Some Jewish Reactions to Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" I approach the story with an open heart. As a Jew, I do not experience the drama (the suffering) of the passion. as one of redemption from death. However, I identify with the many sensitive young Jewish men who struggled to find meaning for themselves, their families, their friends and their people during a period of intense oppression by a foreign power. Among them there seems to have been one whose teachings and presence were so compelling, that, even after his death, his followers continued to feel him immanent among them. There is room in my heart for each of them as as they were brutally tortured and murdered. I also follow the tracks of this sad road in current Jewish affairs as they spread worldwide for the first month following the release of the film. Last updated March 29, 2004.
Tools for Jewish College Students but Avigail has reported to me that (at least at Reed (which does not have any official Jewish representation (Hillel, etc.))) she could use some help presenting the case of Israel when people refer to it as a colonial and/or apartheid/racist state. Last updated 17 November, 2001.
A Question for Hanan Ashrawi who recently spoke in Portland, OR. Avigail and I prepared a question for her to ask (she did not get the opportunity). The question still needs a response. If you have the opportunity to ask her, please do (and let me know how she responds). Last updated 17 November, 2001.
Muslim spokespeople -- somebody's missing! Most of these spokespeople are academics or heads of cultural organizations. Where are the Muslim clergy? Last updated 15 October, 2001.
What Do We Mean By "Religious" Wars The struggle is not against Islam (we hope), nor against Christianity. The struggle is, rather, against particular expressions of those faiths. Last updated 15 October, 2001.
An Online Primer On Islam A short annotated list of selected resources on Isalm of interest to Jews. Last updated 15 October, 2001.
Islam Hijacked That the core values of a religious civilization can be hijacked is not unknown to us. Last updated 15 October, 2001.
What We Can Do Wherein I offer some personal suggestions Last updated 10 September, 2001
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel This weekend (January 16, 1998) marks both the birthday of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and the 25th anniversary of the death of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. last updated 2 June, 1999.
The "December Dilemma" A discussion prepared for the Outreach Committee of Temple Adat Shalom, Poway, California (Saturday night, December 6, 1997) I am indebted to Rabbi Steven Z. Leder and Dr. Alice Ginott for material in preparing this. last updated December 24, 1997.
Same-Sex Commitment Ceremonies I owe a deep debt of gratitude to my wife Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz for encouraging me to explore the subject of rabbinic officiation at same-sex commitment ceremonies in greater depth, and from perspectives that I might not have ordinarily. Last updated 30 May, 1997.
Rachmanut Many people begin to get impatient with those whose only response to their Jewishness is via the Sho'a. I'd like us to show a bit of "rachmones" for them. Last updated 29 April 1997
Shoa Nightmares I think every teenage Jewish child ought to have a week of Sho'a related nightmares. If we can reenact the Exodus and living in Sukkot, why not the Sho'a? Last updated ca. April 1997
Tzitzit and Kippah (or, How do we make decisions?) On September 24, 1996 I asked my rabbinic colleagues... in particular, those who wear Kippot (and request/require the students in their congregations to wear Kippot when either studying or entering the synagog), whether they wear Tzitzit as well, and if not, why. Last updated 27 June, 2000 [listed by post date].
