Monthly Archives: July 2014

Quite a few years ago, speaking with one of my oldest and closest friends, I complained that things never seem to work out the way you thought they would. Her reply was, “Sometimes they work out better.” Sometimes…. We humans … Continue reading →

Rosh Chodesh (first of the month, new moon) represents the realm of hard judgement. This month, Av, on the ninth of which we fast to remember the destruction of the both holy Temples as well as a myriad of other … Continue reading →

Before I start with my own brief thoughts, I want to recommend this beautiful column, by Rabbi Hillel Goldberg, Executive Editor of the Intermountain Jewish News in Denver. The representatives of the Gilad clan of the Tribe of Menashe return to … Continue reading →

The popular definition of insanity, often attributed to Albert Einstein (although it’s highly unlikely he ever said it), “repeating the same act and expecting different results” conflicts with the common advice, “when, at first, you don’t succeed, try and try again”. … Continue reading →

The summer of 1969, just before my senior year in high school, was filled with songs, adventures and events which effect me to this day. The Doors, led by the tragic, self-destructive poet, Jim Morrison, released a complex and adventurous album … Continue reading →

The previous article, concerning Parshat Balak, has been revised.  Please read the new version at https://rabbizeitlin.wordpress.com/2014/07/04/evil-can-we-truly-transform-it-or-is-rejection-enough/. Shabbat Shalom.

Parshat Balak, probably more than any other, holds out the promise of almost effortlessly, almost passively, transforming evil. Dedicated, motivated and highly capable, Bil’am, held to be a prophet on the same high level as Moses, finds each of his … Continue reading →