Comments on: Bio

By: tom fields

tom fields — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:12:34 +0000

Rabbi, Excellent article on why Jews are liberal. I had come to a similar conclusion regarding the Catholic faith.

This question had interested me for decades from two perspectives.

First, the one you describe. An abdication of personal responsibility to charity. I have had this discussion with the hierarchy or the Catholic church for many years. My point is that once you abdicate the decision for this personal responsibility to a government, you no longer have the right to complain if the population spends your tax dollars in a way you find offensive. Therefore the best program is to NOT support government sponsored charity. (Which is not the same as NOT doing anything for the poor, the programs can and should different)

Second is more forward looking. Given the history of oppression (which takes many forms) that is universally proven for large, central governments; why would a black, woman or jew support a political party striving for this authority? The end is without question when power consolidates. I would expect rational beings that have been oppressed in the past to be extremely wary of creating the mechanism for the next oppression. Current ideology in parts of the democrat party appears to be an attempt at payback, damn the consequences. I asked the Rabbi that was teaching a course I was taking this question, the implied question being – “A government of the same programs came to power in Germany and the outcome was catastrophic, why support that path here?” Her response was chilling, “Probably because it hasn’t happened here yet.”

How do we convince our fellow citizens that there is a place for government, a place for religion AND that one works best when small and the other works best when it consumes our lives?

All the best,

tom fields

By: torahideals

torahideals — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:43:25 +0000

The names are not familiar, I’m afraid. Then again, my memory for names isn’t what it used to be.

By: Steven Edward Aanes

Steven Edward Aanes — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:56:28 +0000

Rabbi,

While in Atlanta, did you know a really wonderful man named Sheldon Little? His wife is a cousin to the famous Arlene Peck.

I am sorry to say Sheldon died several months ago. He is sorely missed.

Did you know any Hazans? Randy Hazan is a good buddy of mine. I see him down at the Atlanta Masonic Center near Tech for the lecture championships.

alles mi best immer!

Steven Edward Aanes in Oakwood GA 30566

By: yudit ungar

yudit ungar — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:58:00 +0000

I really liked your article about your stay in Hungary, especially because I’m one of the hungarian girls your wife used to teach!! I remember babysitting your adoreable kids, and Mrs Goldson even left me her Kitchenaid before you left!
I was wondering if you could e-mail me your phone number, bec I’d love to get in touch with your wife.
thank you for a great year: yudit ungar (rona)

By: Varda Branfman

Varda Branfman — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:03:27 +0000

Loved your article about your stay in Hungary. I’ve also been pushed to do things I would have never done in order to get out from under debts. However, nothing as drastic as going to Hungary to teach English. I have a brother-in-law who lives in Budapest parttime with his Hungarian wife Zsuzsa. I always wondered what it was like over there. Besides giving me some idea about what Hungary is like, the article was completely delightful, funny, moving, and evocative. Great writing. Looking forward to more of your stuff.