What Does Judaism Think?

Jealousy and the Evil Eye

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-08-13T22:32:34Z

Is there any power to the evil eye? Do we believe in this, or is it simply a superstition? Is there anything to voodoo?

What does Judaism think?
Continue reading "Jealousy and the Evil Eye"

Judaism and the Arts

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-08-06T23:57:17Z

On the Shabbat after September 11th, we read about the choice between "Life and Good" and "Evil and Death." God tells us emphatically to "Choose life!" How, besides the obvious, does one choose life?

What does Judaism think?
Continue reading "Judaism and the Arts"

Converting to Judaism

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-07-30T16:57:26Z

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?
Continue reading "Converting to Judaism"

The Ground Zero Mosque

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-07-23T16:56:32Z

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?

Continue reading "The Ground Zero Mosque"

Good Leaders, Bad Leaders, Bush, Obama, Etc...

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-06-10T09:15:21Z

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?
Continue reading "Good Leaders, Bad Leaders, Bush, Obama, Etc..."

Cheating on Your Spouse and Jewish Modesty

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-05-23T06:57:23Z

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?
Continue reading "Cheating on Your Spouse and Jewish Modesty"

The Jewish Army and the Jewish Family

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-05-14T14:42:03Z

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?
Continue reading "The Jewish Army and the Jewish Family"

Rules, Laws, and Obeying Orders

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-05-07T09:57:40Z

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?
Continue reading "Rules, Laws, and Obeying Orders"

Fighting and Feuding in Judaism

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-04-29T07:32:45Z

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?
Continue reading "Fighting and Feuding in Judaism"

Why Be Religious?

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-04-26T08:06:21Z

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?
Continue reading "Why Be Religious?"

Social Justice, Judaism and The Left

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-04-15T23:07:38Z

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?
Continue reading "Social Justice, Judaism and The Left"

The Pope and the Pedophiles

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-04-11T04:26:27Z

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?
Continue reading "The Pope and the Pedophiles"

Charity and Wealth in Judaism

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-01-22T12:10:49Z

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?
Continue reading "Charity and Wealth in Judaism"

The Haitian Earthquake

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-01-15T10:15:01Z

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?
Continue reading "The Haitian Earthquake"

The Chosen People

nospam@example.com (Seth Lutnick) — 2010-01-07T09:40:21Z

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?
Continue reading "The Chosen People"