Death Penalty for Boston Bomber Doesn't Deliver Justice
No Matter What the Supreme Court Decides, We’ve Already Won
I often think about how fortunate I am to live in this period of time when social justice for the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community is advancing at such a rapid pace.
The Sacred, the Secular, and the Great American Songbook
I was invited to present a musical performance piece in conjunction with the traveling exhibit based upon David Lehman's seminal work, A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs. Flattered, I hesitated, at first, to accept the invitation.
No Matter What the Supreme Court Decides, We've Already Won
The Challenge of Righteousness
The wording of the verse gives rise to this debate. The text states that “Noah was a righteous man,” but immediately follows with the phrase “in his generation, he was above reproach. . . ” All of us, including the ancient Rabbis, are left to wonder if Noah is exceptional or not, if his righteousness would be universally righteous or simply righteous in his time.
A Thin Line Between Passion and Zealotry
The final nine verses of Parashat Balak, the second parashah in this week's double portion, tell the story of Zimri, who brings a Midianite woman into the Israelite camp for the purpose of having sexual relations with her.
Jewish Views on Civil Rights
Faith Leaders Urge Action on Humanitarian Crisis Facing Rohingya Community
Washington D.C. May 21, 2015 -- Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center, today joined with a diverse group of faith leaders calling on President Obama to take immediate action to address the Rohingan humanitarian crisis in Southeast Asia.