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| Rabbi Levi Brackman |
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After understanding the innate values of the individual and the values of the prevailing culture, we can demonstrate how religion can strengthen and enhance those intrinsic values. |
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As soon as we recognize and internalize the fact that people under 50 are rejecting religion in all its flavors, we will be able to think of constructive ways to reintroduce the truths of religion in a manner that will motivate young people to reengage. |
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As common dialogue and learning blossoms, not only will Jews and Catholics be the beneficiaries; humanity as a whole will be better off. |
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In Judaism, when a man refuses to give his wife a religious divorce he is taking away her most basic human right – her freedom to live and be who she wants to be. |
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The biblical exodus story should be instructive for anyone who wants to help a subservient society transition into a free one. Obama’s major mistake was pulling all troops out of Iraq and then telling Iraqis to complete transition on their own. |
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If we want to overcome brutal jihadist organization, we need to also effectively address all forms of religious and political bigotry. |
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With a fanatical religious organization that believes it is divinely mandated to destroy Israel, there is but one choice: To completely destroy its capability to act out its evil mission. |
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We have an ability to counter all the terrible misinformation, lies and hatred that are spread about Israel. Doing so is not only our biblical obligation; it is in our own personal security interest as well. |
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When Israel's young troops sing 'we have no one to rely on other than our Father in Heaven' before entering into battle, it carries on a tradition of thousands of years of Jewish spirit and belief. |
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From a Divine perspective, everything in the universe and every person who lives in it have a specific mission and purpose in their existence. |
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As the sages say, real wealth comes from understanding and fulfilling our unique purpose in life. The benefit of having purpose in life outweighs anything money could ever buy. |
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Jewish religion sees no difference between black or white Jews. Our Torah mandates us to treat all people with same level of love and respect regardless of color of their skin. |
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Firms and brokers that claim their clients' best interests are their number one priority, whilst simultaneously making commissions, need to question themselves and their integrity more deeply. |
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The concern among many Orthodox Jews regarding women's role has less to do with adherence to Jewish law, and more to do with the fear of changes impacting the religious community's nature. |
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An ability to perceive a deeper meaning within the events and experiences around us, and having a consciousness of the hand of the divine, results in a sense of well-being and thus joy of life |
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A life lived striving for a place in afterlife may miss opportunities to impact humanity positively while alive in physical form, resulting in missed opportunities for both individual and humanity |
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Israel's Chief Rabbinate has stopped representing Jews in general, representing instead only a broken ultra-Orthodox view of Judaism |
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There is no evidence that Iranian government's fundamental behavior, tendencies have changed. We learn from how God dealt with Pharaohs in Egypt that it is important to keep up pressure in order to achieve a permanent change in behavior |
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In a culture based on biblical values, elderly are celebrated. But Western society doesn’t see things quite the same way |
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Pressure put on Limmud conference to disinvite Kabbalah Center points to double standards, unjust behavior that are allowed to go unchecked in Jewish community |
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Like biblical figure, former South African president recognized opportunity that had been presented to him and his country to become model on how to behave and react nobly to injustice |
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As we approach years of plenty ahead, we need to be aware of natural laws of universe that Bible teaches. Primarily we need to realize they won’t last forever, they will be followed by years of hardship |
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Hanukkah and Thanksgiving are, conceptually at least, the same holiday. There is no reason, therefore, why we shouldn’t all be celebrating them together |
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We must ask ourselves every day: What are we going to do today to help ensure there is a bright, thriving and flourishing next generation of Jews who are proud to identify as Jewish by religion? |
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Existential religious crises do not have to result in binary choice of either living double life or leaving faith community, becoming entirely secular |
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We must offer young Jews multiple ways to affiliate on their terms, build sense of Jewish identity. Britain's new chief rabbi made first step in this direction by agreeing to attend Limmud conference |
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Why does Sukkot, most happy holiday of the year, come directly after Yom Kippur, most serious and solemn day of Jewish calendar? |
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As we approach Day of Atonement, we should be realistic about things we can change and, at the same time, things we have little influence over |
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When good people in Rabbinate work together to ensure that any sort of corruption, nepotism and backroom deals are frowned upon, integrity and respectability will be restored |
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Centrist Judaism needs to communicate its case in compelling manner to wider audience. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks is prime candidate to lead way |
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Having women scholars on the same footing as men will make Orthodox Judaism more attractive to many |
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Until shouting and knee jerk reactions stop and real discussion begins, Women of Wall saga will just make Judaism and Jews much worse off |
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Being truthful about origins of any idea is a Jewish value, yet citing source for idea is not seen as obligatory within Jewish tradition |
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Judaism offers, through Torah, a practical structure for living, but does not impose rigid way of thinking and theology |
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When we pray we are recognizing a personal and imminent God who, although we can never comprehend, listens to prayers and acts in our lives |
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Torah implores us to focus on life and not on death because by prizing life and living, our main concern becomes how to best live life here and now |
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Judaism, in its native form, steers away from any type of theological questions because religion's role is not to explain nature of God but rather how God acts in our life and how He wants us to live |
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Celebrations offered by Judaism enable us to have better grasp on our time, make sure time we have is used productively |
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With rituals of Judaism, God has offered me full-proof system that allows me to live life well-lived |
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Jewish day of rest has allowed work to be a choice for me, not a habit |
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I want to share Judaism with others simply because of the hugely positive impact it has had on my life |
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Religious leaders are held to higher standards, must be completely and permanently removed from religious positions based on sexual abuse rumors |
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Ancient rabbis' conflict over celebrating Festival of Lights teaches us that it's how we deal with our mistake that makes all the difference |
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Those of us living outside war-zone have moral obligation to defend Israel against voices saying it is using disproportionate force |
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Those who say God caused hurricane as punishment for this or that are stating article of their faith, no matter how much proof is brought from Bible or elsewhere |
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Becoming a politician is getting too close to falsehoods, especially for 'America’s Rabbi', who portrays himself as exponent of Jewish values |
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American Jews have a solemn responsibility this election year, and that responsibility is not toward a political party or ideology – it is towards Israel |
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If someone created video portraying any one of the Jewish holy men in such mean spirited fashion, I would also be offended. But acting in violent manner based on feeling of zealousness is not something Jewish Bible encourages |
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US president, and many Democrats, appear not to five credit to God for any of their successes – or failures. According to Bible, this is greatest form of arrogance a human being can have |
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Rabbi Brackman says that shared values are not only component needed to make Orthodox marriage work, but rather love, compatibility and ability to respect spouse are recipe for successful marriage |
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Colorado movie massacre begs question of how much violence children are exposed to on big and small screens contributes to possible violent tendency |
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According to tradition, collective transcendence above ego was key for revelation |
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Law that forbids doctors from treating gentiles on Shabbat has been used by anti-religious radicals to discredit Judaism |
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Real threat is not the internet, but inconsistencies that have crept into our religion over the ages |
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Israel fails to realize that reason it has been unable to make a sustainable peace with Arab neighbors is very same reason they rejected Israel's very founding sixty four years ago - Arabs do not want to live in peace with Israel under any circumstances |
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Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder or should young Orthodox women enhance their appearance to improve their chances of attracting a husband? |
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We need to calm down, stop being neurotic over Mormon practice of posthumously baptizing Jews.Why would we care if Mormon church considers our ancestors to be Mormon? |
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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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