Korach-Of Kings, King Makers, and Michael Jackson

I am horrible at the game of chess.  While I have mastered the ability to beat my childhood nemesis (my dad), still the game is intricate and complicated.  Perhaps it provides one of the better metaphors for Korach, a real king (of pop), and those who would be kings in Iran.

Neda, Esther, Iran and Is History Repeating?

Given all the news about Iran, I felt that we might want to look back into the most famous story of the Jewish adventure in Persia.  Sometimes parallels can be scary, especially if you are the Ayatollahs.  Perhaps Neda had an ancestor.
Now for a Picture of the graves dug for protesters.
Charvonah, one of the king's attendants, said to the king, "There's also a fifty-cubit-high gallows in Haman's house that Haman made for Mordechai, who saved the king." Said the king, "Hang him on it." So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordechai, and the king's anger subsided. (Esther 7:9-10)
Ayatollahs, be careful when digging graves.
And now, the Ayatollahs are not just afraid of women, but also fear those who they have shot and feel the need to punish her family.

Shelak L'kha - To Do's and Why Do's

This Torah portion contains the passage that leads many Jews to wear a tallit.  Much of our religious life is represented by 'to do's,' but true meaning is found in our 'why do's.'  Why does one wear a tallit?  Why do people find so much meaning in doing certain rituals and what happens when we confuse 'to do' and 'why do?'

B'Ha'alot'kha - Kaddish or Healing Jewish Rifts?

Recently it was reported in the Jerusalem Post that the former president of Yeshivah University spoke on saying Kaddish for the non-Orthodox movements.  Unfortunately it seems that it might be the wrong prayer to utter since Kaddish is a generic pray that is made specific depending on certain additions.  Perhaps he meant El Malei Rachmin, or did he.  I actually recited Kaddish De-Rabbanan as I finished the STAR program Good to Great.  I wish that this program was the paradigm for everyone in the Jewish community.  One based on respect and encouraging all to strive for the best that will build our entire Jewish community.