Hey, didn't I say just a few posts ago that Judaism is a religion of action, rather than belief? What gives now, Rabbi Sommer? The articles of the Jewish faith are usually expressed in the form given by Maimonides, a great twelfth-century rabbi who was hugely influential in creating the kind of Judaism we know … Continue reading #BlogElul 8 – Believe
Tag: blogging
#BlogElul 7 – Be
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, whisper words of wisdom, let it be ... Now, of course, everyone is laughing at me, for quoting the great Rabbi McCartney. But don't forget what the Mishna says: Ben (the son of) Zoma said: Who is wise? He who learns from … Continue reading #BlogElul 7 – Be
#BlogElul 6 – Do
Oooh, a tricky one, Rabbi Sommer! Now we need to figure out the difference between "Act" and "Do"! I'm sure there is one ... here we go! So what does it mean to "do Jewish"? To many people, it has come down to the cultural trappings - the food of their grandparents, the tunes and … Continue reading #BlogElul 6 – Do
A Note to All My Readers
Yes, my blog is currently drowning in #BlogElul posts. This is going to carry on for a few weeks yet. So you are probably thinking, why would I still want to read this blog if I'm not interested in Judaism? The short answer is, it's not just about Judaism. For example, in the post titled … Continue reading A Note to All My Readers
#BlogElul 5 – Know
The psychologist Carl Jung, when asked whether he believed in G-d, famously responded "I don't believe, I know." While Jung later said that he regretted this unadorned answer for the misunderstandings to which it must inevitably lead, I really like it. And not in a woo-woo kind of mystical way, but in a very practical fashion. … Continue reading #BlogElul 5 – Know
#BlogElul 4 – Accept
Day 4 of Elul is Shabbat. First of all, let me assure you that this post was written and scheduled well beforehand. I do not use the computer on Shabbat. This is a restriction that I gladly accept. We live in a time of abundance and addiction. I am quite severely addicted to that seductive … Continue reading #BlogElul 4 – Accept
#BlogElul 3 – Bless
The third day of Elul is a Friday, the day we prepare for the blessing of Shabbat. In the evening we will bless the candles, the wine and the bread, and sink into the restfulness of the temporary cessation of all preparation. During the High Holy Days themselves, blessings abound. The special prayer book we … Continue reading #BlogElul 3 – Bless
#BlogElul 2 – Act
It has often been said that Judaism is a religion of action, rather than faith. Not that faith is not important, but action is what counts. I saw a Facebook post the other day, in which one of my non-Jewish friends proclaimed that he was going to hell. Not because of something he did, but … Continue reading #BlogElul 2 – Act
#BlogElul 1 – Prepare
It's finally here, Rosh Chodesh Elul. It's time to begin our month of #BlogElul, with the verb "Prepare". Strictly speaking, today is the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul. The first was yesterday, the last day of Menachem Av, a mournful month full of the remembrance of tragedy and loss. Today is the first day … Continue reading #BlogElul 1 – Prepare
10 Things A Newbie Learned About SEO
A new challenge on my Facebook Writers' Group! Write an article about learning SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and see how high you can get it to rank. So let's see what we can do with that ... Write for humans, not search engines. The algorithms are actually so good nowadays, that they are looking for … Continue reading 10 Things A Newbie Learned About SEO