient?
The dramas of political power and legal authority are mesmerizing. From the creation of the first civil society to today, there is no shortage of debate about how an ideal society should function. Parashat Shof'tim outlines a mulit-tiered system for the Israelites' political system that includes judges, kings, priests, and prophets.
Why the Past Isn’t Enough: The Need for a New Covenant
Relationships—even sacred relationships—are not static. Even the most profound covenants and commitments sometimes need to be renewed or reestablished. But Parashat Ki Tavo asks, is this true even of our relationship with God?
The Depths of Human Agency and God’s Surprising Laughter
In this week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim, an aspect of the fundamental genius of Jewish existence is illuminated. In renewing the covenant God's intention is revealed: that human beings are intended to interpret and determine the meaning of Torah.
On Adaptive Jewish Leadership and Embracing Change
The central leaders throughout the Bible share some important characteristics. While each one is appointed or finds him- or herself in positions of significant leadership in very different ancient contexts, each example models core elements of the complexity, potential, and importance of Jewish selecting and supporting of leaders today. A prime example of the multifaceted nature of selecting a new leader is best exhibited in Parashat Vayeilech by the appointment of Joshua as the leader of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Land of Israel.