Service and Faith

Generally, people of faith pay good lip service to the idea that they “serve G-d;” but what do they mean by it? Modern Americans are fiercely individualistic. Western European peoples, in general, while also highly individualist are also immersed in a culture that is largely controlled by the state–they serve king and country, as it … More Service and Faith

Chag Hamatzot

As I described in a separate post on the Biblical calendar, the Hebrew new year begins upon sighting the first new moon after the aviv has been observed. On the fourteenth day of the first month (Hebrew days begin at sunset) the Pesach (Passover) offering is made. A lamb without blemish whose meat must be … More Chag Hamatzot

Faith and Practice

I once asked my mother the difference between science and religion. Rather than answering me, my mother engaged me in conversation on the topic. Ultimately, I hypothesized that the difference lies in the purpose of the two: science is about questions, but religion is about answers. The difficulty with that hypothesis is how it translates … More Faith and Practice

Thoughts on a Book

I am recently read Miriam’s Kitchen, by Elizabeth Ehrlich. It is Mrs. Ehrlich’s memoir of her journey from being a secular Jew, performing some rituals for the sake of family tradition while eschewing others, to keeping Shabat and a Kosher kitchen and finding her heritage. It is the story of a second generation, American, Jewish … More Thoughts on a Book