In a world where nuclear weapons could soon be in the hands of rogue nations like Iran, an Israeli pre-emptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities would be fully justified.
Clearly the story of Purim ends well -- at least for the Jewish people. Near the end of the Megillah, Esther saves herself and our people through an act that is both honest and brave. But what happens next? What of Esther and her relationship with King Ahasuerus after these last miracles recorded in the Bible, the miracle of Haman's...
Wait for a sunny day in Philadelphia and take a walk up North Broad Street. Start at City Hall and point yourself north, toward Temple University. If you have not strolled these parts recently, you may be surprised by the growth and development, as well as by the painful scenes. Stop on the front steps of Rodeph Shalom, roughly the...
The Jewish tradition seems to offer two distinct models of redemption: Purim and Pesach redemption. On Passover, the Haggadah emphasizes the exodus story as being about God lifting the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, carrying us from Egypt on eagles' wings. Pesach is about God redeeming us. Purim redemption, on the other hand, is about us redeeming ourselves. The Book...
Tammuz 11, 5773
