Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Whale of a Tale

Life Lessons from Gargantuan Fish, Geese, and Corpses

An island turns out to be the back of a mammoth sea creature, oceanic waves rise miles high, and an encounter with the "dead of the wilderness." Rabbah bar bar Chanah's strange parables hold the secret to Jewish survival and offer powerful tips on how to rise above life's challenges.

Whale of a Tale

Life Lessons from Gargantuan Fish, Geese, and Corpses

An island turns out to be the back of a mammoth sea creature, oceanic waves rise miles high, and an encounter with the "dead of the wilderness." Rabbah bar bar Chanah's strange parables hold the secret to Jewish survival and offer powerful tips on how to rise above life's challenges.

Journey of a Blessing

Turning Spiritual Capital into Physical Goods

If we are judged during the High Holidays for the coming year, why do we pray each day? What are we praying for if everything has already been decided? This lesson explores how spiritual blessing translates into material well-being -- and the role of the priests in making that happen.

Journey of a Blessing

Turning Spiritual Capital into Physical Goods

If we are judged during the High Holidays for the coming year, why do we pray each day? What are we praying for if everything has already been decided? This lesson explores how spiritual blessing translates into material well-being -- and the role of the priests in making that happen.

A Nation That Dwells Alone

Israel’s Relations with the Family of Nations

One of Israel’s principal dilemmas -- one that grew more acute in the aftermath of the 1967 war -- is its stance toward an often hostile international community. In staggering disproportion to the size of both its land and population, Israel receives almost constant coverage in international media and foreign forums, and the majority of this coverage is highly uncomplimentary. Is the criticism and censure justifiable? Can Israel normalize its existence and affairs to the point that it will be viewed and treated as equal to other players in the international community?

A Nation That Dwells Alone

Israel’s Relations with the Family of Nations

One of Israel’s principal dilemmas -- one that grew more acute in the aftermath of the 1967 war -- is its stance toward an often hostile international community. In staggering disproportion to the size of both its land and population, Israel receives almost constant coverage in international media and foreign forums, and the majority of this coverage is highly uncomplimentary. Is the criticism and censure justifiable? Can Israel normalize its existence and affairs to the point that it will be viewed and treated as equal to other players in the international community?

Timeless Moments

On Visiting the Resting Place of the Righteous

The resting place of a saintly Jewish leader or scholar is also a place of prayer and introspection. But are we really allowed to pray to the dead? That sounds awfully pagan! Discover what happens when we pray at a tzaddik’s graveside, and how it enables us to experience a unique, timeless connection with G-d.

Timeless Moments

On Visiting the Resting Place of the Righteous

The resting place of a saintly Jewish leader or scholar is also a place of prayer and introspection. But are we really allowed to pray to the dead? That sounds awfully pagan! Discover what happens when we pray at a tzaddik’s graveside, and how it enables us to experience a unique, timeless connection with G-d.

DIY Judaism

Achieving Spiritual Independence

Visit the Western Wall? Check. Talk to a rabbi? Check. Go to synagogue frequently? Check. There are many external ways to nurture Jewish inspiration, and we should make use of them. But our ultimate goal should be to stand spiritually on our own two feet.

DIY Judaism

Achieving Spiritual Independence

Visit the Western Wall? Check. Talk to a rabbi? Check. Go to synagogue frequently? Check. There are many external ways to nurture Jewish inspiration, and we should make use of them. But our ultimate goal should be to stand spiritually on our own two feet.