The conversion controversy currently raging in Israel may seem confusing to the general public. What are the ultraorthodox, the modern Orthodox, the conservative and Reform all arguing about? How does one become a Jew, universally accepted?

What does Judaism think?

Some people want to construct a huge mega--Mosque a few blocks from Ground Zero in New York City. Many are furious about this, feeling that profane at the memory of those who were killed on September 11, 2001. After all, it was Moslems who perpetrated those attacks. Without a doubt, if the plan had called for a cathedral or a synagogue, there would have been far less controversy. This is a true challenge to democracy!

So what does Judaism think?

Who is the better leader, Obama or Bush? I have a definite opinion, and others have opinions equally as definite. There are objective criteria for a great leader, and the more of these aspects any leader has, the better they should be. And there is a fly that can land in the ointment. How do we judge our leaders, and how should we choose them?

What does Judaism think?

Hollywood loves telling the story of its unfaithful stars. The stories haven't hurt the careers of such people as Tiger Woods, Brad Pitt or whomever else you wish to name. Politicians, though, rarely survive a public affair. Just ask Eliot Spitzer. Why the difference?

What does Judaism think about this whole "sexual revolution" thing?

Where would the movie industry be without dysfunctional families? Implicit in much of our culture is the need to run away from one's family. Often, they are portrayed as sources of embarrassment. Of course we know better! How do we relate to our family, and how do we build a family that will be a powerful force for good?

What does Judaism think?

There are many types of rules in the world. Some are in the form of laws, others in the form of commonly accepted practices. Unless made by arbitrary decision, rules that have existed for enough time generally reflect valuable practices. The Torah, the set of Divine rules, represents the highest value.

What does Judaism think about rules and routines? When should they be kept, and when should they be broken?

You may be thinking of someone whom you are not speaking to. Or, there may be someone who has decided that they are not speaking to you. You may have neighbors with whom you are feuding. Or, you may be blessed with none of these, but know people who aren't so blessed. Are these fights simply a normal part of life, and relatively harmless?

What does Judaism think?

There is a healthy reason to be religious, and an unhealthy one. People are attracted to religion for many reasons, not all of them are actually connected to religion. There is psychology, fear, social pressure, etc... What is the proper reason to adopt a religious life?

What does Judaism think?

Nowadays, the words "social justice" can be dangerous political slogans. Thanks to Glen Beck and crew, the phrase has come to mean 'taking from the haves and giving to the have nots'. Left-wing politics has always seen the government as the great leveler, and the Obama administration has been pursuing policies that get government more and more involved in restricting and, through bailouts, taking control of private companies.

Well, what does Judaism think?

This is a tough topic to touch, since it deals with religion and human beings and politics. Needless to say, the comparison drawn by a Papal preacher Cantalamessa between the church being accused of complicity in child abuse cases and antisemitism is obscene. But it diverts us from the basic story of men of religion committing crimes.

What does Judaism think about this?

We are all familiar with the foundations of the very wealthy. Bill and Melinda Gates, Andrew Carnegie, and many more have established wonderful organizations that do important philanthropic work throughout the world. And yet, sometimes I wonder if they understand what charity is all about. Judaism has a unique take on the importance of giving, that may be at odds with much of the rest of the world.

What does Judaism think about charity?

The staggering horror and magnitude of the destruction in Haiti must move all of us deeply. Israel and all other nations have sent rescue teams to save whatever lives can be saved. At times like these, the family of man shows its finest qualities. We pray for all those who suffer to be rescued and healed.

There are those, however, that are tempted to point their fingers at the Haitians and explain to us what sin they committed to bring this tragedy upon themselves. They seek to explain and justify God's ways by putting the blame on the victims of natural disasters.

Does Judaism agree with this approach?

Different nations in the world react differently to the Jewish claim to this title. Some applaud. Others hate. Still others claim the title for themselves. Evangelical Christians, among others, accept the Jewish claim and support the Jewish people in their fulfillment of this role. For centuries, though, the Catholic Church espoused "replacement theology," which claims that they are the so-called new Israel. And, of course, there were the Germans who believed in "the master race."

What is the difference between them, and why is Israel the chosen nation? What does Judaism think?

In the year 165 B.C.E., the Jews rebelled against the Syrian Greeks. They were also rebelling against the elites of the Jewish people, who had become Hellenized. This revolt was wildly successful, driving the Syrians out of Jerusalem in short order. Although battles were ongoing for more than 20 years, the Maccabean revolt lives on as one of the most glorious episodes of the second Temple period.

In the year 66 CE, the Jews rebelled against the Romans. It was a disaster. In 70, the temple was destroyed and the great exile began.

What was the difference between the two revolts? When should the Jews fight back, and when should they be passive? Or, should I say, how should they fight back or be passive?

Should Israel respond disproportionately to missiles from Gaza? Is collective punishment on a town valid after one of the townspeople committed a terrorist attack? Does deterrence justify causing harm to bystanders? These are theoretical questions. Israel does not target civilians, Israel makes every attempt to save those bystanders. The world press doesn't report this enough, and many good meaning people have swallowed the wrong information.

Nonetheless, the questions should be asked. What does Judaism think?