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| Rabbi Levi Brackman |
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Until haredi community’s economic model becomes self sustaining, saving $20,000 on wedding will not fundamentally make a difference to strained finances of so many families |
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Real leaders don’t want to lead, but neither do they shun from doing morally correct thing when everybody else has failed to act |
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Religious bigotry towards women is more difficult to counter as it often comes garbed in clothes of piety |
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Hasidic Judaism must reshape itself by loosening some restrictions which are no longer relevant, allowing more individual self-expression |
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Orthodox Jewish organizations have much more in common than what divides them. They should all see tremendous value inherent in working together for common good of Jewish people |
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A hero is someone who is able to set aside their own personal gain in order to achieve for the greater good. But it seems a real hero is more than that |
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Talmud indicates that people who display lack of Derech Eretz are more likely to sin. Those putting up signs in Brooklyn asking woman to step aside would do well focusing on that |
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Not teaching general studies is not only a perversion of Jewish tradition and an aberration of Judaism; it is also denying young people the opportunity to fulfill their God-given purpose |
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For the sake of Anglo Jewry, United Synagogue of Great Britain's new chief rabbi must spend next 20 or 30 years rebuilding Jewish community rather than himself or his image |
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To be successful we need to have eternal optimism and faith in mission, despite challenges posed by people and circumstances |
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Arrogant man, who considers himself very powerful, pushes God and his own inner divine aspect out of his life, mistakenly thinking he can do it all using his intellect and will power |
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No matter how many revolutions Arabs have, real progress will always be one step away as long as animosity and resentment prevail in region |
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Clearly consumption of strong drink is a powerful part of contemporary Jewish life. But should it be? |
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Any person, society, or government who stymies an individual’s self-expression not only disturbs the individual, but also corrupts the will of God |
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Israeli government should lead by example, begin to listen intently to all citizens |
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Electric Car Network visionary Shai Agassi powerful proponent of major Jewish values of Tikun Olam, helping the environment and saving lives |
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Rabbi killed in Carmel wildfire survived Lebanon war and saw the positive in every situation. His self-sacrifice to his people will remain his legacy and a powerful example to us all |
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Jacob and Esau did not share the same theology, ideology or values, but managed to hug and kiss in the spirit of love and brotherhood. If they could do it, so can we. Who will make the first move? |
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Average haredi person must work towards more practical and reasonable approach to religious life that allows every community member the possibility of fulfilling their purpose in the world in its entirety |
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Obama, Democrats being punished for portraying themselves as Godly while in truth they were just ordinary mundane politicians |
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Instead of seeing challenges or modern scientific and technological advances as something that can be used for its own advantage, haredi community tries to shut out any modern thinking |
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As intelligent believers our deeply held positions are not based on instinct alone, they are based on a full understanding of the philosophical arguments that support our view |
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In mainstream Orthodox community, it seems strictest interpretations and rulings, rather than most lenient win out, damaging Jewish community as a whole |
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Month of Elul should be spent in deep introspection, intensive mindfulness helping us avoid making the same mistake twice, being more productive |
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In essence, religion gives us options to believe where knowledge is no longer applicable |
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Politics within religious community can often turn nasty, with each side claiming to be doing God’s bidding |
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Judaism needs current and living leaders who are able to relate Torah to this generation |
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For some reason, people who consider themselves enlightened often feel it is perfectly permissible to hold unreasonable prejudices towards religious people |
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Authorities must learn and adhere to common sense and good judgment, not only with regard its enemies but with regard its own people as well |
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Humans live most of their lives in denial of their limitations. Arrogance and stupidity cause us to make catastrophic miscalculations, such as Iran's race to nuclear weapons and Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, Rabbi Levi Brackman says |
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Spring holiday should be transformative on personal level, not merely about details of custom and ritual. True freedom is being authentic to who you are |
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For change to endure, a shift in circumstance must be accompanied by an adjustment of outlook and approach |
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New books try to tackle Maimonides’ 13 Principles of Faith |
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Ultra-Orthodox community cannot be exempt from learning a profession in order to become productive members of society |
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Judaism is not, never has been monolithic, but misconception within haredi community of rich variety of options may keep some members locked in way of life that does not speak to them |
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Real cause of overwhelming Jewish atheistic tendencies seems to be tragic ignorance of Judaism’s most profound teachings and ideas |
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A pro-Israel, pro-peace organization must be founded that takes a more pragmatic approach to Arab-Israeli conflict |
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Most effective way to overcome entrenched prejudices is through firsthand education |
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Relationship between clergyperson or spiritual guide and guidance seeker or congregant must be very different from any other type of professional relationship |
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We Jews have been through too much to allow our differences overshadow immense amount we have in common |
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There are many things that others may find unbelievable and unreasonable but, after thorough review, are found to be true |
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There is no doubt that we Jews will outlive the Islamic republic of Iran |
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As long as rabbis are not allowed to lead their congregations, Diaspora communities will continue to bleed members |
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Jews who take their religion seriously and truly fear God don’t cheat, and when they hear about others who do they are outraged and do all they can to put a stop to it |
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Some women want a more active role in the synagogue—not because they are feminists, but simply because they have a spiritual yearning for it. If Jewish law allows it, women should be encouraged to participate |
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Torah clearly states we are morally obligated to help those less fortunate. Maimonides says we must provide them with free medical treatment as well, as this is part of our ethical responsibilities towards others as human beings |
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For US president America’s interests take precedence and in his view they no longer necessarily coincide with Israel’s. |
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Michael Jackson's deepest illness was spiritual – despite his fame and fortune he remained deeply unhappy |
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Is it proper for executives of Jewish non-profit organizations to be paid huge salaries? |
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Because, according to the Kabbalists, a positive outlook is vital for a positive outcome to occur |
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People work to become the center of their own universe while missing out on becoming the center of the real universe |
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Biblical lending provisions are the basis for a balanced economy and a spiritually healthy society |
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Israelis and Jews around the world should recognize that Shabbat observance has something to offer everyone |
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US president's decision to bar violent interrogations of terrorists leads one to wonder if Mr. Obama understands what morality really is |
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As a believer in the unnatural and in spiritual phenomena, I see it as plausible that the spirit of the founding minister is haunting my old synagogue |
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With cracks in Israeli unity widening, it is time to unify around voluntarily accepted common purposes and values |
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Today's consumers, just like the Jews of Achashverosh's Persia, need to repent before upturn can begin |
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Our economy can recover only after acquisition of possessions stops being our main objective |
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Israelis aren’t stupid and they no longer trust a word their politicians say, especially when main players, Netanyahu and Livni, have deceived them before |
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The road to peace in Middle East does not go through Gaza City or Ramallah, but through Amman and Cairo |
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Making a decision not to fight terror based on compassion is not only immoral and un-Jewish, it is also idiotic and deeply irresponsible |
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Dishonest business people must be ousted rather than be legitimized due to their wealth |
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Despite past decelerations, Hasidic reggae singer remains one of Judaism's most inspiring ambassadors |
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Hopefully altruism represented by Chabad emissaries in Mumbai will win over terrorists' murderous egotism |
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As US does away with racism, left-wing prejudice against religion is rearing its ugly head |
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During this economic crisis, Judaism gives us the right to demand that G-d will repay all of His debts in a material sense and in a timely fashion |
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Jewish religion mandates that rich must share their wealth with those less fortunate than themselves. Democratic candidate's tax plan makes moral, religious and economic sense |
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Rabbi says fear magnifies economic problems, says Jewish history commands us to go forward into the unknown despite fear |
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We must be wary of those intolerant people who use their religion to look down upon and be intolerant of others |
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Real productivity and growth only come about through hard work and toil |
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In upcoming US elections, voters must make decisions based on facts, not on slanderous accusations repeated so often that they sound true |
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Jews try to downplay their success and we often consider those who talk about it as borderline anti-Semites, but it is something we must embrace, analyze and ultimately share with others |
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Democratic presidential candidate symbolizes something that is beyond policy differences or cultural changes—he is a symbol of change itself |
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Despite what some on Left may want us to believe, average working class, right-leaning American is neither xenophobic, anti-Semitic or intolerant |
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Rabbi Brackman explores connection between so-called Jewish community’s values and possible bid for US vice presidency |
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Rabbi Brackman contemplates ways to find long-term solutions to oil crisis, fuel dependency |
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We must remember real humiliation lies with those who don’t even respect lives of their own people |
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Rabbi Brackman probes question of keeping kosher in 21st century, says new regulations imply this is somehow different today than in past times |
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Rabbi Brackman contemplates reasons why Jewish men, boys are less and less attracted to Jewish activities |
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Rabbi Brackman warns diluting of Orthodox Judaism in Europe, US and modernizing tradition may spell faith's ultimate demise |
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Charter schools in US are emerging as private school-like government funded alternative to private Jewish education |
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If one is to be considered open-minded and non-judgmental, one must respect people who practice religion, no matter how crazy their customs seem |
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Violent talkbacks evidence of a sadistic society in which no one can truly trust anyone |
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Horrific story of rabbi-inspired abuse must not be used to stigmatize haredi society |
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New study proves what observant Jews have known all along – religious people are happier |
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There is a moral obligation to seek every avenue for peace, including direct talks with enemies, like Barack Obama advocates |
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With Israel's economy thriving, shouldn't US Jews allocate more of their charitable dollars to local causes? |
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Instead of competing against each other, Jewish outreach groups should join forces to battle assimilation |
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Experience has shown that Israel will continue on path of self-destruction irrespective of whether US president is pro-Israel or not |
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The fact that a major party is selecting and rejecting candidates based on their religion presents an immediate danger to Democracy in US |
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For the sake of preserving their identity, Jews must not celebrate Christmas in any way |
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Orthodox men are not unemployed, but rather spend their time on religious studies |
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If more people were taught primarily about the primarily loving aspect of God, Judaism would be better off |
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We must all become aware of the growing bigoted religious influence in American politics |
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Rabbis who slammed mew Chelsea coach for attachment to Kabbalah center fail to recognize that community needs diversity |
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Obligation to pay high synagogue dues in US contributing to decline of American Jewry |
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Modern Jewish movements must learn to embrace post-modern attitudes, or face further decline |
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We are currently witnessing the beginning of the end of the failed experiment called Reform Judaism |
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Jewish communities shouldn't shun next generation of Jews who are products of mixed marriages |
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