Category Archives: Judaism

The Christmas Conundrum

(The photo shows the Japanese pop music group E-girls, which disbanded in 2020 but reunited for a Christmas farewell video.) At Christmas, it’s natural to think of Jesus, whose life and example inspired the Christian faith. Christians believe that in … Continue reading

Posted in Christianity, Judaism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Evil Exists

Today is Easter 2020, when Christians in Western countries celebrate (where permitted by law) the resurrection of Jesus. Eastern Orthodox Christians in Greece, Turkey, Russia and thereabouts celebrate it next week. Today is also the middle of Passover, when we … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Jewish Philosophy, Judaism, Philosophy, Science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Plural of Anecdote is Data

It’s said that the plural of “anecdote” is “data,” so here’s some data in anecdote-sized packages. My family has so far been spared any cases of Covid-19, thank Goodness. However, a friend of mine got it and is now recovering … Continue reading

Posted in Human Relations, Judaism, Psychology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Which Values Are Most Important?

I don’t live in a bubble. I’m lucky to have friends, family members, and loved ones who disagree strongly with some of my beliefs. That gives me perspective. Challenges to our beliefs help us in three ways: They make us … Continue reading

Posted in Judaism, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Distracted

Posting will be intermittent for the next couple of weeks. A picture is worth a thousand words. Check out my book Why Sane People Believe Crazy Things: How Belief Can Help or Hurt Social Peace. Kirkus Reviews called it an … Continue reading

Posted in Judaism | Leave a comment

What Is Humanity?

Back in the 1960s, the great rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote Who Is Man? based on lectures he gave at Stanford University. But to ask “who is man?” assumes that we’ve’ previously answered the question “what is man?” If humans are … Continue reading

Posted in Jewish Philosophy, Judaism, Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some Comforting Thoughts

Life can be troubling, especially during periods of heated social conflict. Politicians and the media are no help. Most now devote themselves to fomenting hatred and division. Schools are no help. Most now devote themselves to replacing knowledge with superstition. … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Jewish Philosophy, Judaism, Life, Psychology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do Great Individuals Shape History?

Is human history driven mainly by the actions of “great men”? It’s called the great man theory of history. Of course, the problem is that word “mainly.” Lots of things cause historical events. To say that a specific person was … Continue reading

Posted in Judaism, Life, Philosophy, Psychology, Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Pass Over History

Who are you? What are you? The answers define your identity and give you a sense of place in the universe. The “who” question has a simple answer: your name. But the “what” question has many answers. You are a … Continue reading

Posted in Christianity, Judaism, Political Science, Psychology, Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cher Channels Ambrose Bierce

Cher, a pop singer who I loved for her 1990s music video featuring the animated characters Beavis and Butt-Head, has a new talent. Her April 14th statement channels the spirit of the 19th-century American writer Ambrose Bierce. His book The … Continue reading

Posted in Christianity, Judaism, Political Science, Psychology, Society | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment