A Talmudic story for this evening's consideration -- re safety, sheltering, perhaps even hiding (Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai lived during the 2nd century in Israel, under Roman rule) 'The Talmud relates the following story: Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai spoke critically of the Roman government, … [Read more...]

The Ten Commandments: be aware of those who feign law, morality & ethics Beware the hand who dares to inscribe 'the writing on the wall' Daniel 4-5 (or for that matter, any writing, on any wall or any stone 'tablet' -- and for the record, not the Stone Chumash, and not the Apple … [Read more...]

Here we examine the 'People of Israel' (in Israel and outside of Israel) -- as we continue to take a closer look at the (long and arduous journey) of the Jewish people, "homeward bound" Jarring notation on the words bound and bond: or perhaps we could also understand this as "to be bound up in … [Read more...]

Joy, Memory and Loss A Jewish homeland, a Jewish mother, a son, and a mingling emotional Joy and emotional Sorrow Israeli Memorial Day Yom HaZikaron 2023 / יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן 5783 Israeli Memorial Day remembers those who died in the War of Independence along with all those who have given their … [Read more...]

An essay, or a gnawing thought, for our consideration: Did it really happen -- who tells this story (who listens) -- and how it is used . . . (* see note from the Haggadah at very bottom of this page) A 'retelling of a story' is especially critical when the 'retelling' itself demands that we … [Read more...]