In a world where paganism was all that people knew, the Jewish concept of monotheism was a stubborn contradiction to what society believed in. Yet despite all the pressure against it, monotheism refused to die. Rabbi Spiro posits the parallel trend today by linking multiculturalism to the world's steady deterioration of moral values, and presents a surprising position that Jews are using this time around.
What could possibly be the reason the world relentlessly makes irrational claims against the Jewish nation and their homeland? This striking phenomena of why people hate the Jews is ironically accompanied by a long list of self-contradictory reasons and double standards that keep forcing them to dwell quite alone.
There are many worrying myths that are in constant flux within the fragile Israeli-American bond, myths that stir up strong feelings on just how to convince the Palestinians to sit down and make peace. Rabbi Ken Spiro is always clear, concise, and energetic as he portrays the much larger conflict between the Muslims and the Western world - particularly wherever Israel is involved.
American Jewish life before the great World Wars differed in several ways from all previous periods of Jewish colonization. After our long history of being chased from one country to the next, this emigration was a conscious decision of Jews to live in a new land which promised freedom, success, and wealth. In what ways did early Jewish life in America suffer setbacks from this bold initiative?
Dr. Luchins opinion as to whether a Jew should take sides in Israeli politics is well known: if you want to interfere, first make Aliyah. Nevertheless, he balances this view with three reasons why one should indeed publicize their views on Israeli politics, but clarifies the hidden pitfalls and consequences to be aware of.
Are the Jewish people still involved in social justice with the same intensity and passion as they were during the earlier years of the 20th century? Hear Dr. Luchin’s assessment and sharp analysis of where our failings as a community lie, and how he stresses the necessary to support social programs of all stripes and colors as an open, unified Jewish group.
The wedding of Chelsea Clinton was the talk of the summer - and for good reason. The overt Jewish trappings of that high profile matrimonial ceremony was something quite unusual. Dr Luchins examines the concept of intermarriage and how it has changed the Jewish community, and how the American public views us now.
The decision to free Gilad Shalit from his torturous years of captivity and isolation is hotly debated. Dr. Luchins analyzes the social contract Israel has with its citizens, the increasing disgust for Abbas’s dishonest tactics, and the need for a secure, healthy government in Egypt, plus other possible motivations for trading a thousand terrorists for the life of our soldier.
The familiar lessons of American history come to life as Rabbi Wein discusses notable American Jews and their influence on politics. Some advanced Jewish causes and will be sung as heroes in Jewish history, while others refused to help their brethren that they might appear "unbiased." But for good and for ill, every case makes for a spell-binding story in its own right.
Those living in Israel who cherish Yom Ha'atzmaut are faced with a puzzling contradiction. They are glad to be living here and speak about the gift of the Holy Land, yet because of all the internal dissension so many chose to leave. Rabbi Weinberg urges us to think through certain ideals we've taken for granted: What is independence? Why are we here? Why is this land so precious?