In our post-October 7th world, we must diversify how the world sees the Jewish People and our homeland, Israel, so that the Jewish experience is not reduced to political headlines and stereotypes.
What a great reminder of the beauty and quirks of Judaism beyond politics and polarity. The first point reminded me of my brief study of the Zohar with the wife of one of its translators (in Melbourne, Australia). Reading a few of the passages in Aramaic it became clear in that moment that these words are tools to invoke forces that took me on an inner journey beyond words. Our teacher looked like she was in bliss as she read out the passages, possessing secret knowledge we were yet to attain. Psychedelic indeed. It took hours to unpack a few sentences and I would leave each session trying to remember what we'd discussed on my drive home. As a family with a heritage of kabbalists and soferim, the Zohar awakened dormant knowledge and affected me like no other text I've ever encountered. I'm hopeful that all the current rhetoric about Jews, Zionism etc will get boring enough that people will be open to learn the more interesting, if not trippy aspects of its mystical roots.
As a geometry, trigonometry, and calculus teacher, I study “different types of angles in their intricate hierarchies.” I never knew this had anything to do with the Jewish faith! No wonder we are overrepresented among excellent mathematicians!
I think you have mistaken Angles for Angels. Never mind. Not the first time! The Romans said on landing in the South East here in the UK that the English (The Angles) looked like Angels. This is where the English (Literally Angel-ish) get their name from.
I love the way you described the connection between absurdist humor and tragedy, as that’s my way of dealing with the less pleasant aspects of life. I made lots of dark humor jokes while going through breast cancer the same time my debut book was published. BTW—I’m part of a newly-released anthology called On Being Jewish Now which talks about life as a Jew post October 7th, and all profits go to an organization that educates people on campuses and businesses about the dangers of antisemitism.
The secret power of Jewish ritual that touches on every aspect of daily life is that when people feel they live in a world where nothing matters - to practicing Jews, everything matters! Every act is meaningful. Talk about a purpose driven life!
The fact that we question everything - well that is just our destiny. I have often thought that the reason gentiles convert to Judaism is that they are desperately looking for answers. Then they open up a Gemara - and all they get are questions! But sometimes that is the answer. Keep curiosity alive. And sometimes the answer is teiku - let the question stand. And then you go on to the next discussion. As Rabbi Joseph Soloveichick would tell his rabbinical students, "You don't die from a question."
When G-d gave the Torah to Moses, the Talmud says, he told him, "I have a secret gift for the children of Israel. It is called Shabbat." A secret gift? But it's right there in the Ten Commandments! The secret is that though on the surface it seems restrictive - can't do this, can't do that - once you practice it, it is liberating. (Sure, there are lots of details , but that's not necessarily bad - see above.) Not only a day of physical rest, but a day of physical pleasure and spiritual rejuvenation. Not to mention a day to get away from the weekday tumult (work, shopping, Substack).
Thanks for this article. We need to be reminded that we don't have idolize outside cultures when we have so much of our own heritage to draw from.
What a great reminder of the beauty and quirks of Judaism beyond politics and polarity. The first point reminded me of my brief study of the Zohar with the wife of one of its translators (in Melbourne, Australia). Reading a few of the passages in Aramaic it became clear in that moment that these words are tools to invoke forces that took me on an inner journey beyond words. Our teacher looked like she was in bliss as she read out the passages, possessing secret knowledge we were yet to attain. Psychedelic indeed. It took hours to unpack a few sentences and I would leave each session trying to remember what we'd discussed on my drive home. As a family with a heritage of kabbalists and soferim, the Zohar awakened dormant knowledge and affected me like no other text I've ever encountered. I'm hopeful that all the current rhetoric about Jews, Zionism etc will get boring enough that people will be open to learn the more interesting, if not trippy aspects of its mystical roots.
As a geometry, trigonometry, and calculus teacher, I study “different types of angles in their intricate hierarchies.” I never knew this had anything to do with the Jewish faith! No wonder we are overrepresented among excellent mathematicians!
I think you have mistaken Angles for Angels. Never mind. Not the first time! The Romans said on landing in the South East here in the UK that the English (The Angles) looked like Angels. This is where the English (Literally Angel-ish) get their name from.
No, that was deliberate. I also inherited Jewish wordplay in addition to math acumen.
Bravo Caleb!
Reminder: Isaac, Yitzhak, means will laugh. Laughter is mentioned in Torah at least three times. This was a great post.
The study of kabalah became suspect after the false messiah, Shabtai Tzvi.
Josh. This is a beautiful, rabbinical article. Wow. Again, perfect. Again, thank you. Martin
Excellent discussion of various aspects of Judaism. I enjoyed it and learned alot. I will share with my children and their families.
Wonderful post! 🫠&😵💫Thank you.🙂
Somehow this makes me cry.
I love the way you described the connection between absurdist humor and tragedy, as that’s my way of dealing with the less pleasant aspects of life. I made lots of dark humor jokes while going through breast cancer the same time my debut book was published. BTW—I’m part of a newly-released anthology called On Being Jewish Now which talks about life as a Jew post October 7th, and all profits go to an organization that educates people on campuses and businesses about the dangers of antisemitism.
On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates https://a.co/d/2YnMePN
The foundations of Judaism & part of me daily! Barukh Adonay! ✡️💜
Thank you Joshua. No other words from me are necessary - just thank you
The secret power of Jewish ritual that touches on every aspect of daily life is that when people feel they live in a world where nothing matters - to practicing Jews, everything matters! Every act is meaningful. Talk about a purpose driven life!
The fact that we question everything - well that is just our destiny. I have often thought that the reason gentiles convert to Judaism is that they are desperately looking for answers. Then they open up a Gemara - and all they get are questions! But sometimes that is the answer. Keep curiosity alive. And sometimes the answer is teiku - let the question stand. And then you go on to the next discussion. As Rabbi Joseph Soloveichick would tell his rabbinical students, "You don't die from a question."
When G-d gave the Torah to Moses, the Talmud says, he told him, "I have a secret gift for the children of Israel. It is called Shabbat." A secret gift? But it's right there in the Ten Commandments! The secret is that though on the surface it seems restrictive - can't do this, can't do that - once you practice it, it is liberating. (Sure, there are lots of details , but that's not necessarily bad - see above.) Not only a day of physical rest, but a day of physical pleasure and spiritual rejuvenation. Not to mention a day to get away from the weekday tumult (work, shopping, Substack).
Thanks for this article. We need to be reminded that we don't have idolize outside cultures when we have so much of our own heritage to draw from.
If any rabbi is looking for a brilliant and gifted d'var Torah, this is it.
But we are history - every day we reenact historical rituals and every day, by doing so, we build the future Jewish history.