Author: Avi Shafran
Justice Sotomayor and the Jews
Reports have it that a popular inscription of late on coffee mugs and t-shirts is “wise Latina woman.” The reference, of course, is to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s contention in a 2001...
How To Promote Baseless Hatred
Destroying another’s property – or communal property or, for that matter, one’s own property – is also forbidden by the Torah. No exceptions have ever been made in halachic codes for instances where a government policy or action is not to one’s liking.
Holocaust Denials
The “Endlösung” – the “Final Solution” – was for “der Judenfrage” – “the Jewish Question.” There was no “Romani Question” or “Homosexual Question.”
The Novardhok Paradox
Their lyrics are about things like readiness to be persecuted for one’s commitment to Torah, the brevity of human existence, the need to seize every day – every moment – we have; yet the melodies as a rule are spirited, lively, filled with trust and hope and joy.
The Essence of a Godol
In my youthful self-centeredness, I had imagined him as my rebbe alone. Who knew?
Hardened Criminals and Newborn Babes
The relevant question in converting to Judaism is not prior behavior but sincerity of future Jewish purpose.
Deaf To Peace
Decades, even centuries, of hatred do not preclude peace. But neither can peace be built on a foundation of hatred.
Heart and Soul
Electroencephalographs measure electrical activity in the brain but nothing more. Who can possibly know what might be happening in the soul of a living human being?
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