A Lesson in Gun Control from IsraelAnyone who has been to Israel typically makes two quick observations. First, everyone has a cell phone and second, it would appear, that everyone has a gun. Whether it be the young soldier with an m-16 on his back to the store owner with a sidearm, guns it would seen are part of society or so it would seem. The Slate article points out that:“gun advocates in the United States sometimes misleadingly cite the country as a positive example of a place with a … [Read more...]

Omaha City Council - A Lesson from Maimonidesrabbisteven: The Omaha City Council began a debate on Tuesday around the increased problem of “aggressive panhandling”. In rabbinical school I would often find myself walking the few blocks from my apartment to the seminary, behind one of my most beloved and well respected professors. I noticed that he always had change in his pockets and almost always would give to those individuals on the street who asked for money. What was peculiar was that those … [Read more...]

Omaha City Council - A Lesson from MaimonidesThe Omaha City Council began a debate on Tuesday around the increased problem of “aggressive panhandling”. In rabbinical school I would often find myself walking the few blocks from my apartment to the seminary, behind one of my most beloved and well respected professors. I noticed that he always had change in his pockets and almost always would give to those individuals on the street who asked for money. What was peculiar was that those … [Read more...]

Sukkot - Stop and Smell the RosesAfter being stuck inside for the past few weeks both preparing for and taking part in the High Holy Days, it is a welcome change to be forced to step outside into nature. This great article from The Atlantic points out the importance of taking some time everyday to step outside and enjoy the world God has created. … [Read more...]

"Words can kill." Watch former Sen. Danforth's touching eulogy for Tom SchweichJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Former U.S. Sen. John Danforth has suggested that political bullying led Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich to fatally shoot himself. Danforth delivered the eulogy Tuesday dur…In case you missed this….here is the eulogy by Former Senator John Danforth for Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich.  Schweich took his own life this past Thursday after a whisper campaign was started, mistakenly, … [Read more...]

Local clergy react to judge's ruling on Nebraska's gay marriage banU.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon struck down the state’s gay marriage ban but delayed the implementation of his ruling for a week, giving the state a chance to stop gay weddings from being performed.I am currently traveling back from Washington, DC, after attending a day or so of the annual AIPAC conference.  As I look back down at the city of my youth from 35,000 feet, it is perhaps being so high above the gridlock that gave … [Read more...]

Jewish Camp Trend-Spotting: 10 Ways a Summer Ritual Is Changing – Forward.comBy far the best part of my job is when I get to visit our youngest congregants at Jewish summer camp. It is an infusion of Jewish identity that our youth cannot get anywhere else. It’s a privilege getting to spend a few days with them, and seeing their joy in being Jewish. … [Read more...]

Camps Build Robots And Ruach | The Jewish Weekwhen did the fact that the camp was Jewish stop being enough of a specialty? at one time i felt strongly that specialized Jewish camps would lead to the end of Jewish camping. that specialization would lower the number of kids attending Ramah, Herzl, OSRUI …etc as no one would want to simply attend “Jewish” camp anymore, campers would flock to Jewish Science camp or Jewish Sports camp. What do you think, does specialization … [Read more...]

Peres, Abbas to pray for peace at Vatican on June 8The world needs a new broker of peace in the middle east and while I am skeptical as to the outcome, the Pope has impressed me with his first step. “I offer my home in the Vatican as a place for this encounter of prayer… to join me in heartfelt prayer to God for the gift of peace,” he said. “Building peace is difficult, but living without peace is a constant torment,” he added. Perhaps the conversation needs to start with prayer and see where … [Read more...]