One thing about the tragedy of what’s happening in Afghanistan is that few agree on who is to blame. The role of the US since 9/11 has a lot of folks wondering. But nearly everyone agrees that our government, and other governments, must do whatever is possible to save the lives of thousands of Afghani men, women, children, journalists and others.
Read MoreBy the time you receive this newsletter I will have returned from a demonstration on the Mall near the Capitol. I’m not planning on getting arrested this time. This gathering of more than 100 faith leaders called on Congress to pass the American Jobs Plan. As you know, the Plan has bold investments in energy & transportation, a 100% clean energy standard, and a commitment to environmental justice.
Read MoreToday is Rosh Chodesh Sivan. On the Muslim calendar it is Eid al-Fitr, the last day of Ramadan and, traditionally, a joyous festival. Both religions follow the lunar calendar. A new moon is about to emerge. But, today, the sky is dark, especially darkened by the war clouds, fighting and deaths in Israel and in the Palestinians territories.
Read MoreI just returned from a few days In Florida visiting family and friends. It was awkward being in airports and flying on airlines, but, all in all, it felt safe to see loved ones again.
Read MoreThere is a terrible spiritual malaise afflicting our country. News of racism, gun violence, and human suffering is increasing. This is a spring of great struggle and, also, one of great opportunity.
Read MoreEver since I was a kid, I was enamored by the meaning of Passover. I loved its celebration of family, history and the spring. For many, Pesach is primarily about gathering with loved ones for the Seders.
Read MoreAnother great Parsha! Called Terumah, it’s about creating The Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the indwelling space for the Divine Presence.
This Parsha is a radical departure from the previous sedrah which outlines in detail the social covenant within the community.
Read MoreFifty years ago tomorrow, on the eighth night of Hanukah in 1970, twelve men and one woman, mostly members of Jewish for Urban Justice, were arrested at the former Soviet Union Embassy. We were protesting the trial of some 16 Jewish Refuseniks faced with capital punishment and/or many years of imprisonment for attempting to hijack a plane to escape from Russia. They had been refused exit visas.
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