For over 35 years, I have represented individuals who have suffered tremendous life setbacks. Some have lost their jobs, their housing, or their ability to support themselves. Some have been chronically homeless. An epiphany came from these thirty-plus years of both observation of and interaction with distressed individuals: it is far more productive to helpContinue reading “Behar: Slipping?”
Category Archives: social justice
Kedoshim: Ten Commandments Plus?
What looks like the Ten Commandments, sounds like the Ten Commandments, but isn’t the Ten Commandments? Torah Portion Kedoshim would be a good answer. Kedoshim, however, is more than the Decalogue. Kedoshim- part of Leviticus’ Holiness Code- serves a different purpose. The Torah Portion Kedoshim, while covering most of the Decalogue’s commandments, also contains additionalContinue reading “Kedoshim: Ten Commandments Plus?”
The Poetry of Politics?
The Book of Psalms, is a collection of 150 poems. While they are attributed to King David, historically, the Psalms were written by a variety of individuals. Further, their composition and crafting span hundreds of years. It is opined that they were compiled into final form during the Babylonian exile. Psalms are used within dailyContinue reading “The Poetry of Politics?”
The Rational Versus Rationalism
Most humans’ actions internally are one hundred percent rational. Their thoughts justify their conduct. Biologically, it makes sense that actions, beyond reflex, is performed based upon logic. Thus, even egregious behaviors are rational. This rationality, however, is accomplished through misinterpretation, re-definition, hallucination or simply ignorance. In other words, people thoughts are internally logical. As aContinue reading “The Rational Versus Rationalism”
The Four Most Important Movies For Modernity?
Cinema’s reach into the psyche exceeds literature. Truth, honesty and reality are themes are transmitted to society via popular movies. Four specific films captured modernity matters modernity in memorable fashion. Here is the list in increasing level of significance. Minority Report, #4 Minority Report is based upon the legendary science fiction author Philip K. Dick’sContinue reading “The Four Most Important Movies For Modernity?”
Emor: The Big Message?
“All Animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” George Orwell In the Torah, death penalties stand out. Seemingly slight offenses, i.e. gathering wood on the Sabbath, Numbers 15:32-36, have been subject to capital punishment. In these instances which include the severe sanction, is Torah actually intending to send a biggerContinue reading “Emor: The Big Message?”
Jonah & The Killer Whale
Now should I not take pity on Nineveh, the great city, in which there are many more than one hundred twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left…? Jonah 4:11 Is United States a modern-day Nineveh? If so, how many residents don’t know their right hand from their left? GivenContinue reading “Jonah & The Killer Whale”
Sound Bites Of Justice
Will crowdfunding change our justice system? Before the internet, a criminally accused individual’s ability to raise legal defense funds was limited. Often, they were supported by their family, friends, and local institutions. With the advent of crowdfunding applications combined with the internet’s reach, an accused’s ability to raise sums has become amplified. Presently, the entireContinue reading “Sound Bites Of Justice”
Tipping…Point
Some books have an interesting shelf-life. Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point is one of them. His book from 2000 on the viral nature of human interaction is still a worthy read. The book is full of research and observations that remain relevant. Peer influence is the subject for this post. In Gladwell’s book, he madeContinue reading “Tipping…Point”
The Truth: The First Rail
In truth, in justice and in righteousness Jeremiah 4:2 Is “societal health” determined by the factors truth, justice and righteousness? Are these three rails necessary for a healthy and functional society? These three distinct categories arise from the Prophets’ observations. In Ten Commandments’ based governance scheme, there are matter concerning the truth. Further, there areContinue reading “The Truth: The First Rail”
The Ten Commandments Project 