Episodes
Wednesday Apr 27, 2016
A Sense of Justice: The Origin of the Drops of Wine at the Seder
Wednesday Apr 27, 2016
Wednesday Apr 27, 2016
The origin of taking out ten or sixteen drops of wine from our cups at the Seder while reciting the 10 Plagues has a fascinating origin. Is it worth recovering? I think so, and I connect it to the support for both Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders across the electorate today, as well as connect it to the custom of chanting Aleinu at the end of every service.
Wednesday Apr 20, 2016
What is Freedom? The Four Questions as Satire
Wednesday Apr 20, 2016
Wednesday Apr 20, 2016
Want a thought to generate discussion and personal reflection at the Seder? There aren't four questions in the Haggadah. There is only question, just as the Talmud insists. There are four answers. Two are serious. Two are satire. Do you know the difference? If you do, you know what Freedom is.
Monday Apr 18, 2016
What any Non-Jew (and especially teachers) Should Know About Judaism
Monday Apr 18, 2016
Monday Apr 18, 2016
My lecture recorded at Palomar College to future teachers and social workers. What should a non-Jew understand about Judaism, its history and sensitivities, its overall character, and how Jews see themselves?