NEWS AND VIEWS
Had Israel not responded to the Haiti catastrophe, no doubt it would have been roundly condemned for doing nothing.
Of Olympic Dreams and Urban Nightmares
Like most Chicagoans, I had hoped that our city's bid to host the Olympic and Para-Olympic Games would have been successful. Certainly, Chicago's civic leaders put forth a remarkable effort, pulling out all stops, including appearances by President Barack and Michelle Obama.
News and Views
In the wake of the recent Israeli elections and the formation of the new ruling coalition headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, most American Reform Jews are feeling bewildered and downright disappointed. Unfortunately for the people of Israel, there simply were no viable alternatives to Likud headed by Netyanyahu and Kadima, headed by Tsippi Livni.
Some Things Never Happened, But They Are True Nonetheless
Very soon it will be Passover. By now, most Jewish homemakers are planning their seder menu. As for myself, I am engaged in what has become my annual struggle with the problem of veracity in regard to the Exodus story. The Exodus comprises the very heart of the Torah.
Defiance
There have been so many Holocaust era films over the years that one would think that the public would have tired of this subject, notwithstanding the fact that the Shoah will always be of immense importance to our Jewish people.
The Arrogance of Power (given on the week of the Gov. Blagojevich arrest)
I hardly need to say that his has been an incredibly disheartening week for the people of Illinois. The spectacle of the Governor of this state being arrested and taken from his own home in handcuffs was startling in and of itself. But the revelation of what he is accused essentially of having conspired to auction off the vacant seat in the United States Senate literally takes one's breath away.
News and Views
In so many ways, in just over a decade, Sinai's newest synagogue has become a recognized and beloved landmark for the Jewish community and the city itself. Whether for worship, religious school, preschool, or for a wedding, bar/bat mitzvah or funeral, this Temple is a most welcoming and inspirational "House of Prayer for all People."
Our "Competition" Across The Street
By now, you must have noticed that the Thai restaurant across the street from the Temple has been replaced by yet another Starbucks. I enjoy good coffee as well, so I have no particular objection to the latest Starbucks, although I am somewhat amazed that we now have four of them within about a quarter of a mile from the Temple. The public's thirst for Starbucks seems to be virtually insatiable.
News and Views
On Sunday, October 21, we will join in celebrating the Heidi Kon's Tenth Anniversary as our Director of Religious Education. In her decade with us, our children have benefited immeasurably from her devotion to Jewish learning. So much of what has been achieved over the past decade is directly attributable to Heidi's skills, dedication and love of Jewish learning. She is my cherished colleague and friend.
Vatican grants a revival for old-style Latin Mass
Recently Pope Benedict authorized the return to the Latin Mass; an event, which many liberals within the Church fear may be an omen of even more retrogressive steps yet to be taken, and which ultimately may reverse many of the modernizations that were put into effect as a result of Vatican II. The Pope has opened the door to wider use of the Latin Mass by allowing priests to say the Mass without requiring authorization from their local bishop.
What Kind Of Finale Is This? Some thoughts concerning the final episode of "The Sopranos"
I confess! I have watched every single episode of The Sopranos, and I'm really sorry that it is over. As despicable as most of the characters are, this series was totally mesmerizing from start to finish. There is an undeniable morbid fascination with the underworld, which, incidentally, is now being played out in real life with the major mob trial that is now underway right here in Chicago (of all places!)
