Perhaps the only thing we can be certain about in life is uncertainty. There is so little that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt. Living a meaningful and rich life requires a deep acknowledgment of that uncertainty, and the willingness to engage it with optimism and hope.
This can be a difficult task, particularly in an age of so much anxiety. But remember that God is with us when we embark on uncertain paths. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." (Psalms 56:3)
Our society continues to be fractured by disagreement and discord, and too often we find that difference of opinion ultimately leads to disrespect and disdain.
In the many disputes it recounts between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel, the Talmud gives us an example of how to maintain friendship in the midst of profound disagreement.
“Although Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel disagreed (on many critical issues) ... nevertheless .. they behaved with love and friendship toward one another, as it says in Zecharia, ‘TRUTH and PEACE they loved’ (8:19).”
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well.” (Psalm 139: 13-14)
Although written by the psalmist, this passage is about everyone one of us. Our unique talents and features were carefully selected by our Creator.
The care and intention that went into our creation should be matched by the care and intention with which we use them.
“And God created man in His own image.” (Genesis 1:27)
In our world of supposed social constructs and contracts, it is often said that our rights stem from our social institutions: governments, corporations, organizations. But all of these institutions are created by humans.
The true basis of our human rights and dignity is the fact that we contain the divinity of our Creator. Rights don’t come from people. They come from God, and exist independently of the institutions people create
Deuteronomy 19:15 tells us that on the basis of two witnesses a matter stands.
There is a deep message about heeding the words of others in this verse. While the testimony of one person might be discounted, once 2 people see something, we ought to take it seriously.
This is true of witnessing events, but also those who observe us and our behaviors.
“See, this day I set before you blessing and curse: blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I enjoin upon you this day; and curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn away from the path that I enjoin upon you this day and follow other gods, whom you have not experienced.” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)
This passage was said thousands of years ago, but it is something we should think about every day and every time we are faced with a major decision. It is a timeless wisdom, as true today as it has ever been.
“Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:16)
Judaism doesn’t believe in bystanders. In the tradition, certain obligations fall upon the community and others fall upon the individual. Pursuing justice and ensuring it falls upon the individual. No deflections to prevailing opinion.
We all know that it is wrong to steal. In the Jewish tradition, an even greater transgression than stealing property is stealing time.
Why? Because time cannot be given back. We all have a finite amount of time on this Earth, which is why we talk about ‘spending’ it, like any other currency.
The Jewish view of spending time wisely is by filling it with good deeds, study, and prayer. That is how we sanctify this most precious of earthly vessels.
Tucker Carlson on The Rabbi's Husband Podcast
When the Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, it is then that their eyes are opened to their nakedness. Shame is a remarkable human trait, and can be deployed to enact social change. But as Ruth Benedict explains, there are guilt cultures and there are shame cultures. Shame cultures are about perception, whereas guilt cultures are about responsibility.
Check out this week’s episode with Tucker Carlson on The Rabbi’s Husband podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tucker-carlson-adam-eve-and-the-burden-of-knowledge/id1510424100?i=1000538378538
Tucker Carlson on The Rabbi's Husband Podcast
Individual responsibility is the bedrock of Judaism. The Torah is written in a way not to highlight rights but to highlight responsibilities. Rights are grounds for responsibilities in others, and when we are part of a collective, it is our duty to protect the most vulnerable. It is on each of us to protect ourselves from the vices of our existence, lest they consume us.
Check out this week’s episode with Tucker Carlson on The Rabbi’s Husband podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tucker-carlson-adam-eve-and-the-burden-of-knowledge/id1510424100?i=1000538378538
Tucker Carlson on The Rabbi’s Husband podcast
The beginning of wisdom is in understanding ourselves. Knowledge about where we came from is necessary for coming up with a plan for where we're going. The Book of Genesis is as much about similarity as it is about difference. It describes the multiplicity of gender in the initial Adam, whilst also emphasizing the creative function and purpose of creation.
Check out this week’s episode with Tucker Carlson on The Rabbi’s Husband podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tucker-carlson-adam-eve-and-the-burden-of-knowledge/id1510424100?i=1000538378538
“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a fitting helper for him.’” (Genesis 2:18)
One aspect of the creation story that is often forgotten is that it was only after forming the first man that God realized humanity was incomplete. In Western society, it is commonly thought that we ought to find a partner once we’re fully formed. But as with Adam, we only appear fully formed.
We are to grow together with our partner to become our full selves, and that growth brings about 2 ever-better humans.
The word ‘coincidence’ implies an accidental intersection, a coinciding of trajectories. But the Torah’s outlook on the world eschews this idea. Nothing is a mere intersection. The people we encounter, the connections that we make, and the events that we see, all occur for a productive purpose. This purpose may or may not be immediately apparent, but there is no telling where they can lead.
Disagreement is the hallmark of a healthy society. It is only in such a society that we can all learn, grow, and build together. The Torah is full of stories when disagreement generates new beginnings. This is what we should be striving for.
Shabbat is perhaps the most transformative concept in human life. It is a combination of meditative, educational, devotional, communal, intense, and restul - all rolled into one event. As Ahad Ha’am said, “More than the Jewish People have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.”
I will make of you a great nation,
And I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you
And curse him that curses you;
And all the families of the earth
Shall bless themselves by you.
(Genesis 12:2-3)
Jews make up 0.2% of the world population, and yet their contributions to humanity are simply unparalleled. 20% of Nobel Prizes have been awarded to Jews.
There is no way to deny that God has made good on his blessing.
