Archive for category Philosophy
Step Lightly
Posted by Yonason Goldson in Philosophy on February 23, 2010
Life looks different this side of a broken ankle.
The Hidden Mysteries of Jewish History
Posted by Yonason Goldson in History, Philosophy on February 17, 2010
With praise for and gratitude to the Master of the World, I am pleased to announce the publication of my first book:
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? 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.
Interview with a Repentant Vampire
Posted by Yonason Goldson in Culture, Philosophy on January 20, 2010
Anne Rice emerges from the Twilight of her career penning vampire novels and gives her readers much more substantial fare in a new novel that brings many fundamental Jewish principles to light.
Disasters
Posted by Yonason Goldson in Philosophy, Science and Nature on January 20, 2010
About a century ago, Rabbi Yisroel Meir HaKohen Kagan learned of a devastating earthquake that cause countless deaths in Japan. The sage was seen to turn white upon hearing the news and immediately declared a fast. When asked why he reacted so strongly to events on the other side of the world, the spiritual leader of European Jewry invoked the talmudic teaching that everything that happens in the world should be interpreted as a message to spur us on to self-reflection and inner change. The more dramatic the event, the more urgency we should give to our introspection.
With a 6.1 aftershock having rattled the ravaged survivors of Haiti, and with the first quake having occurred on the week of the same Torah portion as the Pacific Rim tsunami five years ago, it’s worth revisiting these former musings.
Rav Hirsch Remembered
Posted by Yonason Goldson in History, Philosophy on January 12, 2010
This week we observe the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimshon Rafael Hirsch who, in my humble opinion, articulates the outlooks and insights that offer the most hopeful solutions to the problems facing the modern Torah community.
May we find inspiration and guidance from his teachings.
Face Off
Posted by Yonason Goldson in Philosophy, Science and Nature on November 18, 2009
What Jewish tradition and human psychology tell us about the Mona Lisa’s smile.
Atheists in Bubbleland
Posted by Yonason Goldson in Culture, Philosophy on October 28, 2009
In case you missed it, last month the world celebrated Blasphemy Day. This may be just the beginning of a widening schism between traditional and fundamentalist atheists.
Which Road not Taken?
Posted by Yonason Goldson in Philosophy on October 25, 2009
With the leaves turning golden and autumn turning rapidly into winter, I think this reflection on Robert Frost and dangers of routine is worth another look.
Parshas Bereishis and the Perfect Number
Posted by Yonason Goldson in Philosophy, Weekly Parsha on October 15, 2009
The number seven is neither random nor coincidental in the pattern of Creation.
Two Cheers for Pain
Posted by Yonason Goldson in Philosophy on September 10, 2009
Reaching for the Aspirin bottle is not the only option.
Torah Ideals 
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