Rabbi Jonah Layman

A Jewish State: The Challenge of Haredim

2012-01-30T10:15:00.000-05:00

A thoughtful and challenging piece by my teacher Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman. Let's see if anyone in Israel takes up the challenge.

A Jewish State: The Challenge of Haredim - Shalom Hartman Institute

In Israel, a Stunning Rise for Kiryat Shmona’s Soccer Team

2012-01-26T07:12:00.000-05:00

An article about soccer but also about a small Israeli town in the north.

In Israel, a Stunning Rise for Kiryat Shmona’s Soccer Team - NYTimes.com

Serbian vulture set free after treatment at Israeli veterinary hospital

2012-01-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

A feel-good story that won't make the front page of the Washington Post or New York Times!

Serbian vulture set free after treatment at Israeli veterinary hospital - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Israeli archaeologists find 1,500-year-old kosher 'bread stamp' near Acre

2012-01-10T09:24:00.000-05:00

A really fascinating discovery!

Israeli archaeologists find 1,500-year-old kosher 'bread stamp' near Acre - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

All (and That Means All) Aboard

2012-01-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

The Jerusalem light rail system as a metaphor for Israeli society. An interesting op-ed piece.

All (and That Means All) Aboard - Haaretz - Jewish Ideas Daily

Newt, Mitt, Bibi and Vladimir

2011-12-14T10:13:00.000-05:00

A very important piece by Tom Friedman.

Newt, Mitt, Bibi and Vladimir - NYTimes.com

Check out these new music videos!

2011-12-12T12:46:00.001-05:00

What We Really Want to Hear From Our Friends

2011-12-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

A well written essay by my teacher Dr. Donniel Hartman on the controversy surrounding Newt Gingrich's comments on the Palestinian people.

What We Really Want to Hear From Our Friends - Shalom Hartman Institute

Slideshow: Maurice Sendak’s Hanukkah Lamps

2011-12-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

An exhibit of Hanukkah menorahs by Maurice Sendak.

Slideshow: Maurice Sendak’s Hanukkah Lamps – The Arty Semite – Forward.com

Excavations reveal King Herod didn't complete construction of Jerusalem's Western Wall

2011-11-23T08:34:00.000-05:00

Fascinating discovery about the construction of the Kotel.

Excavations reveal King Herod didn't complete construction of Jerusalem's Western Wall - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

From Haran to Hebron

2011-11-18T07:48:00.000-05:00

Will we ever be able to walk this Abraham Path? Read this fascinating article.

From Haran to Hebron - Haaretz - Jewish Ideas Daily

What’s the point of observing Judaism?

2011-11-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

This piece from Israel's Haaretz is my point exactly.

What’s the point of observing Judaism? - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Wayne Hoffman: Why I'm Going Back to My Synagogue After 25 Years Away

2011-11-16T08:36:00.000-05:00

Author Wayne Hoffman grew up and became bar Mitzvah at Shaare Tefila. He recently published Sweet as Sugar, a story about a gay man and an Orthodox rabbi and he will speaking about it after Friday evening services at Shaare Tefila on Nov 18. We are pleased to welcome him home!

Wayne Hoffman: Why I'm Going Back to My Synagogue After 25 Years Away

Israel and the Apartheid Slander

2011-11-01T07:53:00.000-04:00

A fascinating op-ed from Richard Goldstone.

Israel and the Apartheid Slander - NYTimes.com

Living with Missiles

2011-10-31T10:55:00.000-04:00

This is the latest from my teacher Dr. Donniel Hartman.

Living with Missiles - Shalom Hartman Institute

Video Travel Diary: A Road Trip Across Israel

2011-10-31T10:42:00.001-04:00

This is a great video showing the life, energy and diversity of Israel.

This Isreal from Matthew Brown on Vimeo.

Video Travel Diary: A Road Trip Across Israel - The Atlantic

My Shabbat Remarks

2011-10-24T11:04:00.000-04:00

This past shabbat I spoke about how I read the Torah. Here is a summary of my remarks.

Over the centuries the Torah has been viewed as the source of Jewish law, the history of the Jewish people, and the source of religious values. Underlying this is the traditional notion that God wrote or at least dictated the Torah to Moses on Mt. Sinai about 3,300 years ago. We would expect then that everything in the Torah should reflect some aspect of at least one of those ideas.

But how do we respond when we read the story of the talking snake? How do we relate to such a passage that clearly conflicts with the laws of Nature?

I view the Torah as a Humanly recorded document, an accumulation of stories, laws, and values that our ancestors recorded in response to events that occurred on Mt Sinai. I don't believe that God wrote or dictated the Torah. I do believe that something awesome happened at Mt Sinai and as a result the Torah was written. It contains the ancient myths and stories of our people and it contains the laws that our ancestors felt should be followed in order to respond to God's presence in our lives.

Seeing the Torah this way allows us to continually interpret it and allows Judaism to continually evolve while at the same realizing that the text and our tradition are means of responding to God's presence. The story of the talking snake is just a story. It didn't happen. But the lessons we learn from the story serve as a foundation for who we are as Jews today.

My Yizkor Sermon

2011-10-24T10:49:00.000-04:00

Before Yizkor (the memorial service) this past Thursday (Shemini Atzeret) I talked about Gilad Shalit. This is a summary of my remarks.

We expect Judaism to provide us with guidelines on how to pray and worship God. Judaism is supposed to help us with rituals and a liturgy in order to feel God's presence.

But Judaism is more than a house of worship. It provides us with an ethical and moral code which helps us navigate life every day. From the mundane - like not cheating on a test - to the most complex - like end of life issues - Judaism provides us with tools that help us make the right decision. In the process we also feel connected to God.

What happens when these ethical principles collide? Judaism teaches us that if we save a life it's as if we've saved the whole world (Mishna Sanhedrin 4:5) and it also teaches us the welfare of the community/State is important. Should Gilad Shalit have been released? Is the answer clear cut?

Yossi Klein Halevi - writer for The New Republic and Commentary among others - wrote a piece on the website Tabletmag.com (click here to read it) in which as a father of an Israeli soldier and an Israeli citizen he conveys his ambivalence about the release. He quotes a person who was protesting against the release, "We're protesting to save future victims of freed terrorists. Those victims don't have names yet. But they could be my son or your son."

Yet upon his release Halevi concludes the article by saying, "For all my anxieties about the deal, I feel no ambivalence at this moment, only gratitude and relief. Gratitude that I live in a country whose hard leaders cannot resist the emotional pressure of a soldier's parents. And relief that I no longer have to choose between the well-being of my country and the well-being of my son."

How do we know which decision is right? Today we could decide one way and next week it could be another way. And that's okay. We look to family and our tradition to help us and we know that with their support our decision will be supported. May we always find strength and inspiration in our tradition.

Gilad - Welcome Home

2011-10-17T09:41:00.000-04:00

This is from my teacher Dr. Donniel Hartman - an Israeli perspective on the deal to release Gilad Schalit.

Gilad - Welcome Home - Shalom Hartman Institute

My Yom Kippur Yizkor Sermon

2011-10-11T08:52:00.002-04:00

I received a lot of comments about this sermon in which I presented my theology in contrast to the theology of the machzor. Click here to read it.

An Interview of Rabbi David Hartman

2011-10-05T15:53:00.002-04:00

This is an interview on NPR with Rabbi Hartman. It's about him and his theology. A good listen.

The Days of Awe: We Need Less Awe and More Action

2011-10-03T13:10:00.000-04:00

A meaningful Yom Kippur message from Dr. Donniel Hartman.

The Days of Awe: We Need Less Awe and More Action - Shalom Hartman Institute

Another Rosh Hashanah Video

2011-09-21T09:31:00.002-04:00

If It Feels Right

2011-09-13T13:37:00.000-04:00

Scary and challenging thoughts by David Brooks on American youth and their moral development.

If It Feels Right - NYTimes.com

Great Rosh Hashanah Video!

2011-09-09T08:49:00.002-04:00

Judaism without God?

2011-09-07T09:51:00.000-04:00

An interesting discussion from Moment magazine.

MOMENT MAGAZINE

Shalom Hartman Institute - From Turkey to Rothschild: The Gifts and Challenges of Sovereignty

2011-09-06T09:23:00.000-04:00

As usual, a thoughtful piece from Dr. Hartman on Turkey & Israel.

Shalom Hartman Institute - From Turkey to Rothschild: The Gifts and Challenges of Sovereignty

The Haimish Line

2011-08-30T15:20:00.000-04:00

An interesting op-ed by David Brooks in the NY Times today.

The Haimish Line - NYTimes.com

Fiddles of Hope

2011-08-15T12:30:00.000-04:00

This is a very moving article.

Fiddles of Hope - Ynet - Jewish Ideas Daily

Benjamin Resnick: Responding to Daniel Gordis

2011-07-15T07:33:00.000-04:00

A terrific piece by a JTS rabbinical student that lays out the issues of being politically liberal and a Zionist.

Benjamin Resnick: Responding to Daniel Gordis – Forward.com

Are these ruins of biblical City of David?

2011-07-14T16:38:00.000-04:00

Watch the news story which asks whether evidence has been found of the biblical, 10th Century BCE kingdom of David.

Are these ruins of biblical City of David? - CNN.com

Are We a Nation That Dwells Apart?

2011-07-12T09:06:00.000-04:00

An interesting view on current events.

Are We a Nation That Dwells Apart?

Manischewitz Goes Sephardic

2011-07-12T08:23:00.000-04:00

A funny and interesting brief history of Manischewitz.

Jonathan D. Sarna: Manischewitz Goes Sephardic – Forward.com

Majorcan Descendants of Spanish Jews Who Converted Are Recognized as Jews

2011-07-12T08:19:00.000-04:00

Fascinating.

Majorcan Descendants of Spanish Jews Who Converted Are Recognized as Jews - NYTimes.com

The King’s Talmud

2011-07-07T16:31:00.000-04:00

A fascinating historical piece about a Talmud in England in the 1600s

The King’s Talmud - New English Review - Jewish Ideas Daily

A Grisly Medieval Mystery

2011-06-27T06:48:00.000-04:00

Fascinating. An awful reminder of our past.

A Grisly Medieval Mystery - BBC News - Jewish Ideas Daily

Prayer Space

2011-06-23T06:49:00.000-04:00

Interesting article about early synagogues in Israel.

Prayer Space - Biblical Archaeology Review - Jewish Ideas Daily

The Tourist's Dilemma

2011-06-20T08:11:00.000-04:00

A fascinating article about an ancient synagogue in Albania.

The Tourist's Dilemma

Jonathan Pollard: The Duties of Compassion

2011-06-20T08:10:00.000-04:00

From my teacher Dr. Donniel Hartman.

Jonathan Pollard: The Duties of Compassion

Conservative synagogue body restructures, reduces dues

2011-06-15T11:12:00.000-04:00

Will these be positive changes?

Conservative synagogue body restructures, reduces dues | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

'I sleep with a beat'

2011-06-15T10:57:00.002-04:00

A fascinating article about Nino Batton and his Jewish, Arab, liturgical music on the Oud.
'I sleep with a beat' - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

And click here to hear some of his music.

Love, True Love, and Statistics

2011-06-14T09:07:00.000-04:00

A look at recent poll data on Americans and the State of Israel.

Love, True Love, and Statistics

Reflections on the Evil at Our Doorstep

2011-06-13T12:24:00.000-04:00

Thoughts from Dr. Donniel Hartman on the tragic situation in Syria.

Reflections on the Evil at Our Doorstep

Reflections on the Evil at Our Doorstep

2011-06-13T12:22:00.000-04:00

Thoughts from Dr. Donniel Hartman on the tragic situation in Syria.

Reflections on the Evil at Our Doorstep

Israeli dairy cows produce most milk

2011-06-07T09:52:00.000-04:00

Fun fact for Shavuot - the holiday of dairy food!

Israeli dairy cows produce most milk | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

Are Young Rabbis Turning on Israel?

2011-06-02T06:53:00.000-04:00

A very disturbing article that points out the trends of future Jewish leaders regarding their relationship to Israel.

Are Young Rabbis Turning on Israel? « Commentary Magazine

Susan Katz Miller: 18 Questions You Might Want to Ask About Our Interfaith Son's Bar Mitzvah and Coming-of-Age

2011-06-01T14:17:00.000-04:00

Fascinating description and provocative to the Jewish establishment.

Susan Katz Miller: 18 Questions You Might Want to Ask About Our Interfaith Son's Bar Mitzvah and Coming-of-Age

Dining under siege

2011-05-31T11:21:00.000-04:00

Fascinating archeological discovery and exhibition in Israel.

Dining under siege - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

A Moment to Breathe - and Act

2011-05-31T11:00:00.000-04:00

This provocative piece is from my teacher Dr. Donniel Hartman

A Moment to Breathe - and Act

Lost in Jerusalem: A Wanderer's Tour of the Holy City

2011-05-24T09:24:00.000-04:00

An interesting article found on The Atlantic website.

Lost in Jerusalem: A Wanderer's Tour of the Holy City - The Atlantic

Jewish Secularism’s Moment

2011-05-20T11:22:00.000-04:00

A challenging article about 40% of American Jewry.

Jewish Secularism’s Moment

An Analysis Of Obama's Middle East Speech | The New Republic

2011-05-20T08:48:00.000-04:00

An Analysis Of Obama's Middle East Speech | The New Republic

New, Tenuous Lease on Life

2011-05-10T09:14:00.000-04:00

A sobering thought on Israel's 63rd birthday by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Gordis.

New, Tenuous Lease on Life - Jerusalem Post - Jewish Ideas Daily

Volunteers in 1948

2011-05-09T09:50:00.001-04:00

Israel stands still to commemorate fallen soldiers on Memorial Day

2011-05-09T09:46:00.000-04:00

Today is Memorial Day in Israel - remembering all those who gave their lives fighting for the State of Israel. We will forever be grateful to them.

Israel stands still to commemorate fallen soldiers on Memorial Day - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Cost-Saving and the Clergy

2011-05-04T10:28:00.000-04:00

Trouble brewing in the American synagogue.

Cost-Saving and the Clergy - Jewish Week - Jewish Ideas Daily

Honoring Heroes on Holocaust Remembrance Day

2011-04-28T12:02:00.000-04:00

This is from my teacher Dr. Donniel Hartman. May we have a meaningful observance of Yom haShoah.

Honoring Heroes on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Farmer, rabbi and maple syrup maker, Shmuel Simenowitz melds Torah and environmentalism

2011-04-22T10:50:00.000-04:00

Fascinating article.

Farmer, rabbi and maple syrup maker, Shmuel Simenowitz melds Torah and environmentalism | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

The 11th Plague? Why People Drink Sweet Wine on Passover

2011-04-18T09:46:00.000-04:00

An interesting article about the history of Concord grape wine.

The 11th Plague? Why People Drink Sweet Wine on Passover - The Atlantic

Eichmann Goes Digital

2011-04-18T08:36:00.000-04:00

Hours of footage of the Eichmann trial 50 years ago are now available on line.

Eichmann Goes Digital

The Memory of Pesach: A Tale of Two Stories

2011-04-15T10:13:00.000-04:00

A fine devar Torah for Passover from Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman.

The Memory of Pesach: A Tale of Two Stories

Why Hasn't Israel Embraced Much-needed Education Reform?

2011-04-06T10:24:00.000-04:00

Interesting article on Israel's education system.

Why Hasn't Israel Embraced Much-needed Education Reform? | The New Republic

Another Clever Passover Video

2011-04-05T17:38:00.000-04:00

This is from the National Jewish Outreach Program.

Very Funny Passover Video

2011-04-05T09:37:00.002-04:00

This video says it all in the age of Facebook. Happy Passover!

The Goldstone Report

2011-04-04T08:46:00.000-04:00

In Sunday's Washington Post Richard Goldstone wrote an op-ed in which he recognizes that his infamous report of the war in Gaza in 2009 was faulty. Click here to read his report.

In reaction to this piece, my teacher Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman published this thoughtful response. Click here to read it.

May this be the beginning of thoughtful reconsideration of our connection to Israel and Israel's policies.

Israeli medical delegation lands in Japan to aid relief efforts

2011-03-28T13:44:00.000-04:00

Israeli medical delegation lands in Japan to aid relief efforts - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Should You Give Money to Homeless People?

2011-03-23T08:54:00.000-04:00

An interesting article about a painful dilemma.

Should You Give Money to Homeless People? - The Atlantic

Dear President Obama

2011-03-22T12:29:00.000-04:00

A heart-felt letter from an Israeli. It asks for suport and respect.

Dear President Obama

Former President Moshe Katsav gets 7 years in jail for rape

2011-03-22T09:20:00.000-04:00

A great day for the Israeli justice system but a sad day for politics.

Former President Moshe Katsav gets 7 years in jail for rape - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

The First Woman Rabbi

2011-03-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

A fascinating piece of history.

The First Woman Rabbi - Jerusalem Post - Jewish Ideas Daily

Toward a more assertive liberal Judaism

2011-03-21T08:16:00.000-04:00

A very important article from Haaretz by a leader of the Masorti (Conservative) Movement in Israel. If only we can develop a strategy to make it work.

Toward a more assertive liberal Judaism - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

A Letter to our Family in the West Bank

2011-03-16T08:48:00.000-04:00

This heartfelt response to the tragic murder of the family of 5 this past shabbat is from my teacher Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman.

A Letter to our Family in the West Bank

So You Want to Go to Rabbinical School

2011-03-13T15:33:00.000-04:00

This funny video has started to make the rounds of the rabbinic world.

A Fun Video from the Maccabeats

2011-03-09T09:35:00.001-05:00

Jewish 7-year-old struggles to balance sports and faith

2011-03-09T09:15:00.000-05:00

This article was in Haaretz today about a 7 year old Orthodox girl in New Jersey. Provocative.

Jewish 7-year-old struggles to balance sports and faith - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Israel’s Renewed Interest in a Rediscovered Ancient Color

2011-03-01T12:10:00.000-05:00

Fascinating article about the color blue for the tzitzit.

Israel’s Renewed Interest in a Rediscovered Ancient Color - NYTimes.com

The Forgotten Commandment

2011-03-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

From my teacher Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman on what it means to be a religious leader.

The Forgotten Commandment

Israel trip challenges, inspires teens with disabilities - Chicago Tribune

2011-02-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

A great, inspiring article on this last shabbat of Jewish Disabilities Awareness month!

Israel trip challenges, inspires teens with disabilities - Chicago Tribune

Oldest Mikveh in America?

2011-02-22T16:24:00.001-05:00

Here's a story from the Baltimore Sun about uncovering what may be the oldest mikveh in America.

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Jerusalem & Babylon / Why liberal Judaism is in free fall

2011-02-18T09:18:00.000-05:00

A very interesting and challenging article.

Jerusalem & Babylon / Why liberal Judaism is in free fall - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

USCJ Wants To Bring ‘Indie Minyans’ Into the Fold. But Will They Join?

2011-02-17T06:53:00.000-05:00

A plan by the Conservative Movement. Will it work?

USCJ Wants To Bring ‘Indie Minyans’ Into the Fold. But Will They Join? – Forward.com

A Letter to the Egyptian People

2011-02-14T08:48:00.000-05:00

This is from my teacher at the Hartman Institute. It's a heartfelt and hopeful letter.

A Letter to the Egyptian People

Zero Hour - The Latest in Liberal Judaism

2011-02-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

This article highlights issues and studies underway to figure out why the liberal streams of Judaism in America are declining.

Zero Hour - Forward - Jewish Ideas Daily

Living with Uncertainty

2011-02-02T12:03:00.000-05:00

Another view from my teacher Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman on the situation in Egypt.

Living with Uncertainty

On Whose Side Are We?

2011-02-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

This is an interesting piece about what a leading Israeli thinker is wondering about Egypt.

On Whose Side Are We?

Blood Libels

2011-01-31T08:19:00.000-05:00

This article, in light of Sarah Palin's recent use of the concept, highlights the history and meaning of blood libels.

Blood Libels » Main Feature » Jewish Ideas Daily

With eye on long term, Israel plans for ‘leapfrog’ growth to stem brain drain | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

2011-01-19T11:24:00.000-05:00

A important piece on Israel's future.

With eye on long term, Israel plans for ‘leapfrog’ growth to stem brain drain | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

Scottish burial society worker makes landmark bias claim | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

2011-01-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

This case highlights the difficulty of organizing a non-Orthodox option in the United Kingdom. The Jewish community is mainly controlled by the Chief Rabbinate which is Orthodox.

Scottish burial society worker makes landmark bias claim | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

What is a Miracle?

2011-01-10T08:42:00.002-05:00

I thought I would share a summary of my talk on miracles this past shabbat.

"Our initial definition of a miracle usually is something like what was described in the Torah portion "Bo" - the plagues in Egypt and the impending exodus. A miracle is an event that is supernatural, that is clearly unique, rarely occurs, and is meant to redeem a people. If that is the definition then a prayer that we recite three times a day seems to mean something else.

"Toward the end of the "amidah" - the prayer recited silently while standing - includes a prayer expressing gratitude. Among the things we say thank you to God are the "miracles that attend us daily" (translation found in our Sim Shalom prayer book). If miracles are unique and rarely occur then how can we thank God for miracles that happen all the time?

"Clearly the rabbis who authored that prayer understood miracles differently. They understood that life itself is miraculous. The fact that the world exists and that the laws of nature allow us to stay rooted to the ground is miraculous. And when something goes wrong - as with the tragic death of the young man from Olney whose family used to be members of our shul, Alex Popek - we only recognize more how tenuous and miraculous life itself is.

"Therefore we learn that miracles are around us every day. That lesson leads us then to understand what kind of attitude we should have toward life itself. We tend to take life for granted. We even tend to think that we have a modicum of control over our lives too. If so then we tend to be arrogant and think we deserve the good things that happen in our life. Instead, by reciting this prayer three times a day we hammer home the point that life does not follow our command but rather God's. We owe our existence to God's miraculous creative powers. That lesson leads us to be humble rather than arrogant.

"Humility in the presence of God's awesome power instills in us the lesson that no matter our station in life, all human beings are equal, all human beings are dependent on one another, all human beings should be grateful to God. Humility leads to respect and justice and if we maintain that attitude in our lives then that would be truly miraculous!"

In Memory of Those Killed in Tuscon, AZ

2011-01-10T05:59:00.000-05:00

In memory of those killed in Tuscon, AZ on Saturday and in order to pray for the recovery of the congresswoman and others who were wounded, President Obama has asked all Americans to take a moment of silence at 11 am today. A colleague of mine in NY prepared a meditative prayer (kavanah) to read at that moment.

President Obama calls for Moment of Silence for Victims of Shooting in Tucson, Arizona

"Today at 11:00 a.m. eastern standard time, I call on Americans to observe a moment of silence to honor the innocent victims of the senseless tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, including those still fighting for their lives. It will be a time for us to come together as a nation in prayer or reflection, keeping the victims and their families closely at heart."

The President will observe the moment of silence with White House staff on the South Lawn. The moment of silence will be pooled press.

Yesterday, the President signed a proclamation calling for flags to be flown at half-staff.

In preparation for the moment of silence called by President Obama, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York has written the kavannah below.

We pray for the recovery of Representative Gabrielle Giffords (Gavriela bat Gloria v'Spencer)
Kavannah for Moment of Silence
"Our tradition is that in the event of suffering, we fall silent and pray for mercy." - Talmud Bavli Berakhot 62a

May we fall silent now, and listen to these gunshots still reverberating, and hear these bullets ricochet through our society. Let us never make such a deafening noise. Let us add soft voices, instead, to human discourse, in which we seek to understand before we insist on being understood. Thus we may merit to be like the students of Hillel, esteeming the words of our adversaries.

Baruch Tegegne, Who Saved Ethiopian Jews

2011-01-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

This is a eulogy for a man who has been behind the scenes for so long. It's a shame that his death went largely unnoticed.

Baruch Tegegne, Who Saved Ethiopian Jews

The Moral Consequences of Ignorance

2010-12-31T10:49:00.000-05:00

This is a sad yet provocative piece on the state of Israeli society today.

The Moral Consequences of Ignorance

People of the E-Book? Observant Jews Struggle With Sabbath in a Digital Age - Uri Friedman - Technology - The Atlantic

2010-12-23T08:22:00.000-05:00

Fascinating article about using e-books on Shabbat.

People of the E-Book? Observant Jews Struggle With Sabbath in a Digital Age - Uri Friedman - Technology - The Atlantic

Conservative Rabbinate Response

2010-12-22T10:45:00.000-05:00

Recently some ultra Orthodox rabbis in Israel issued a statement that it was halachically permissable not to sell or rent homes to non-Jews. This racist decision has been countered by the president of the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem - Rabbi David Golinkin.

Conservative rabbis: OK to rent, sell homes to non-Jews

Interesting Documentary

2010-12-20T12:02:00.000-05:00

Read this piece about an interesting documentary coming to PBS about why people choose to become clergy.

Steven Colbert - Story About Sharks

2010-12-15T11:13:00.003-05:00

Watch this clip about the true, recent shark attacks in the Red Sea.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/368130/december-09-2010/israel-shark-conspiracy

Israeli Medical Technology on American TV

2010-12-14T12:23:00.000-05:00

Read this article about an Israeli robotics company and its product on the show GLEE.

A 'Glee' moment for Argo Medical

From Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman

2010-12-10T09:21:00.002-05:00

This is his latest essay - a reaction to the opinions of ultra-Orthodox rabbis in Israel regarding living with non-Jews.

What No Rabbi in the World Outside Israel Would Ever Say (09/12/2010)

(Or What Israel Can Learn from World Jewry)

By DONNIEL HARTMAN

We awoke this week to yet another assault on Judaism and democracy by rabbis fulfilling official positions within the Israeli rabbinate. As distinct from the past, however, the vast majority of Israelis from a wide spectrum of religious and political beliefs, including our prime minister, condemned their ruling, which declared it Jewishly illegal in essence to allow non-Jews to live in proximity to their fellow Israeli Jewish citizens. Israelis have not been silent; a continuous flow of headlines, editorials, and petitions have given expression to the revulsion that most Israelis feel.

Given this broad-based response, the question that needs to be asked is: Why is this happening again? Why are rabbis in Israel continually susceptible to these types of moral, ideological lapses, which never seem to plague their colleagues, Orthodox and liberal alike, who live around the world?

One explanation, which was mirrored in the ultra-Orthodox rabbinic critique in Israel against these rabbis, is that rabbis in Israel are free from the fear of worrying about "what the goyim will say," and whether their remarks will incite anti-Semitic responses. Under this explanation the "gift" of sovereignty is that Jews today can be uninhibited and free to finally descend to the moral insensitivity and bigotry to which we always aspired but were prevented from doing.

While this explanation may have been true of Diaspora life for centuries, it no longer reflects the nature of Jewish experience or motivation. Most Jews around the world have left the exile not through making aliyah, but by embracing their communities as their new homes. For Jews around the world, the non-Jew is no longer only or even at all an adversary who threatens our existence. They are friends who have welcomed us as members in full standing into their societies. Jews have reciprocated by embracing the larger world and engaging with it in a new partnership. They don’t see the world as a dichotomous us-them, but as a place they want to learn from and contribute to.

No rabbi in the world would ever forbid living in neighborly relations with the non-Jew, not simply because such a ruling is politically self destructive, but rather because it does not reflect the values and experiences that have come to define the nature of Jewish life outside of Israel. Around the world, Judaism is growing and flourishing, especially in North America, in the midst of a shared, multi-religious public sphere where new levels of respect, cooperation, and learning take place on a daily basis.

This is not the experience of Israelis. While instinctively rejecting the racist immorality of these few rabbis, our attitude toward non-Jews very often reflects that of the shtetl in the Middle Ages. Despite our power we often feel threatened and endangered by the Arab population, both in Israel and around us. That is not to say that many of these feelings are not without cause. Peace and coexistence have yet to become the central values defining Middle Eastern life. However, one of the greatest challenges facing modern Israel is not to allow the Middle East conflict to transform Israel into the largest ghetto in Jewish history, where a ghetto mentality will prevail. We cannot allow the fostering of a Judaism which aspires to further alienate us from our neighbors and which permits racist and separatist ideologies. We cannot excuse and ignore such expressions, even if they are in the minority, for minority positions which are ignored today become the inheritance of the majority tomorrow. We can no longer allow our government to turn a blind eye and fund for political considerations Jewish ideologies, rabbis, teachers, or schools which undermine the moral fiber of Judaism and the democratic character of the State of Israel.

We have embarked on a momentous project - to build a homeland for the Jewish people, a place where the best of Jewish values define the public sphere, a place where all Jews around the world, those who live in Israel and those who see their homes elsewhere, have a stake and a share, and a role in shaping the future of this society. We Israelis must learn that we have much to learn from the Judaism of Jews around the world. The experience of building Judaism in a minority context has enhanced our moral sensitivity and opened us to some of the best ideas and values that the world has to offer. As for the Jews of the world, the opportunity created by the State of Israel to take full responsibility for a society and which positions Judaism on a world stage as never before, creates unparalleled opportunities for Jewish innovation, pride, and experience. Their lives as Jews can be enhanced and enriched by this experience.

This opportunity, however, brings with it great challenges. Greatness is not inherited; it needs to be earned. Jews of moral principles in Israel and around the world must reach out to each other to ensure that each is benefiting from the experience of the other. We must make sure that our response to those who are creating a Judaism in Israel which is unworthy of our tradition will neither prevail nor be allowed the position of representing our people, our country and our faith.

We the majority, both in Israel and around the world, need to see each other, reach out to each other and build ever-new avenues of cooperation so that we will be worthy of the opportunities given to us in the modern world and strong enough to respond to its challenges.

Our Hanukkah Celebration

2010-12-09T17:36:00.002-05:00

Even though Hanukkah is over I wanted to share with you a video I made of the wonderful program we had on Tuesday evening. Lisa Arber - our program coordinator - arranged for local "sofer" - scribe - Menachem Youles to have a "klaf" - parchment - ready for a mezuzah. With the help of those in attendance we wrote the Sh'ma paragraph which will go into one of the mezuzahs in our new building! What a great way to celebrate the holiday of dedication! We also heard from one of the University of Maryland a capella groups - Rak Shalom. And our own Steve Franklin and Myrna Yalon sang their own Hanukkah songs. Take a look!

Help Restore Israel's Carmel Forest

2010-12-06T08:51:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, December 2, the largest wildfire in Israel's history broke out in the Carmel forest in the Galilee region. Following a visit to the scene by helicopter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Israel has suffered a disaster on a scale we have never seen before.” Thirty thousand citizens from towns and villages in the Carmel hills above the Mediterranean port of Haifa were evacuated. Nearly 10,000 acres of the forest have been destroyed. A bus carrying 50 prison guards on their way to assist with the rescue mission became engulfed in flames, resulting in the death of 40 individuals and serious injuries to the others.

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and our overseas partners, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), immediately deployed teams to assess needs and begin relief efforts. JAFI is working with youth movements to open camps for displaced children and is opening shelters for displaced families with up to 1,000 beds. JDC's Emergency Response Team has been activated and is working with local Israeli authorities to monitor the situation, focusing on the most vulnerable, including the elderly.

Israeli president Shimon Peres said, “If there is something we can say, it is that those involved in this difficult event are exhibiting true bravery that symbolizes the holiday of Hanukkah.” The Prime Minister has appealed for international help to battle the blaze. Those who wish to can donate to a special emergency fund. 100% of donations collected will go toward relief efforts. Checks should be sent to the Israel Forest Fire Disaster Relief Fund, and made payable to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, 6101 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852. Funds can also be donated online at this dedicated page.

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