What is it about the unknown that is so disconcerting? The lack of control perhaps? The fear that you may find yourself in an unpleasant situation. Yet think of how many moments would be missed if we insisted on staying in our comfort zones. In the “known” zone. Life inevitably forces us to leave our comfort zone at some point.
Read MoreSolomon, the Jewish king, wrote, "He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end." (recorded in the Holy Scriptures, in Ecclesiastes 3.11) This notion of 'eternity' is recorded here in Qohelet, but is a translation of the Hebrew word "Ha-olam" which often is translated as 'the world.'
Read MoreWhen everything around you is shaky and uncertain, what you crave most is that safe place to shelter until the danger passes. But what about when there is no safe place to shelter? Everything around you is collapsing and there is no safety net for you to fall back on. No family to fly home to or savings in the bank to rely on. And yet, if you think about it, life can still be very uncertain, even for those of us in a better position. In reality, even the strongest “safety nets” can break.
Read MorePassover is the annual holiday when Jews remember the Exodus of their people from slavery in Egypt. I’m 68 years old and have celebrated Passover throughout my whole life. I grew up in Kansas City in the middle of the USA and have lived the last 22 years in Sydney. It hasn’t mattered where I was living or visiting, Passover is the most celebrated Jewish holiday for me and my family.
Read MoreThere are many moments in life when all is running smoothly and the circumstances are great. Don’t you love those times. Robert Browning perfectly captured this feeling when he penned the line, “God’s in His heaven— All’s right with the world.” But what about when life isn’t going so smoothly. What about when the news is full of scary updates on the latest country that has been infected by the coronavirus. Or that feeling of unease when you walk through your local supermarket and can’t help but notice the diminishing shelves of food. Does knowing God even make a difference? Is it possible to experience peace in the middle of such uncertainty?
Read MoreThe Jewish holiday of Tabernacles (Sukkot) which itself is a re-enactment of the history of the wandering in the wilderness by the Jewish people after they left Egypt in 1500 BCE or so. God provided for us; we were cared for; none of our shoes wore out; we had daily food, and so much more.
Read MoreLong ago when houses were made of wood and straw, and no one dreamed of growing up to be a fireman (because there was no such thing), something happened that might change how you think about Rosh Hashanah.
Read MoreMoses was a fairly older man when the incident I’m going to share with you took place. He was maybe 100, maybe 114, or older. That’s getting up there. And he was a leader of a large group of Jewish people – maybe three million or so by that time. One old guy leading a large crew of wilderness wanderers. I see trouble ahead... how about you?
Read MoreAnyone who has been listening beyond the ping and vibration tones of his smartphone the last few years has heard that the use of this technology is increasing loneliness in its users. Of course, the technology has increased our awareness of others and activities of our families and friends, as well. We know more; we want to know more; we crave such knowledge, and yet, the double-edged sword of information and loneliness is apparent.
Read MoreWho can and who cannot? It’s all over the Jewish news this week, and the results may be very long lasting. Is there a content test for freedom of speech? Should there be a muzzle on sportspeople who want to talk about what they believe or don’t believe? From the get-go, let me say forthrightly, NOT! Freedom of speech must also allow for speech with which I seriously disagree.
Read MoreI love Disney. I think I’ve watched pretty much all of the old cartoons, and I’m now one of the many adults who is eagerly going to the cinema to view the remakes. The Lion King has long been one of my favourites, and when I watched it at the cinema yesterday, it didn’t disappoint. The visuals, as expected, were stunning, and I was interested to note that the story had barely changed from the 1994 classic. I guess Disney knew they already had a masterpiece with a massive fan base on their hands, so they played it quite safe with the remake.
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