Category: Challenges
Reasons Theism vs. Atheism is a Mostly Silly Issue
Of all the things to which humans ascribe tremendous social and moral worth, the question of whether or not God exists is, to my way of thinking, one of the silliest. It’s silly because it doesn’t... Read More
Rabbi (or) Da-da
The Shabbat before last was undoubtedly the best day my daughter Tina and I have spent together since I started my first job as a rabbi a few weeks ago. Saturday morning we took a walk together—Ti... Read More
Bikinis, Head Scarves and Little Black Dresses
“Daddy, can I get a bikini this summer?” my seven-year-old daughter asked toward the end of the school year. Sure, sweetheart. Could we stay indoors and watch episodes of Winnie the Pooh to recall... Read More
Will The Dark Knight Rise?
"People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy, and I can't do that as Bruce Wayne. As a man, I'm flesh and blood. I can be ignored, I can be destroyed. But as a symbol… as a symbol, I c... Read More
The Israeli Chroniclers and the Am Ha’Aretz of Palestine
He only says, ‘Good fences make good neighbors’. Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder If I could put a notion in his head: ’Why do they make good neighbors? Isn’... Read More
Multiple Belonging: Thoughts on Belonging to More Than One Religion
I am in the process of articulating how I can be both Christian and Jewish without being a “Jew for Jesus.” Many people hail from a smattering of religious influences and heritages. The current mo... Read More
Intimidated of Our Own Scripture
This is a strange thing for a Sikh to confess. I used to be really intimidated by our scripture – the Guru Granth Sahib. I would feel unworthy sitting before the Guru, and I was absolutely terr... Read More
A Failed Interfaith Encounter at Starbucks
Here is a story about why deep thinking about religious pluralism doesn’t get you out of tight spots with actual people. The scene: I am at a Starbucks in San Diego sipping my giant American coffee ... Read More