RSS Jewish Living - Character and Ethics

Debatable: Should We Support Physician-Assisted Suicide?

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Phil Cohen (yes) and Barry Block (no). Rabbi Phil Cohen: Let us offer a humane response to patients who needlessly suffer. Rabbi Barry Block: Dont short-circuit the deep meaning in the natural process of death. Summer 2013.

Invasion of the Machines

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

interview with Wendy Mogel. Technology opens wonderful worlds for childrenbut may also carry risk. The clinical psychologist and author of two parenting books discusses how Judaism and social science can help families navigate our new cyberworld. Summer 2013.

Social Action: The Making of a Greenpeace Activist

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Janos Maté. Reflections on how the authors whole life journey, including his Jewish upbringing, inspired him to become an activist, taking on perilous assignments to make the world a better place. Summer 2013.

What Your Heart Can Teach You

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Alan Morinis. Reflection on how, at moments of experiencing yirahwhich the author defines as feeling awe, fear, and reverence all at once--our hearts are open to discovering the essential meaning of our lives. Summer 2013.

The Higher Authority Lies Within

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Reisel. The biblical story of Moses breaking the tablets teaches us that even God agrees that to seek truth means to question authority. Quite literally, it means to break the rules. Spring 2013.

My Marital Masquerade

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Anonymous. My husband was committing crimes to feed his serious drug addiction. I feared public humiliation. Part of Focus: Shanda. Winter 2012.

My Secret Siblings

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Marlene Myerson. Packing up my mothers apartment after her death, I finally found the answers Id yearned for all my life. Part of Focus: Shanda. Winter 2012.

The Disgrace of a Nice Jewish Girl

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Annette Powers. My father believed that intermarriage was a shanda. I hoped to prove him wrong. Part of Focus: Shanda. Winter 2012.

What Will the Neighbors Say?!

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

a conversation with Edythe Mencher and Dale Atkins. How society has changed what it deems a disgrace, when shaming is harmful or useful, and how to break the cycle of unjustified shame. Part of Focus: Shanda. Winter 2012.

Preparing for the New You

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Theodore Bikel, Susan Caro, Rachel Cowan, Stacia Deutsch, Emily Goldberg, Lawrence A. Hoffman, Liz Lerman, Richard N. Levy, Cynthia Roosth Wolf. Nine Jewish thinkers reflect on the teachings that inspire them to take an accounting of their souls, how they take stock of their actions, and the life experiences that have prompted them to seek change. Fall 2012.

&And Who Is to Blame

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Arnold S. Gluck. What we can learn from the Talmudic tale of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012. PDF.

Civility as a Spiritual Practice

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Alan Morinis. Jewish tradition emphasizes kindness, graciousness, and respect to teach us to uphold the human idealand to promote good government. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012.

Conviction with Compassion

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Arnold S. Gluck. Learning to respect and care about those with whom we profoundly disagree. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012.

Lifecycle: A Home Dismantled with Devotion

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jack Riemer. A prayer that can help us as we begin the sacred task of closing down and emptying out our parents home after they die. Summer 2012.

Medical Ethics: The Morality of Marijuana2 Views

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Donald I. Abrams and Jim Hornstein. Two medical doctors who are Reform Jews debate the issue. Dr. Abrams: Marijuana Use is Medical & Moral. Dr. Hornstein: Only Medical Marijuana Use is Moral. Summer 2012. PDF.

Portrait: Jackie Curtis Silverman

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Q&A with Jackie Curtis Silverman. The founder of The New Orleans Womens Shelter reflects on having decided to no longer live my sheltered life telling myself that homelessness was a government problem to solve. Summer 2012. PDF.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

a conversation with Edythe Mencher and Dale Atkins. When we assert ourselves respectfully while avoiding the temptation to act unkindly towards others, no one is diminished as a human being. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012.

The Insult That Destroyed Jerusalem&

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hayyim Nahum Bialik and Yehoshua Iana Rawnitzki. The Talmudic tale of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012. PDF.

Cultivating Love

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Alan Morinis. What can each of us do to foster nefeshsoul love? Spring 2012.

Lessons from the Sage of Love

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Naftali Rothenberg. Rabbi Akivas wisdom about the ideal of human love. Spring 2012

Love IS Stronger than Death

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rex Perlmeter. Nurturing love in the face of tragedy. Spring 2012.

An Open Heart

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

interview with Alan Morinis. The breaking of the wedding glass sends the message: To fully experience joy, one must also be able to feel deep sorrow. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

Healing "Spiritual Deficiency Syndrome"

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Abraham J. Twerski. How to alleviate the cause of enduring happinessneglect of the human spirit. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

The Dalai Lama and the Chief Rabbi

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

interview with the Dalai Lama and Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. The Dalai Lama and the Chief Rabbi reflect on finding happiness in the face of tragedy, loss, and injustice. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

The Intrinsically Good Life

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hava Tirosh-Samuelson. Human happiness has been a central concern of Judaism since antiquity. And the ancient Jewish philosophers teachings about the intrinsically good life are just as relevant today. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

They Call Me Happy. Heres Why.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Evan Happy Braude. Engagement gives meaning to my life, and from meaning I derive happiness. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

Lessons in the Mirror

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Charles R. Krivcher. Personal reflection of a High Holy Day encounter with a mirror that led to an epiphany regarding the authors relationship with God and personal responsibility in prayer. Fall 2011.

Wrestling with Forgiveness

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dalia Marx. As we approach the Days of Awe, we can take three paths to forgiveness: focusing on the injured, on the injurer, orideally and most challengingon the relationship between them. Fall 2011.

Lifecycle: The Pitfalls & Passions of Middle Age

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Michael A. White. Coming to terms with certain limitations of freedom posed by middle age and learning how to expand the possibilities for growth. Summer 2011.

A Moral Guide to Medical Breakthroughs

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A conversation with Mark Washofsky. How Jewish tradition views in vitro fertilization, stem cell research, genetic modifications, and extending the human lifespan. Part of Focus: Ethics in a Fast-Changing World. Spring 2011.

Everything in Moderation...Except Moderation

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Edythe Mencher. The Jewish prescription for a healthy life is cultivating a middle path - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Morality: Choosing to Live, Choosing to Die

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jack Riemer. Do I agree with Christopher Reeve, who was busy until the day he died, or with Moti Gur, who surrendered when he could not defeat cancer? Spring 2011.

Not More Than My Place; Not Less Than My Space

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Laura Geller. How do I balance the desire to be acknowledged while making space for others to shine? Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Productivity vs. Procreation

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Juliana Schnur. How do I balance my work - where I'm a valued member of the team - with what it takes to meet the right man? Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Self-Indulgence vs. Self-Denial

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Aron Hirt-Manheimer. For most of my life I have made a virtue of doing for others. I resolved to put myself first for a change. Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Stem Cell Wonders

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A conversation between Krista Tippett and Dr. Doris Taylor. Embryonic stem cell research is uncovering secrets of how we age and how we heal. Part of Focus: Ethics in a Fast-Changing World. Spring 2011.

The Decade to Come

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A conversation with Jay Walker. We're moving into personalized medicine, wearable cell phones, and a mind-machine interface to augment human memory. Part of Focus: Ethics in a Fast-Changing World. Spring 2011.

Behind Bullying: A conversation with Dale Atkins and Edythe Mencher

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Why some adults act aggressively toward others - and what to do when you think it's happening to you. Winter 2010.

When Jack Pushed Jill Down the Hill: A conversation with Dale Atkins and Edythe Mencher

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Helping kids - from tots to teens - handle bullying behavior. Winter 2010.

Living with Secrets

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Dr. Dale Atkins and Rabbi Edythe Mencher. A psychologist (Atkins) and a clinical social work psychotherapist (Mencher) explore when it is best to keep the truth to ourselves, and when to reveal what's in our hearts. Fall 2010.

When Scott Got More Than Sue - A Discussion Guide

Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Alan D. Bennett. Questions about inheritance for thoughtful discussion at home and in synagogue. Summer 2010.

Inner Life: Eyes Wide Open

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Zachary Brown. I had never been as considerate as I could have been to my family until in class, a pen went through the center of my eye and I was later asked to coach Little League. Summer 2010.

When Scott Got More Than Sue

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Dr. Dale Atkins and Rabbi Edythe Mencher. A psychologist (Atkins) and a clinical social work psychotherapist (Mencher) talk with the RJ editors about how to preserve sh'lom bayit (family harmony) before and after the reading of the will. Summer 2010.

Family Life: Are You a Buttinsky? - A Discussion Guide

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Alan D. Bennett. Questions about meddling for thoughtful discussion at home and in synagogue. Fall 2009.

Family Life: Are You a Buttinsky?

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Dr. Dale Atkins and Rabbi Edythe Mencher. A psychologist (Atkins) and a clinical social work psychotherapist (Mencher) talk with the RJ editors about the dangers of meddling to family harmony-and how to express concerns that may elicit the very response you hope for. Fall 2009.

Fiction: Our Secret Crime

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Aaron Mayer Frankel. I was just sixteen when I was given the honor of co-leading the teen Yom Kippur services at Temple Hashalom. When I came close to fainting, I had to eat...and eat, and eat.... Fall 2009.

A Small Act of Kindness

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Rabbi Edythe Mencher. A licensed clinical social worker describes what to cultivate internally in times of adversity and explains how "a smile, a good word, or a simple act of kindness can restore hope in a friend or stranger-in ways we may never know." Summer 2009.

Morality: The Duty To Disobey

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Rabbi Harold Schulweis. If a religious law and your own conscience are in conflict, sometimes conscience may be the better gauge. Spring 2009.

What God Can Learn from Us: A Conversation with Jack Bloom

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Rabbi Jack H Bloom. The psychotherapist and spiritual leader explores the false notion of God as a perfect Being and the ways God can learn from us mortals about ethical and appropriate behavior. Winter 2008.

Acceptance

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Debra Cohn. Personal story on how the practice of mussar led the author to newfound acceptance of others and self. Part of Focus: Mussar-A Spiritual Practice to Elevate Character. Fall 2008.

Compassion

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Fran Zimmerman. Personal story on how the practice of mussar led the author to newfound compassion. Fall 2008.

Equanimity

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Henry Wodnicki. Personal story on how the practice of mussar led the author to newfound equanimity. Part of Focus: Mussar-A Spiritual Practice to Elevate Character. Fall 2008.

Freedom

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gary Shaffer. Personal story on how the practice of mussar led the author to newfound freedom. Part of Focus: Mussar-A Spiritual Practice to Elevate Character. Fall 2008.

How to Bring Mussar to Your Synagogue: 5 Practical Steps

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Leonard Felson. Part of Focus: Mussar-A Spiritual Practice to Elevate Character. Fall 2008.

Humility

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ellen Berk. Personal story on how the practice of mussar led the author to newfound humility. Part of Focus: Mussar-A Spiritual Practice to Elevate Character. Fall 2008.

Mussar Discussion and Study Guide

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Alan Morinis. This mussar discussion guide for congregations and families reflects on the Focus: Mussar-A Spiritual Practice to Elevate Character while offering new mussar insights and practical steps.

The Mussar Revival

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Leonard Felson. Reform Jews in congregations across the continent are now embracing a Jewish spiritual practice formulated in 19th-century Lithuania. Part of Focus: Mussar-A Spiritual Practice to Elevate Character. Fall 2008.

RJ Guide: Reform Judaism - 30 Stories, Section VIII. Leading an Ethical Life

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An introduction to the range of Reform Jewish thinking on leading an ethical life. Summer 2008.

"Truth or Consequences" Discussion and Study Guide

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Alan D. Bennett. This discussion guide on delivering gentle rebuke includes questions for congregational and family study, and a bibliography. Fall 2007.

Truth or Consequences

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ruth H. Sohn. How to best handle the vital Torah commandment tokhehah, usually translated as "rebuke," which requires us to confront a person who is doing something wrong or disturbing to us. Fall 2007.

A Torah of the Heart

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Eric Yoffie. The URJ president reflects on what he learned from his teachers about Torah and relationships. Part of Focus: Character. Spring 2006.

How To Become the Person You Want To Be

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Edythe Held Mencher. The Jewish lessons in each step along the journey of self-change. Part of Focus: Character. Spring 2006.

I, Jacob

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Pitzele. A midrash on the very imperfect biblical character whose name becomes Israel. Part of Focus: Character. Spring 2006

Rabbi Bulman's Kiss & Other Lessons of a Newport News Childhood

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi David Ellenson. The HUC-JIR president reflects upon an important life lesson that he was taught: "Judaism regards fragile and finite human beings who are prone to error as nevertheless capable of being partners with God in the task of repairing the world." Part of Focus: Character. Spring 2006.

Still Trying To Be a Mensch

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Jack Stern. A rabbi (who is on crutches) speaks candidly about how, "When it comes to character development, I'm still learning." Part of Focus: Character. Spring 2006.

Whistleblowing in Washington

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Jesselyn Radack. "I was convinced that the Justice Department had acted illegally in the 'American Taliban' case. My Jewish conscience compelled me to act." Part of Focus: Character. Spring 2006.

13 Ways To Become a Good Person

Thu, 09 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. From Judaism's perspective, greatness of character is not measured by our lack of an evil inclination, but by our success in controlling it. The author offers 13 suggestions to develop one's goodness. Part of Focus: Character. Spring 2006.

The Good Jew Who Went to Jail

Tue, 31 Dec 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Grant Perry. How is it that some Jews who are actively involved in the synagogue and charitable causes can so easily disregard Jewish teachings in their business dealings? Winter 2002.

Oops! I Shouldn't Say This. Or Should I?

Thu, 01 Aug 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig. Explores lashon hara (gossip) from Jewish, historical, and anthropological perspectives, offering ways Jews can communicate more honestly as well as tips grounded in Jewish tradition for congregations to curb a culture of gossip. Summer 2002.

Where Was Isaac?

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Jack Riemer. What Isaac and Abraham's relationship can teach us about our own family feuds and forgiveness. Part of Focus: Family Feuds. Fall 2001.

Wicked to Wise

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT

An interview with Rabbi Jan Katzew. What the Torah can teach us about family conflicts; the transformation of Jacob's son Judah from villainous to righteous shows that even in the most dysfunctional families, repentance and reconciliation are possible. Fall 2001.

The Jewish Ethics Challenge

Wed, 31 Dec 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Arthur Gross Schaefer. Take this quiz to gauge how your values compare with important Jewish considerations and explore strategies for ethical decision-making. Winter 1997.

Sexual Misconduct: How Vulnerable Are Synagogues?

Thu, 01 Dec 1994 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Janet Marder. Explores what happens when issues of sexual misconduct involving rabbis, cantors, and lay leaders arise. Winter 1994.

Are Jews Ethical Enough?

Sun, 01 Sep 1991 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Jack Stern. Reports on Jewish discomfort after a number of prominent Jews were accused and indicted of political corruption in the 1980s, and espouses that in order to embrace a truly ethical way of life, Reform Jews must believe that they alone are accountable for their choices. Part of Focus: On Ethics. Fall 1991.

Are Jews Ethical Enough? Values, Morals, and Ethics

Sun, 01 Sep 1991 00:00:00 GMT

Susan Shapiro. How do we Jews define values, morals, and ethics? Part of Focus: On Ethics. Fall 1991.

Belief and Morality

Sun, 01 Sep 1991 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Eugene B. Borowitz. Discusses the origin of the Jewish passion for ethics and offers ethical behavior guidelines. Part of Focus: On Ethics. Fall 1991.

Everyday Ethical Choices

Sun, 01 Sep 1991 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Gregory S. Marx. Understanding the importance of distinguishing between what is legal and what is moral—and how Jews can translate this into everyday ethical decision-making. Part of Focus: On Ethics. Fall 1991.

How To Make a "Good" Living

Sun, 01 Sep 1991 00:00:00 GMT

Jim Simon. What Judaism can teach us about balancing the desire to lead an ethical existence and the yearning to earn a comfortable living. Part of Focus: On Ethics. Fall 1991.

Ten Commandments for the Synagogue

Sun, 01 Sep 1991 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Arthur Gross Schaefer. The ten ethical concepts every synagogue should teach its congregants to ensure strong Jewish values. Part of Focus: On Ethics. Fall 1991.

RSS Jewish Living - Character and Ethics

Debatable: Should We Support Physician-Assisted Suicide?

Invasion of the Machines

Social Action: The Making of a Greenpeace Activist

What Your Heart Can Teach You

The Higher Authority Lies Within

My Marital Masquerade

My Secret Siblings

The Disgrace of a Nice Jewish Girl

What Will the Neighbors Say?!

Preparing for the New You

&And Who Is to Blame

Civility as a Spiritual Practice

Conviction with Compassion

Lifecycle: A Home Dismantled with Devotion

Medical Ethics: The Morality of Marijuana2 Views

Portrait: Jackie Curtis Silverman

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

The Insult That Destroyed Jerusalem&

Cultivating Love

Lessons from the Sage of Love

Love IS Stronger than Death

An Open Heart

Healing "Spiritual Deficiency Syndrome"

The Dalai Lama and the Chief Rabbi

The Intrinsically Good Life

They Call Me Happy. Heres Why.

Lessons in the Mirror

Wrestling with Forgiveness

Lifecycle: The Pitfalls & Passions of Middle Age

A Moral Guide to Medical Breakthroughs

Everything in Moderation...Except Moderation

Morality: Choosing to Live, Choosing to Die

Not More Than My Place; Not Less Than My Space

Productivity vs. Procreation

Self-Indulgence vs. Self-Denial

Stem Cell Wonders

The Decade to Come

Behind Bullying: A conversation with Dale Atkins and Edythe Mencher

When Jack Pushed Jill Down the Hill: A conversation with Dale Atkins and Edythe Mencher

Living with Secrets

When Scott Got More Than Sue - A Discussion Guide

Inner Life: Eyes Wide Open

When Scott Got More Than Sue

Family Life: Are You a Buttinsky? - A Discussion Guide

Family Life: Are You a Buttinsky?

Fiction: Our Secret Crime

A Small Act of Kindness

Morality: The Duty To Disobey

What God Can Learn from Us: A Conversation with Jack Bloom

Acceptance

Compassion

Equanimity

Freedom

How to Bring Mussar to Your Synagogue: 5 Practical Steps

Humility

Mussar Discussion and Study Guide

The Mussar Revival

RJ Guide: Reform Judaism - 30 Stories, Section VIII. Leading an Ethical Life

"Truth or Consequences" Discussion and Study Guide

Truth or Consequences

A Torah of the Heart

How To Become the Person You Want To Be

I, Jacob

Rabbi Bulman's Kiss & Other Lessons of a Newport News Childhood

Still Trying To Be a Mensch

Whistleblowing in Washington

13 Ways To Become a Good Person

The Good Jew Who Went to Jail

Oops! I Shouldn't Say This. Or Should I?

Where Was Isaac?

Wicked to Wise

The Jewish Ethics Challenge

Sexual Misconduct: How Vulnerable Are Synagogues?

Are Jews Ethical Enough?

Are Jews Ethical Enough? Values, Morals, and Ethics

Belief and Morality

Everyday Ethical Choices

How To Make a "Good" Living

Ten Commandments for the Synagogue

Medical Ethics: The Morality of Marijuana2 Views

They Call Me Happy. Heres Why.