Can God be depicted visually? Does God have a form? If you read the words of the Hebrew bible literally it appears to answer, “Yes.” What new readers don’t know is that the Torah is written and interpreted on four levels (Pardes) and the first level is Pshat (the literal level). But Pshat is for the…
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The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament in Christian terminology) is often called a dark and vengeful text. One of the most commonly quoted sentences that ‘proves’ this is the one Rabbi Milder is talking about below, Mishpatim. This is another example how many people read the Torah on the simplest level, Peshat. That is, they read…
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As we stand on the threshold of Rosh Hashanah it seems rather perfect that a brilliant Jewish teacher, Robert Reich, will be speaking about on Wednesday, September 24 in Redwood City. He will be in conversation with journalist, Angie Coiro from Kepler’s Books. Here’s the description of his talk: From political economist, cabinet member, beloved professor,…
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I have known many atheists, some are beloved friends and family members. I am blessed to be Jewish and to have a teaching that does not ask me to condemn their belief. A rabbi told me this story as we were walking around Lake Merritt in Oakland many years ago. I have looked for its…
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The ancient text of the Torah can seem antiquated and out of date. Torah portions like this week’s, P’kudei, which details of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) appear at first reading to be utterly useless. Who cares how a now destroyed building was put together? But as any rabbi will tell you, there is…
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One of the unique differences between Western/American thought and Jewish thought is that Jews believe you can hold opposing ideas simultaneously. Here’s an example from a local rabbi’s recent email to her congregation. Rabbi Ilana of Beth Jacob Congregation in Redwood City expressed her gratitude and reflected on “where do we find God?” I am moved by…
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