The Sin of the Golden Calf
Today, the 17th of Tammuz, we fast primarily in commemoration of the events surrounding the destruction of the First Temple. The origins of the day, however, and of all our suffering, can be traced back to one of the most troubling events in Jewish history: the sin of the Golden Calf.
The Price of Disunity
Understanding the natural and spiritual causes of the destruction of the Second Temple. Excerpted from my book, Dawn to Destiny.
The Unfairness Doctrine
The World Cup exposes a dangerous trend in world politics.
Hat tip: Marc Jacob.
Thanks, Helen Thomas
I have been saying how much appreciation we owe Helen Thomas for shifting the dialogue away from the farcical condemnation of Israel in the wake of the flotilla incident.
Paul Greenberg takes a broader perspective.
We Con the World
If you haven’t seen this yet, it will make you laugh and cry to consider how so many can be so willingly fooled.
The Limits of Liberalism
The flotilla fiasco forces us to ponder the ideology that compels America’s most liberal president ever to side with tyrants and theocrats.
The answers are disturbingly simple.
Shavuos — From Revelation to Rebellion
How could the Jews fall from the pinnacle of spiritual greatness to the depths of idolatry in a mere 40 days?
The compelling answer in an excerpt from my new book.
Shavuos — the festival of recieving the Torah
Enjoy these insights from previous years as part of your Shavuos preparations.
An uplifting and joyful holiday to all.
From the Editor of JewishWorldReview.com
Friday, April 30:
“Yesterday’s lead article, “The real reason why Jews are Liberals” by Rabbi Yonason Goldson, brought a huge amount of traffic — and diverse mail. No matter what your stance, it’s accurate to say the article provoked a lot of thought. Responses came from around the world. Some could be columns in their own right.
Jews lauded the author for putting into words what they’ve tried to explain for years. Gentiles wrote in to say they finally had an answer — and an articulate and intelligent one at that — to a question that they’ve found mind boggling.
In case you missed the piece, it can be found here:
Please use our “share” features — including “e-mail a friend” — to spread the column. We also suggest you bookmark it or print a copy for future reference.”
Why Jews are Liberals
As much as all conservative values trace their origins to Jewish tradition, liberal values trace their origins to the same source — to exactly the same degree.
Perspectives
Dawn to Destiny:
Exploring Jewish History and its Hidden Wisdom
By Rabbi Yonason Goldson
A comprehensive overview of Jewish History from Creation through the redaction of the Talmud, illuminating the intricacies and complexities of Torah tradition and philosophy according to the sages and classical commentaries, spanning the length and breadth of Jewish experience to resolve many of history’s most perplexing episodes, offering profound insights and showing their relevance to life in the modern world.
How did the sin of Adam transform mankind and the world? How were the prophecies of Noah fulfilled through the rise of the Greek Empire? Why did lifespans shrink so dramatically after the Flood? How did the builders of the Tower of Babel believe they could wage war against G-d? Why did the Torah have to be given in both written and oral form? What was King David’s transgression regarding his involvement with BasSheva? Why did some Jews oppose the construction of the Second Temple? How can we trust the transmission of Torah if our scholars engaged in such fierce disagreements? These and many other questions are answered in this unique volume.
An invaluable resource for scholars and laymen. A priceless tool for education and outreach. With approbations from HaRav Dovid Cohen and HaRav Zev Leff.
25% OF MY FIRST YEAR’S PROCEEDS WILL GO TO BLOCK YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL.
FOR EXCERPT AND ORDERING INFORMATION CLICK HERE.
Mission Statement for the Jewish People — from the extraordinary wisdom of Rav Shraga Feivel Mendelovitz, founder of Torah education in America.
Why Jews are Liberals — the origins of ideological confusion, and a follow-up piece exploring the practical applications.
The End of the Age of Reason — the sages’ vision of a future that is at our doorstep, and a follow-up piece in response to, and including, some colorful comments.
Israel: History, Politics, and Ideology — Answers to the attacks of apologists and antagonists.
Defining “Objective” History — How can we determine the accuracy of historical records? How do we resolve contradictions in history?
The Language of Confusion — 60 years after 1984, Orwell’s prophetic dystopia remains more relevant than ever.
The Final Battlefield – The current economic crisis foretold a thousand years ago and the climax of the ultimate ideological war. Also, variations on a theme inspired by Pink Floyd and this recipe for the only truly secure investment.
The Fallacy of Moral Relativism — How I taught a class of cynical teenagers the illogic of unrestricted personal freedom.
Hurricane Season– With meteorologists predicting more hurricanes on the scale of Gustav, Ike, and Katrina, these thoughts on the Pacific Rim Tsunami are worth another look.
Talking the to the Wall Department — My efforts to engage an ideologue in civil discourse. Draw your own conclusions, and feel free to weigh in … respectfully.
Insights into the weeky Torah Portion
Donate to Block Yeshiva High School — I know of no finer educational institution in the world that prepares students to become materially and spiritually successful adults. Our graduates are the greatest evidence of our commitment to excellence.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS– I am often available as a scholar-in-residence, chazzan-in-residence, or lecturer. For lecture topics and samples of weekend programming click here. Inquiries may be directed to the email below:
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