Spiritually Speaking

As that clean slate of a new calendar year approaches I can’t help but think about how I want to spend the next 12 months.

In the beatitudes Jesus says: "Blessed are the humble for they shall inherit the earth." To be humble in Jesus' day was either an honour or a shame.

The healing and unifying effect of singing together at ChristmasThose carolers at your door or in your church have something in common – singing together inspires and connects us. It is a healing activity.

Chanukah is over, the menorah and dreidels put away until December 22, 2019.

A few weeks ago, I attended a course from the Jewish Learning Institute called Wrestling with Faith.

Christmas has been coming since the end of September, judging by the inventory that appears in many stores at that time of year. Hallowe’en candy and Christmas cards somehow appear side by side in October.

Fifteen years ago, when we built an extension to our historic Emanu-El synagogue, we decided to put a Jewish symbol, the Star of David, in a prominent place on the building.

In my previous article, I explored the path of knowledge leading to “ moksha ” or salvation as espoused in Hinduism, and the wisdom that one naturally accrues in this pursuit.

Many a times I have been called a “wise guy”. But seldom has anyone referred to me as a “wise person”. Joking aside, let me explore wisdom in this article, as explained in Hindu philosophy.

Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue’s Adult Education Committee presents “Amsterdam’s Portuguese Synagogue: My Heritage” with Rick Kool. Rick’s talk takes place on Sunday, Nov.