Author Archives: Harry Zeitlin

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 →

Many adjectives will be used to describe the recent savage murders and kidnapping of our three Israeli high school boys, Naftali Fraenkel, z”l, Gil-Ad Shaer z”l and Eyal Yifrah z”l, but unless these adjectives supplement, rather than replace, the word “evil”, these responses … Continue reading →

Not a perfect human, nevertheless Moshe Rabbeinu was our greatest leader. However, with a single public display of anger (BaMidbar 20:10-12), he loses his greatest dream and desire.  

In times of crisis, tempers flare and self-righteousness can get out of control. Rabbi Angel reminds us of the possibility of disagreeing, being diametrically opposed, but not descending to character assassination which so frequently seems to have substituted for debate. … Continue reading →

My father’s yahrzeit has begun and, as expected, my thoughts turn to him. For a number of years I’ve written my children, sister and nieces reminiscences on the yarhzeits and birthdays of both my parents and want to share a bit … Continue reading →

Just as I can’t but be outraged, saddened, determined and filled with prayer over the kidnapping of three yeshiva students in Israel just before this Shabbat, I can’t but be struck by the timeliness of the accompanying parsha, Shelach. Beginning … Continue reading →