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Truths You Can Use

1. Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas: Hanukkah and Christmas both occur near the winter solstice. They both feature light and gift-giving. Yet, they differ in their relative importance and religious messages. Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of Jewish survival in the face of foreign pressure. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. Hanukkah is relatively minor…

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah begins Saturday evening. For eight nights we light candles and thank God for “the miracle He performed for us.” Tradition understands that miracle as one miniscule cruse of oil burning brightly for eight consecutive nights. The burning oil rededicated the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which had been conquered and defiled…

In a few days we begin the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah celebrates an ancient miracle.With their way of life under attack, a small group of Jews challenged their oppressors. They survived and rededicate the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. As we light the Hanukkah candles for eight nights, we express gratitude for their victory and…

A few years ago a popular bump sticker urged us to practice “random acts of kindness and senseless acts of love.” It’s a nice sentiment. In Judaism, however, acts of kindness are not random and acts of love are not senseless. They are commandments from God. They are part of the moral structure of the…

The great champion of motivation and inspiration Zig Ziglar died yesterday. Following is a taste of his wisdom and spirit. (courtesy of the Christian Science Monitor and my highlights of Ziglar books!) 1. Vision “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” 2. Dealing with Failure “Remember that failure is an event, not a…

The $550 million Powerball Lottery  has people lining up in gas stations and conveniences stores across America. It also has a few people turning to the heavens to ask God to bless them with good luck. Is this type of prayer legitimate? Does God listen to such kinds of requests? Seeing the Forest Through the…

  Peace is a complex word. We usually think of it as the end of conflict. Yet, peace from one perspective can be subjugation or destruction from another. In Hebrew we have, I believe, a more fitting word. It is Shalom. While Shalom is usually translated as “peace,” it means much more. Shalom describes a…

I recently returned to Twitter after a brief hiatus. To my surprise, I discovered that Twitter has become a great source for finding new spiritual insights and inspiration. While it may seem odd, great wisdom and inspiration can be found in 140 characters. Here are my top ten religious “Tweeters.” @RickWarren: The author of the…

A seeming paradox defines Thanksgiving weekend. On Thursday evening we express gratitude for everything we have. The follow days we rush out to buy what we do not yet have! Be that as it may, some things we can buy can also nourish the spirit. Here are a few: 1. Books: Jews have been called…

This piece moves me every year. It was written by Jonathan Sacks, The Chief Rabbi of Great Britain. It is timeless and timely, speaking to adults and children, single and married, religious or atheist. Please share if you find it meaningful as well.  The gift of faith taught me to see the dazzling goodness and…
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