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Category Archives: Orthodoxy
Time Off From God
This morning the rabbi said there should be no time off from God. He bemoaned how kids in his religious school were unaware of the Torah portions between the middle of Bamidbar (Numbers) and the beginning of Devarim (Deuteronomy) because … Continue reading
Posted in God, Orthodoxy
Tagged observant jew, orthodox judaism, religious observance, summer respite, torah portions, yom tov
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Why Do People Become Orthodox?
Conservative rabbi David Wolpe of Temple Sinai writes: The three principal, positive reasons why I believe people choose to be Orthodox: community, coherence and connection. Community. Orthodoxy creates a powerful caretaking community. Little wonder that so many step into an … Continue reading
Posted in Orthodoxy, R. David Wolpe
Tagged conservative rabbi, jewish philosophers, lubavitcher rebbe, orthodox synagogue, rabbi akiva, rabbi david wolpe
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The One Problem With The Happy Minyan In Particular And Orthodox Judaism In General
The Happy Minyan meets on Shabbos at a karate studio. The bathroom is in the back, near the woman’s section. Women tend to congregate around the bathroom. There’s no loud fan in the bathroom and you couldn’t turn it on … Continue reading
Posted in Happy Minyan, Orthodoxy, Pico/Robertson
Tagged inordinate fear, karate studio, loud fans, minyan, orthodox judaism, respectful silence
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The Role Of Midrash In Orthodox Jewish Education
I heard a talk decrying the use of midrash as a literature co-extensive with the Bible. Midrash is not so much scriptural interpretation as homiletics (inspiring stories), said the Orthodox rabbi, citing Maimonides. When we treat midrash as equal to … Continue reading
Posted in Education, Midrash, Orthodoxy
Tagged abraham isaac, dvar torah, holy writ, moral sensibilities, orthodox rabbi, picking up sticks, torah scholarship
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What Kind Of Moral Qualifications Do You Need To Lead Prayers At An Orthodox Shul?
Is it ok to have someone lead davening who desecrates the Sabbath? What about someone out of the closet and leading a gay life? Does the davener just need to have long pants (in America) and know the prayers? What … Continue reading
Posted in Orthodoxy
Tagged davening, felon, gay life, long pants, orthodox shul
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