When Abraham Lincoln ran for Congress in 1848, he first listened to his opponent, Stephen A. Douglas, who, as the keynote speaker, spoke for nearly 90 minutes. Then it was Lincoln’s turn. He spoke for only one minute, saying simply: “Until now I always suspected that my opponent was a fool. Now, he has confirmed Continue Reading »
As over three million people congregated at the foot of Mount Sinai, after forty years of trudging through the desert, the defining moment in Jewish history occurred. Through dust and clouds, The Creator’s voice emanated across the masses and transmitted the ten commandments. With great seriousness, each person who bore witness to this grand mass Continue Reading »
A man sitting on the deck of a boat reaches into his toolbox, pulls out a drill, and proceeds to bore a hole in the hull. Suddenly, the people sitting next to him begin to shout, “Stop! What are you doing?” “I’m drilling a hole,” the man says. “I can do what I want. Why Continue Reading »
In a short time, during the holiday of Passover, we will celebrate the Exodus of the enslaved Israelites from Egypt. We will retell an enduring story about the Jewish people’s quintessential quest for freedom and redemption. It’s a story that has brought solace and a sense of promise to Jewish communities throughout their history, as Continue Reading »
In a few days, Jewish people around the world will parade through streets and synagogues dressed as the brave Queen Esther and the wise Mordechai. Some will even choose contemporary characters, revealing a wilder, more creative side of themselves. Dressing in costume is exciting. When we change our outward appearance, we feel different; through the Continue Reading »
How do we stay warm in the winter? Comedian Milton Berle, of blessed memory, used to quip that his wife was going to need a new fur coat. Jerry Seinfeld routinely suggests retiring to his parents’ condo in Boca. Yet, we know that the real protection from the raw elements in nature is provided by Continue Reading »
Dear Friends, On Sunday evening, December 18th, Jews around the world will come together to light the first candle of Hanukkah, otherwise known as The Festival of Lights. At its heart, this uplifting holiday is about the achievement of justice in the face of overwhelming odds. It is an opportunity to reflect on the triumph Continue Reading »
John Adams, Second President of the U.S. sent a moving letter to Francois A. Van der Kemp, who was one of the Dutch radical leaders of the Patriot Party. Van de Kemp was also a minister and publicist who gave the Patriot movement a Christian tint in his blazing speeches. I quote the following from Continue Reading »
