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Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz (JTA montage)
JTA America faces challenges we have not seen in generations. Deep elements of resentment and radicalism are set on tearing apart the fabric of the nation. Our ability to argue with humility is gone, crossing partisan divides is a dire proposition and violence is seen by too many as a necessary political remedy to return to basic principles.
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse,
Teamwork (Pixabay)
Our dreams and ideals for the world, whether big or small, can sometimes weigh on us, crushing our souls with stress, fear, and anxiety. It’s this do-it-all complex that creates such unnecessary worries and problems because it’s us who need to do it all. While there’s much to be admired of someone who takes initiative and feels a strong responsibility to others, this quality can be overrun and, consequently, diminished. It’s imperative that, in life, we try to avoid standing alone, for we would be much better off standing with all as one.
Moses Breaking the Tables of the Law (1659), by Rembrandt. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
William L. Rowe (1931–2015) was a distinguished professor of philosophy at Purdue University, who specialized in the philosophy of religion. Although he discovered and embraced evangelical Christianity as a teenager, in later years he evolved into an avid atheist, basing his transformation on what is known as the ‘evidential argument from evil.‘ This position is grounded in the existence of seemingly pointless evil, such as violent or painful death caused by natural phenomenon prompting the question: why would a loving God allow such evils to exist? Surely, if God is all-powerful and benevolent, there would be no pointless suffering?
ParshatÂ
Why are Mosheâs sons rarely mentioned in the Torah?
What are the different models for gentiles to participate in Israelâs mission?
In what way must the children of Israel process the Torah in order to make it accessible to the rest of humanity?
Parshat Yitro largely focuses on the relationship thatâs meant to exist between Israel and the rest of humanity. As this is also the weekly Torah portion that includes Israel receiving the Torah, we should appreciate these two themes to be inexorably linked. This is the parsha where we are shown the Torahâs understanding of what our relationship is meant to be with the outside world.
Parshat Yitro: Want to fight injustice and build community? Start with humility. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz (JTA montage)
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Text Messages is a column sharing wisdom from the weekly Torah portion produced with The Jewish Week. America faces challenges we have not seen in generations. Deep elements of resentment and radicalism are set on tearing apart the fabric of the nation. Our ability to argue with humility is gone, crossing partisan divides is a dire proposition and violence is seen by too many as a necessary political remedy to return to basic principles.
With all the uncertainties around us climate change, public health crises, economic instability, political extremism and polarization, conspiracy theories and a breakdown of societal trust we don’t always know how to engage or how to lead in any given moment.