Our book club was recently introduced to a powerful article by Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik called “The Virtue of Hate.” It was sent to us by one of our members and has been on my mind ever since. The article delves into the Jewish tradition’s perspective on dealing with enemies and individuals who have committed…
Rock Solid
The phrase “Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe” from Psalm 31:3a speaks to a basic human need: the desire for an unshakable source of strength and safety. Throughout history, the rock has been a universal symbol of solidarity and permanence. We see this deeply embedded in our language (“solid as a…
All In Good Time
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, the one who succeeds in evil schemes. — Psalm 37:7-8. There’s a deep-seated frustration that comes from watching someone succeed through what seems like a rigged game. This feeling is captured perfectly by Psalm 37. It’s…
Meditation
Make me understand the way of your commandments, that I may meditate on your marvelous works. — Psalm 119:27. This verse offers insight into a common struggle many of us face, especially when trying to connect spiritually. One way to engage in prayer or meditation is to simply open the Bible to a random verse and…
Context and Authority
I say to you, stand up, take your mat, and go to your home. — Mark 2:11. Today’s verse, might initially strike us as harsh or unfeeling, a stark contrast to the compassionate image of Jesus. However, as with many important statements, its true meaning and power emerge only when we understand its context. Consider the…