There is a lovely story in the midrash (Talmudic legends) which offers an explanation as to why the light of the sun and the moon is so different, even though they were both created on the same day in the Book of Genesis. It appears that the sun and the moon were very much in…
In the Jewish Talmud, the comparison is made between how the Romans made coins in the image of Caeser and how God created people in His image. Whereas the Roman coins all looked the same, God’s creations are all unique. Put another way, the Romans’ goal was to “Hail, Caeser!” while God wanted to create…
“We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.” (Rav Shmuel in the Talmud) Is it possible to perceive things “as they are” or are all our perceptions distorted by the limitations of our senses, intellect, upbringing, etc.? ” It is a question that has vexed scientists and philosophers for generations….
Arthur Yavelberg Most people are familiar with the Biblical “Garden of Eden” story from the Book of Genesis. The newly created Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge—which was likely a fig and not an apple—after which they realize they were naked, cover themselves and are exiled from the Garden. …
Arthur Yavelberg People sometimes wonder about why the Jewish holiday of Passover often overlaps with the Christian celebration of Easter. There are many explanations for this—such as both are carryovers from pagan fertility rites having to do with the “rebirth” in spring. (Hence the use of “eggs” on the Passover seder plate and Easter egg…
In the Ancient Egypt of the pyramids, the Pharaoh Akhenaten tried to institute a monotheism based on the worship of the Sun. The context was that every morning the star’s all powerful light conquered the dreaded darkness of night, thus announcing the daily assured victory of the good and rational over evil and ignorance with…
(Published in The Arizona Daily Star, March 5, 2023) Consider the following scenario: there is someone you have known for years, practically your entire life. You love and trust this person who has always been there for you, no matter what, and has even saved your very life a time or two. As it turns…
“Do you love me?” Most people see such a question and assume it comes from some starry-eyed indvidual–thrilled with emotion, but quivering that the feelings are not mutual. Depending on the experiences of the reader, the reactions might range from a nostalgic “How sweet!” to the hardened “How stupid!” to the cynical “How naive!” There…
(Vincent van Gogh, “In the Asylum,” 1889) How many of us can honestly say we have not seen ourselves in such a painting at one time or another? Maybe that common experience is what allows us to empathize with those who are seeing themselves in such a painting now…and pray for those who do so…
“I need to find myself” is a common refrain. Unfortunately, it often refers to something “out there”–a career, perhaps, or a relationship–as opposed to identifying and pursuing one’s own internal passion. The irony is that, when engaged in that passion, one loses the sense of self. Think of the sentence “I am singing.” Most will…