The Rabbi and I: Recent Episodes
Kenneth Block
When people ask Rabbi Block a question they frequently preface the question by telling him not to answer with a question! And he can’t agree more. When People ask a question they are looking for an answer and not to be asked a question. “The Rabbi and I” podcasts are exactly that, answers to questions that Joe and Rabbi Block have been asked.
The podcasts begin with Joe asking for Rabbi Block’s opinion, thoughts, views, etc. on questions that have caught his attention. He is looking for moral, spiritual, and religious guidance. And that is what Rabbi Block provides, understandable and common sense answers from nor only the Jewish tradition, but from the wisdom of other traditions as well.
Rabbi Ken Block, aka “Rabbi On the Go” offers wit and wisdom on a variety of topics to Joe, the “not a Jew.” Rabbi Block is “Rabbi Emeritus” for a Reform, interfaith congregation in Chantilly, Virginia. Rabbi Block relies on his experience as a behavioral therapist and teacher to give spontaneous wisdom on any topic. Joe, like the Rabbi, was taught by Jesuits and together they explore the commonalities and contrasts in modern religion, events and experiences. Feel free to make requests or volunteer to be a guest with the topic of your choice.
Real antisemitism looks different from anti-Israel: blaming random Jews for a government's choices, claiming American Jews are secretly more loyal to Israel than their own country, reviving blood libel language — or being fine with every other people having a homeland except the Jewish one. This is antisemitism.
The founding of the State of Israel held the promise of creating a country that was guided by Jewish values. American Jews were proud of the accomplishments of Israel as it took its place among the world’s nations. Unfortunately politics and survival in the real world took Israel away from being a spiritual and cultural home for all Jews and not just for for a select group favored by the government. It is time to separate Judaism as a religion from a political entity.
American Judaism is a religion not a political lobby!
Iran's been building a nuclear site buried deep inside a mountain — deep enough that normal bombs might not crack it. U.S. officials, including the President, have floated using a small — 'tactical' — nuclear weapon to destroy it instead.
I'm not here to tell you what the Pentagon should do. I'm going to show you how our own tradition would build both sides of this argument.
Each country is spending upwards of 50 million dollars on advertising to convince us that their version of the war is the correct one! The goal is to sway public opinion not with facts and accuracy rather with sound bites and incomplete quotes. Whether you approve, agree, or disagree with these endless wars don’t believe any of the advertisements. And don’t depend on any one source for your information.
There are Lies, Dam lies, and advertisements
The word "Zionist" is being used by different people to mean completely different things. To one person, "Zionist" just means "someone who supports the existence of a Jewish state." To another person — including, sometimes, other Jews — "Zionist" has become a coded way of saying something much uglier. Same word. Opposite charge. And in between those two poles is a genuine, decades-old argument inside the Jewish people about what Israel is, what it's for, and whether it's living up to what it claims to be.
What does "Zionist" actually mean, and how did it get weaponized?
Now that celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country is over go forth and live the message of our founders. The consent of the people is needed not only to make the government legitimate it is also needed to support the government in power. Here in DC "No taxation without representation" is not simply about taxes. It is about dignity and the insistence of the citizens that no government has the right to demand loyalty, resources, or sacrifice from people who have no voice in choosing it. For those living outside the District it means be careful who you elect, politicians often don’t deliver on their promises!
Don’t be tempted to declare that the glass is half empty or half full. The size of the glass does not determine the amount of liquid. The real question is do you want more or is it enough? Don’t let the size of the glass trick you. It is the same way with the media, they package the message so that we focus on the package and not the message!
Is your life half empty or half full!
Semper Fi, children welcome to boot camp, this is my house and you will do what I say. You need to move away from the idea that being a gunnery sergeant makes you a good father. Going to the other extreme of being an enabler and letting the kids do what ever doesn’t make you a good father either. We are neither our children’s best friend nor their gunny. Instead let’s be a parent to our children.
Don’t let jumping motorcycles and gladiators in a cage distract you from the importance of our flag. Honoring and respecting what our flag represents is a 365 day tradition. And one day a year we highlight the symbol of our Republic. Mickey shows his respect in his unique way!
Today we salute the United States of America
The system is rigged. We have been brainwashed into thinking that we don’t have the brains to make our own decisions. Or the heart to treat each other with kindness and compassion. Or that to be a politician you need to lack the courage to follow your brain and heart. And the rest of us are following a road that leads nowhere good.
It is time to get off The Yellow Brick Road!
Being ambitious is a positive attribute and leads us to doing great things. Avarice or greed is destructive and leads us to perdition. Unfortunately we can’t tell when ambition becomes greed. I know that I always see myself as ambitious and never greedy. But I can always tell when you have crossed the line. And there in lies the answer. Each of us needs a friend to tell us when we have chosen self destructive behavior.
Whenever I hear or read someone telling me that they know what God wants and it is not what I think, I am reminded of a baseball game!
Someone in the nose bleed section of the bleachers screams at the plate umpire: “are you blind, that was a strike!” From 240 yards away this spectator can see better than the umpire standing right behind the plate!
Amazing isn’t it!
Israel Right or Wrong - Is that Wrong or Right?
Judaism is not a Political Action Committee (PAC) for the State of Israel! Judaism is supported by God, Torah, & Israel. The first 2 are easily understood it is the third that has become used and abused. It refers to the people Israel and not to geopolitical entity.
Israel the country is not the same as Israel the people!
We definitely need a “God the Mother” day. Since the “One” is unknowable then it is appropriate that we refer to “a higher Power” as either male or female. We can only know what God is not and we can know God’s attributes!
God is the Father & the Mother
Hints, hacks, and tricks you can use to avoid being drawn into hating. Pundits and influencers use subtle and not so subtle ways to lure us into joining their campaign of hate. Here is my vaccine to inoculate you so that you won’t be infected with hate.
In “the world to come” you will be asked if you denied yourself any pleasures or indulgences that your faith community permits or allows? “And God looked upon creation and declared it good”.
Over Doing Destroys Any Pleasure
In high school, college, and professional sports sports everyone wants God on their side. In business negotiations, a divorce, or any competition everyone wants God on their side. Needles to say both sides in war want God on their side! I am glad that I am not God constantly taking sides.
Don’t put God in the middle!
I heard a famous podcaster call the Holocaust a lie, he said that only 40,000 Jews were murdered and not 6 million! According to him it is okay to murder 40,000 innocent people. I find his morality suspect! The 6 million Jews murdered stand for the million of Poles, the priests, the nuns, the Soviet people, the Gypsies, and the disabled, among 12 million more murdered. The holocaust is not just about Jews, it is about the persecution of the innocent.
Remember to stop the “legal”persecution of those who are singled out just because!
Yes, the things around us would make us all give up. And everything around us would still be depressing if we give up our faith. Each of us needs a strategy to enjoy what we have and live each day. Use your faith and not someone else’s to live one day at a time.
I still believe the sun is shining even when I cannot see it!
Using Sacred Literature to promote war, conquest, and death has never had a good outcome. Political leaders use sacred literature to gather support and power for wars that only they and their supporters consider valid. Stop distorting the teachings that would unite us.
Do not use God and prayer to justify your political position!
Iran has been using its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Ansar Allah to kill, murder and create instability in the Middle East. These proxies were abetted by countries other than Iran in the area. Iran’s plan was not only to eliminate Israel but to conquer and control the other Muslim countries in the Middle East. Iran is now attacking the Muslim countries that are its neighbors. One can no longer pretend that Iran’s goal was solely destroying Israel.
Stop Iran from its expansionist policy!
Christian Zionism is not fringe. It is organized, funded, politically sophisticated, and deeply sincere. And its view of Iran is not primarily strategic — it’s prophetic. That changes everything about how its members engage with policy.
We need to understand them. Because if we want to make sense of why U.S. policy around Israel and Iran looks the way it does, we can’t ignore the millions of Americans who believe they’re watching biblical prophecy unfold on the evening news.
Christian Zionists claim that Armageddon has BEGUN!
“War is worse than Hell, the people in Hell deserve to be there, in war innocent people die along with the guilty!” Said “Hawkeye” Pierce to Father Mulcahy. Iran had to be stopped and contained. Even the great deal maker couldn’t make a deal with Iran! What choice did he have. Does he have a plan or how to end the war?
Starting a war is easy, ending it not so much!
Iranwar#iran#israel
We all do it, except the birds and the bees don’t, the animals in the forest don’t, only humans use social media to avoid reality. How does “doom scrolling” work for you. Time to stop focusing on our under 18 youth and focus on all of us. Drugs, alcohol, rock & roll, social media are all ways to keep our attention off of what surrounds us.
Social media is not an acceptable diversion when it prevents us from being engaged in our lives.
Israel has been steadily moving towards annexing The West Bank. The passage of the most recent legislation is one step away from Annexing The West Bank. With a wink and a nod from the United States Israel will annex the West Bank.
Israel is preparing to annex the West Bank
At some point in your coming of age your parents or grandparents said to you “What were you thinking”. When you make jokes, use cartoons, or substitute language you are actually expressing what you really believe.
Mens Rae, your guilty mind!
It is not too late to revise your Holocaust observance statement to include the reality that the Jews were the victims of Nazi antisemitism. Your opinion matters and what you don’t say is as important as what you do say. So say it now “the Nazis murdered Jews and those who helped and defended them”. And in the end over 30 million other innocent people were murdered.
The shofar, a ram’s horn, is blown at the High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur), serves as a call to wake up to the results of our actions during the past year. Four sounds are blown to wake us up. The Tekiah, a long, loud blast, gets the listeners attention. The Shevarim, 3 broken sounds, calls for repentance. The Teruah, 9 staccato notes, wakes the soul. And finally the Tekiah Gedolah, a long sustained blast, calls us to live our religious teachings.
Wake up and live the teachings of Jesus, Moses, Mohammed, etc.
ס'וועט גאָרנישט העלפן
גאָרנישט העלפן
Gar nicht helfen" or “gor nicht helfn” in Yiddish means "nothing helps" or "beyond help," expressing that a situation is hopeless or that efforts are futile, often with a sense of resignation or a recognition that intervention isn't useful.
We do however have another option. Do what MacGyver did! He looked at the tools and things he had around himself and used what was at hand to solve the problem!
Feeling news overload, be MacGyver!
I had a sign on my computer in my Hospital office that read: “You Are Going to Have A Good Day Because You Found Someone to Blame For Yesterday’s Mistakes!”
That is exactly what we hear from Orthodox and Conservative Rabbis. Interfaith marriages are destroying Judaism! Rather than addressing their failure to present a positive, spiritual, and guilt free Judaism they choose to blame others.
Your company your rules. If you accept outside funding it is no longer your company. The distinction is important!
Joe and the Rabbi discuss the 10 events of the year 2025 that require our attention.
In the year 2025 humankind survived
Merry Christmas and a joyous Chanukah 365 days a year! There is no need to limit good will and peace on earth to just one day. Let’s take the holiday message seriously and include it every day.
EX 22:20 “You shall not wrong a stranger, nor oppress them for you were strangers in the land of Egypt”.
Laws need to be in place concerning firearms of all types. The sale, use, and ownership of guns should be regulated for public safety. Gun laws will not stop angry, hateful people from massacring and killing. Stopping using anger and hate to get elected to public office will.
We are harvesting the seeds of hate that we planted!
Drug use and abuse have reached a new high. Availability is not the cause it just fuels our inability to deal with our lives. Perhaps if drug escape is less available we will be forced to develop strategies for dealing with what is. Using drugs has never had a good outcome.
President Trump’s peace plan requires an International Stabilizing Force (ISF) without a referee Israel and Hamas will keep fighting each other. The Arab League needs to step up and supply personnel.
Stop blaming Israel & Hamas, ask where is the all important ISF!
We have only ourselves to blame when the Terminator comes calling. It’s not too late for us to control AI and it will be soon!
Watch the movie “I, Robot”
Let’s put aside the history of how the Judeo-Christian developed and changed and realize that it is time for a change. “There is a time for everything under the heavens” and now is the time to recognize that there are as many ways to unite with God as there are blades of grass on the fairway. We are all God’s children and no one religion has a monopoly.
We all don’t need to have the same religion to make America Great!
Hate speech is free speech! What do you think we should do about it? Listen to the hate spewed forth from talk show hosts and then notice who doesn’t object.
The Orcs are massing and Saruman is rising!
In his first term as president Trump said that he had “A Big Beautiful Health Plan”. Now it is time to bring it out and show the Democrats that there is something better than the “Affordable Care Act”. Reopen the government now.
The Democrats are holding the country hostage.
Heaven is not owned by any one religion, it is God’s personal property. There are as many ways to get into heaven as there are blades of grass on the fairway! There are organized religions, individual paths, and group spirituality that can help us find our path to what happens next.
Your journey to Heaven is waiting
Yogi Berra said it best: “when you come to a fork in the road take it!” Peace in Gaza and the Middle East is upon us. It can really happen.
Gaza peace and Israeli security
The return of the hostages accomplished. Next comes nation building. Let’s not lose sight of the peace agreement; safety and security for everyone in the region.
Hostages Home! Peace and safety. Next,
Anti-Semitic lies & rumors go and prosper on Social media. TikTok provides fertile ground for people to make irresponsible and inaccurate statements about Jews. Anti-Muslim content enjoins free rein.
T Gaza peace plan is. ..
A new influencer tells what misconceptions are in the media about Jews. We discover that ignorance and antisemitism are mixed. He has the initiative to a Rabbi to help sort out truth from lies.
Antisemitism is rampant
Of course we disagree when it comes to religion and politics. We disagree about movies, videos, and food. To disagree is human but hate is a choice and so is murdering someone because they disagree with you. The survival of our democracy depends on freedom of speech. Using hate as a political tool and weapon will do what our enemies have been unable to do, destroy our democracy.
I want to be free to listen to those I agree with and those that I don’t agree with!
Whose first? Whose second? Who cares? Israel is a country that has a right to exist and defend itself. People were displaced when Israel was founded and now need a permanent home. Let’s solve the problem
The Philistines were first that is why it is called Palestine
Action and prayer belong together like Peanut & Jelly, fish & chips, mac & cheese, Taylor & Kelce , Tom & Jerry, and Kermit & Miss Piggy. Action and prayer aren’t mutually exclusive. Most of us wear a pair of socks not a sock, a pair of shoes not a shoe, actions and prayers are a team doing one does not preclude the other.
Prayer and action belong together like Taylor & Kelce
We are being tortured into thinking that we can balance our personal lives with our work. It can be done depending on your job. However the myth requires us to do what can’t be done. Isn’t that why it is a myth!
Your job will determine the work/life balance
United, Judaism will survive and prosper, divided we will do to ourselves what anti semites couldn’t! We don’t need to agree to everything, each of us can have our own solutions to problems. Unless we stop demonizing others and share our views Judaism can not and will not survive.
Reform Jews were not kidnapped and brainwashed.
Imagine by John Lennon
“You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one”
“Imagine" is not a Beatles song. It is a song written and performed by John Winston Lennon released in 1971 on his album of the same name.
I am proud to be accused of being a dreamer
Before we can fix Gaza with need to agree on Gaza. People are dying while we debate who is doing what to whom. Stop looking in the small rear view mirror and start looking ahead through the much larger windscreen.
Genicide or not Genicide that is not the Question!
The phrase "if you will it, it is no dream" is a famous quote by Theodor Herzl, the founder of the modern Zionist movement. It encapsulates his belief that with strong will and determination, even seemingly impossible goals, like establishing a Palestine can be achieved. Without terror, rape, murder, or kidnapping we can have 2 states the respect each others right to exist
A challenge to the UN, 2 countries coexisting in peace!
Since Rabbi Block is on vacation his AI takes his place. If this works out Rabbi Block will be permanently on vacation.
AI is coming for you next!
“Religious Freedom”
Sacred scriptures in each tradition contain principles that can be interpreted to support religious tolerance, freedom of conscience, and respect for diverse paths to truth.
- Freedom of belief and worship
- Freedom to convert or not convert
- Respect for other traditions
- Non-coercion in matters of faith
I. Judaism
Judaism is not a proselytizing religion. It emphasizes mutual respect and ethical pluralism, accepting that non-Jews can live righteous lives within their own traditions.
II. Christianity
While missionary in outlook, Christianity’s core message emphasizes free choice and personal conviction. Religious freedom is consistent with respecting the dignity of every person.
III. Islam
Islam upholds religious freedom as a divine principle, while also maintaining its truth claims. Historically, Islamic societies recognized and protected religious minorities through legal frameworks like dhimma.
IV. Buddhism
Buddhism strongly supports freedom of conscience, rational inquiry, and tolerance toward other paths. Coercion is fundamentally incompatible with its teachings.
V. Hinduism
Hinduism celebrates diversity of belief and practice as spiritually legitimate. Religious freedom is seen as a natural reflection of cosmic pluralism
Our responsibility for caring for the world stems from our understanding of being stewards of God's creation. This resonates with the Christian concept of dominion as responsible care, the Islamic understanding of humans as Khalifah with environmental responsibilities, the Hindu reverence for nature, and the Buddhist principle of interconnectedness that demands we protect the delicate balance of life.
We must stop destroying our home planet
The pursuit of knowledge and intellectual exchange has always been valued within all of the traditions we have been exploring. Jews are called the people of the book, constantly learning and interpreting. Christianity has a rich intellectual history and kept learning a live through out the dark ages.. Islam places a profound emphasis on the seeking of knowledge. Hinduism elevates Jnana, the path of knowledge, as a path to liberation. And Buddhist wisdom (Prajna) is essential for understanding the true nature of reality.
Should I worry now or wait? The news tells us all the details and we will be bombarded with opinions. How do we handle this newest potential for war?
The USA vs Iran and it is not the Olympic Games!
Where the UN has failed Costco can succeed! You and I can not change the decisions of Russia, Ukrainian, Israel, Iran, or any other country. We can change how we treat our fellow Americans. And that will change foreign policy.
Will Israel and Iran draw the world into war?
Across the 3 Abrahamic traditions, Buddhism, and Hinduism, justice-based giving is more than charity:
It is a form of righteousness, ensuring moral balance and social responsibility.
Whether as legal obligation (Judaism, Islam), living Jesus (Christianity)or spiritual imperative (Buddhism, Hinduism), giving reflects a just and compassionate worldview.
These teachings promote dignity, redistribution, and care for the vulnerable—not from pity, but from duty and divine accountability.
Providing for the “least among us” is response to God.
The impulse towards acts of kindness and compassion is a universal language of the human heart. Our tradition elevates chesed as a cornerstone of our faith. Christian love (agape) is defined by selfless care. Islamic Rahmah, divine compassion, inspires acts of mercy. Hindu teachings overflow with the importance of Daya and Karuna. And Buddhist practice centers on the cultivation of Metta and Karuna for all.
The understanding of Tzedakah as justice-based giving finds resonance in other traditions. While the mechanisms may differ, the underlying principle of ensuring the well-being of the community and addressing systemic inequalities is present. Christian teachings on social justice, Islamic Zakat as a right of the poor, Hindu Dana aimed at social balance, and Buddhist Dana as a means of reducing suffering all point to this shared concern.
Respect for others is grounded in the belief that all humans are created in the image of God. Respect is inseparable from love and humility. Every person is worthy of care and dignity. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly emphasize the importance of caring for orphans, widows, the poor, and the needy. Respect for others arises from recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. It is cultivated through mindfulness, compassion, and non-harming. The concept of Karma suggests that actions towards others have consequences, reinforcing the importance of treating all beings with respect.
Respect everyone, including yourself
Fairness
Fairness refers to treating others with impartiality, justice, and equity. It encompasses truthfulness, just judgment, and ethical reciprocity. Though each religion frames fairness within its own metaphysical worldview, all uphold it as a central moral and spiritual value.
The Golden Rule is found in the 3 Abrahamic Religions, Buddhism, & Hinduism.
Respectful Listening and Seeking Peace
These two interconnected values—respectful listening and peace-seeking—are essential for meaningful relationships, community harmony, and spiritual growth. Across the world’s major religions, sacred texts emphasize these principles as divine attributes and human obligations.
Pope Leo speaks for all religions when he promotes peace
President Trump said that “Catholics can’t take a joke”. The Talmud helps us navigate when you should keep your jokes to yourself! Humor is no laughing matter and requires self restraint.
President Trump please act presidential
The unwavering commitment to honesty is another thread woven through the human experience. Our Ten Commandments stand as a testament to its importance. Christians, too, hold truthfulness as a divine mandate. Islam elevates Sidq, truthfulness, as a core virtue. Hinduism enshrines Satya as a fundamental ethical restraint. And the Buddhist path of Right Speech calls for communication that is truthful, kind, and constructive.
Don’t Just Post the Ten Commandments, Live Them!
Rabbi Block shares a heartfelt reflection on the passing of Pope Francis — a leader whose compassion, humility, and bridge-building touched lives around the world. From his defense of the marginalized to his efforts to deepen Catholic-Jewish relations, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy that transcends faith traditions.
A Rabbi’s Tribute to Pope Francis | Interfaith Reflection
Welcoming the Stranger is a basic value of the 5 religions discussed. How do we balance this value with the need to have an immigration policy. Welcome the stranger and keep the bad actors out!
Strangers & Immigrants Striking a Balance
It is not about picking the right political party nor is it about picking the right candidate. It is about having a moral compass based on your beliefs and religion.
The three Abrahamic religions, Buddhism, & Hinduism Agree on the first step
Just have a Passover Seder. You can’t do it wrong unless you become obsessed with the rituals. The Seder is a family meal with an invited stranger to celebrate freedom. The symbols and elements are there to have us feel that we were once in a very narrow place and now we are not.
A Seder can be 5 minutes or 12 hours neither is better
Where will hold the Seder? Whom do we invite? What do I bring if I am invited to a Seder? Seven days or eight days? Can I drink vodka? It is never too early to ruin Passover by reading and listening to what everyone tells you.
Passover Celebrates Freedom, so celebrate
God has a favorite religion. Wondering which religion it is? That’s easy just look at the ones God doesn’t like and the one left standing is God’s favorite!
Is your religion God’s favorite?
Some people use cards, others a crystal ball, others leaves, and I use Scrabble tiles! Using Scrabblemancy listen to predictions for the coming months.
The future predicted with 100% Accuracy
President Trump believes that the region remains too important to leave to the natives. I disagree and so does the Arab governments in the region. They have a proposal that only lacks two important elements. Adding these 2 elements would finally stabilize the region and create peace.
Peace in Gaza is in sight.
Let’s balance the Quran, the Hadith, and the tafsir, or Quranic exegesis so that Islam is truly a religion of peace, moderation, reconciliation, and tolerance. The goal is to create a secure and peaceful Middle East.
Let us create the peace envisioned by Muhammad, Moses & Jesus.
J.D. Vance & Tom Homan now speak for the Roman Catholic Church! You are both an embarrassment to the teachings that you profess. Next time I have a question I will check with you because you know more then Pope Francis.
Vice President Vance knows more about what Jesus taught than The Vicar of Jesus!
Abraham was the father of Ishmael and Isaac. Now is the time for the estranged brothers to renew their bond. We can have a free and independent Palestine and a safe and secure Israel because brothers are bigger than politics.
A state of Israel & A State of Palestine existing next to each other in Peace & Harmony Would Make Or Father Avraham Very Proud.
President Trump’s plan to buy Baja California and move the Palestinians there will no more solve the problem than dispersing the Palestinians through out the Arab world. A homeland yes, destroy Israel no!
The Quran (Koran) has the answer!
Jesus was born to a Jewish mother, in a Jewish country, and attended synagogues. His prayer reflects what was familiar to him.
Father, King, Heaven is for everyone.
Don’t be fooled by thinking that money from foreign countries will lower our taxes! The price of goods will increase and you and I will pay.
Tariffs are a tax paid by the consumer.
Don’t be misled the “uncovering” has begun. The apocalypse means the uncovering of God’s plan. When the end of time arrives and the Messiah announces the establishment of God’s kingdom everyone will be saved and redeemed. Not only 360,000, not only those who accept the savior of their choice, not only those who believe what I believe, everyone will be united with God.
Redemption is for all people.
Civility is what will make America great again! Being a bully is a sign of weakness and not strength. Being civil is not a weakness rather it is a strength. Being a world power means respecting the sovereignty of other nations
Civility in the New Year means peace
We live in two worlds, a physical world and a spiritual one. Each requires different proof and evidence in order to function. We often want physical proof to support that which is spiritual. Love exists in the spiritual world so don’t look for love in material objects.
Being spiritually connected leads to faith.
Neither is better and choosing one does not preclude the other! You don’t have to choose. No apology necessary.
Ham & Latkes Like Bogey and Bacall
Turtles have survived for millennia without human intervention, they have managed to survive the cold. Our veterans and homeless do need help to survive the cold. The money spent on warming turtles and relocating them to Florida should be used to warm and relocate the homeless.
Save the freezing turtles!
Healthcare needs to be fixed. So let’s stop politicizing the solution and just fix it.
Robin Hood is not the answer to a broken healthcare.
There is no conspiracy to abolish Christmas. There is nothing wrong with wishing anyone a “merry Christmas”. Don’t let the politicians ruin the holiday.
Merry Christmas and to all a happy new year
We need to lock up our children in school in order to protect them. Once again we turn to sound bites and political expediency to solve a problem.
Lock Them Up!
Teaching world religions in Public Schools is a great idea. Promoting one religion is a bad idea.
Religion belongs in Public schools
If you want to gamble and win then this episode is for you. All the hints and secrets you need are right here.
Listen, gamble, and win
More exciting than a “Hail Mary” pass to win with 1 second on the clock. More exciting than the World Series. Who will be the next president of the United States.
An exciting election Trump vs Harris “The convicted felon vs a woman”!
Different jobs require different qualities.. Being president of the United States requires integrity, honesty, and being above reproach. These qualities are reflected in the candidates actions, words, and reputation. Either a man or a woman can be president.
Don’t vote for the wrong candidate because she’s not a man.
We are being inundated with misinformation and outright lies in the weeks before the election. Don’t believe what you see and hear. God gave you the ability to think use it to determine truth from fiction.
Don’t Vote early!
The evidence was overwhelming that Columbus was Jewish, unfortunately it was “an inconvenient truth”. New DNA evidence makes denial impossible. Chris was a Jew searching for a place for his Jewish people to settle.
The jury of TRUTH has ruled, Christopher Columbus was Jewish
The Jewish people wish the world a “Happy & Healthy Birthday”. The Holy Day of Rosh HaShanah observes both the birth of the new year and the birthday of the world. We pray that this year brings the end to hate and destruction.
A safe and free Israel and Palestine
Whenever Trump backs up an immigration policy it’s for the purpose of making America a white nation—and lo and behold, that’s exactly what “remigration” means.
“Remigration” is “the chilling notion of returning immigrants to their native lands in what amounts to a soft-style ethnic cleansing.” Essentially, remigration would mean forcing non-ethnically European immigrants and their families to leave the U.S., even if they are citizens. The horrific policy proposal is a direct response to the racist “great replacement” theory, which has been pushed by many right-wing U.S. politicians, including J. D. Vance.
THE TRUMP PLAN TO END THE INVASION OF SMALL TOWN AMERICA: REMIGRATION!”
America was never a melting pot, we just wanted to believe that it was. Now is the time to embrace the reality that we are a stew and much better for it.
One candidate for president wants to deport you
Hate is always been an effective tool to get and control a following. The Republican candidates for President and vice president found that accusing American Haitian citizens of eating pet dogs and cats could and would rally the faithful. Shame on you for believing, following and supporting such a candidate.
Garfield in the Wok
Now that students in Loudoun County Virginia will be given Narcan to carry incase a friend overdoses it is time to give everyone a gun! You say no to a gun and okay to Narcan? It’s time to stop waiting for something to be crisis before dealing with the issues.
Our students need help before mental health becomes a crisis.
No need to wait for the debate or the election to be over to be unhappy. I haven’t found anyone who has not already made up their mind. I not going to bother watching because the TV station is unfair, the moderator is unfair, the questions are unfair and the candidates are not fair!
Boycott the debate!
The first of the 10 Commandments directs us to the one! Different cultures may use a name different from the one we use, regardless we are all directed to the One. Be weary of those who claim to have sole access to the One or special status that you can’t have.
The One and only One
The response of “Christian” Republicans to the Democratic vice presidential candidate’s son is a disgrace and insult to God. The attitude of these people does not reflect the teachings that they profess to believe. Trump & Company, please read the Old Testament.
We are all created in the image of God.
The 2nd commandment of the 10 is very clear “do not treat a former president as god”. Straight forward, support and vote for your politician of choice doesn’t worship them.
A former president is not god!
Stop making lemonade, duck instead. Now that we have entered the season of the presidential election, keep your eyes peeled.
What does lemonade and politicians have in common?
This commandment is the second most misunderstood of the 10. You can’t pronounce God’s personal name no matter how hard you try! But you can misuse it for power and control.
Politicians have broken all the other commandments and even a presidential felon can’t break this one!
The Westward expansion and immigration to the United States has followed the same pattern. People leave their homes for the same reasons. They are looking for something better than what they have. They take jobs that the local population doesn’t want.
Immigrants rarely displace workers!
Sunday is the first day of the week, that makes Saturday the 7th and according to the 10 commandments it is the Sabbath. Relax, you can still go to church on Sunday and observe the Sabbath on Saturday.
Observe the Sabbath
Nothing is as it seems. Advertisements, commercials, press releases, even your partner never starts off telling us everything. More often than not the article is not what the headline said.
Politicians have made lying an art!
The sky is falling just ask the Republicans. The known universe could end in November just listen to the Democrats. And there is no end to the Christian clergy who tell us that you will not be included in the rapture which is happening next week!
The end is coming soon!
Judaism is a series of rail cars linked together to form a train. One can move between the cars. Each car is a branch of Judaism.
In one car these people believe they are the only real Jews.
It is frightening how many children, of all ages, choose to violate the 5th commandment. Listen to what it means to honor your parents.
How you treat your parents is how your children will treat you.
Is it news, is it entertainment, is it fake? It is getting harder and harder to tell. Be care the media is a minefield.
You mean it is news that is for entertainment only!
The 6th commandment forbids murder. Killing is another matter. Understand the distinction.
Killing In Combat is not violate the 6th commandment!
The temptation to ignore this commandment is great, don’t give in. Focus on one committed relationship at a time. The burdens of “cheating” far outweigh the benefits.
The blame game started before the sounds of the shots faded. Politicians and their supporters have sown the seeds of fear, hate, anger, and violence. We, the citizens of America, are reaping the harvest.
Organizing our lives around making decisions just to please others is is a fruitless waste of time and energy. My goal in life is to have those who dislike me have the courage to tell me why they dislike me!
When we hear the 8th commandment we think of objects and stop there. We steal spiritual and non material “things” as well. We steal time from ourselves and employers, we steal love and affection from our families and friends, and trust and respect from our supporters.
“Whomever creates problems in his household will inherit the wind”. This proverb is so true today. Politicians are creating problems, then give us solutions, and then we support them! We are fighting each other over made up issues and the real problems are ignored.
Praying and good wishes will not make the United States a better place. Our actions however will make the USA a better place.
Don’t be seduced by simple slogans, judge the candidates by how they act.
The commandment that one should not bear false witness does not apply only in a court of law. The 9th Commandment means we should not lie and make statements that are false. Particularly to get elected or for personal gain.
God said it, not me don’t lie
The goal is to be able to appreciate what other people have without wanting to possess that object. The desire to have something better than what others have is self destructive.
We can never enjoy what we have if something else is always better.
The media reports that older people are invisible are greatly exaggerated. I have been given the attention and concern that a 78 year old deserves. Neither I nor anyone I know personally has been treated as if they were invisible.
You are not invisible
Welcome to the 10 Commandments and politicians. In coming episodes we’ll compare Trump’s and President Biden’s behavior to the 10 Commandments.
How does Trump and Biden measure up to the TEN
Do you remember Fernando Lamas' famous words? “It's better to look good than to feel good, and darling, you look marvelous!”
How you look is the message
Extremism and cultism are the new norm, not good. We are mistaken thinking that electing an autocratic, dictator, seeking revenge will make America great again. Nor will re-electing a far left candidate who is out of touch with the average American make us better.
The values of our politicians are not American values.
How did it get to be such a mess and how will it end. Pre World War I colonialism created countries in the Middle East that were not historically countries. Arab nationalism was ignored and land was taken and given without any thought.
Palestine and Israel recognizing each other is the only, best, and last hope.
It gets tiresome being bombarded with everything being negative. “Fair & Balanced” has become a meaningless phrase. Not all Democrats are right and all Republicans wrong and vice versa! Why not present your positives & negatives, instead of you are right and they are wrong.
The Present President is Always a Bad Choice
Don’t let everything you see, read, or hear cause you to freeze. Inaction results from our being influenced by everything except what we want to do. It is all about you, not about what others say.
Be yourself and not anyone else.
Stop saying “good enough”. The word “enough” qualifies the good and diminishes enjoying the good. Judging what we do against all the social media posts creates an unnecessary unhappiness. Things that we do can and are good, no compromise necessary.
Something good is good, enough already making it less.
You are not going to Hell. You are not a sinner. A sin is acting in a harmful or destructive way. The key word is act. We are all going to experience envy, whether we sin or not depends on how we respond to our feelings.
You are not going to “Hell”
Lusting after things that are unnecessary is definitely missing the mark. What do I need to be happy and satisfied? We can recognize that we want and desire are the result of lust or are they things that would make us happy.
How does your lust work for you?
Rituals for both religious purposes and non religious purposes can benefit us or distract us. Rituals are not the end goal. They keep us focused and remind us of our goals.
Use religious rituals as intended
Sin is not a state of being, you are not in a sinner who needs to be saved. You just missed the mark! Pride is not the sin, hubris is. We all should take pride in who we are and we do, it is excessive pride that destroys us.
Hubris goes before the fall!
Social Truth, Twitter, Facebook, X, CNN, Fox New, Al Jazeera, just to name a few. Let’s sort this stuff out! We have the ability and can do it. Perhaps you can’t handle the truth!
”Social Truth” can you handle the truth
Remember sinning means missing the mark, it is not a state of being. So you spent time off task, projects were late, not all the household chores got done and you aren’t a sinner. You set up your work schedule, you decide how to spend your time, and then decide if you followed your plan.
A Sin Means Missing the Mark You Set
Our money should not be spent on rebuilding the Key bridge. The owner of the ship is responsible for the damages it caused. Why aren’t we considering the collision a terrorist event.
Was the collision of the cargo ship with the Key bridge a terrorist attack?
Just because your religion is perfect for You doesn’t mean it is perfect for me. Every religion is great for someone just not everyone.
Stop using politics to promote your religion
This is the sin of excess. Moderation is the goal, enjoying that which is not harmful is not a sin. Too much of anything is not only a sin but is destructive.
No one ever sinned by choosing the middle way
Medical science gives us more information than we can use. We have reached the point where our knowledge exceeds our ability to act on that knowledge and information.
Do I really need to know that much about my cancer?
Sin in Judaism means missing the mark, it is about our actions. We are not sinners nor are we In a state of sin. We choose to act in ways that result in harming ourselves and others.
Actions that destroy and harm are deadly
It has been over 60 years since I voted for a political candidate in any election! I am tired of voting for the least objectionable candidate. We have 2 great political parties, why can’t either of them present us with a candidate that I can support!
Democrats and Republicans give me a suitable candidate
A degree in Higher Education has been elevated to an unnecessary position. Most jobs, occupations, and professions don’t need the level of education that is required.
Educational requirements are used to exclude Hispanics, Blacks, Gays, Lesbians, Trans, or any one else that the employer doesn’t want to hire
Fear is necessary and important for human survival. We want to avoid that which may kill us. We don’t want to let others control us by using fear. Politicians of all colors use fear to get our votes without concern for how we respond to our fear.
Voice mail from President Trump and President Biden: “Be Afraid, details to follow!”
Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, given the war In Ukraine and Gaza I would add to your observation much, much, worse. Politicians and the media are using the wars for self promotion.
The wars in Gaza and Ukraine are much worse than Hell.
I am a spiritual and cultural zionist, not a religious or political or practical Zionist. The State of Israel has mixed Orthodox Judaism with secular politics and the result is an unmitigated disaster. Israel as a nation has a right and an obligation to defend itself.
Palestine & Israel recognizing the sovereignty and right to exist is the only solution to the war in Gaza.
Reform Judaism has turned the movement into a Pro-Israel movement. Israel is a country that is central to Judaism, but it is not the sumtotal of Judaism. Israel is losing support and the movement is losing members. It is time to put God and Torah back on the agenda and curriculum.
Stop politicizing Reform Judaism
In the history of bad political ideas occupying captured territory or a country is at the top of list of bad ideas. Netanyahu and the Knesset have the opportunity not to make a really bad decision.
How is the occupation of the West Bank going?
It’s all about the money. It’s not about how, when, or where you earn. It’s who and why.
The money trail
It is time for Israel to leave Gaza and create a Palestine. Both Israel and Palestine will recognize the sovereignty of each country to exist. The United States, Mexico, and Canada could not survive if any one of them had a charter/constitution based on the destruction of the other.
Hamas release the hostages, Israel leave Gaza!
History repeats itself! The Talmud is full of Jewish secret plots to control the world. The media uses quotes from the Talmud to show the decadence of Judaism.
Jewish plans for world domination exposed!
Roman Catholics aren’t the only people who can go to confession. Anyone can benefit from the power of confession. Send me an email if you would like me to help you deal with your guilt. Rabbiblock@hotmail.com
Confession is Good for everyone.
The spiritual Jewish new year of Rosh Hashanah has passed time to celebrate the secular new year. Don’t miss out on welcoming 2024.
Celebrate the New Year
We all need hope, not just for survival but to live with serenity. Keep your hope or get your hope renewed something we all need.
Realistic Hope is not the exclusive property of religion.
We all need a magic “feather”. It can be a shirt, socks, or pen, anything that gives us the confidence we need to get something done.
Dunbo had it right
How is not handling the truth working for you? For the moment stop focusing on the things you can not control. Like Israel and Hamas, Russia and the Ukrainian and focus on your beliefs.
Israel and Hamas Does Not Effect Your Life.
I am not offended if you wish me a “Merry Christmas”. I am honored when you wish me a happy holiday of your choosing.
Merry Christmas to All.
Without making a prejudgment we would be seriously injured or dead. When making a prejudgment we often hurt ourselves and others. Prejudice is neither good nor bad.
Prejudice the Key to Survival
Family holiday gatherings are stressful enough without being a forum for arguing. Engage my strategy to have an argument free holiday.
Thanksgiving , Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or your holiday of choice can be stress free.
Israel is a sovereign nation and deserves the support of the United Nations and the world community. David Ben Gurion said it clearly
Israel is a nation of Jews and Muslims
The US of A is not a Christian country, it is a country with many Christians and more people who belong to other religions.
The USA is not a Christian Country, there are more non Christians in America than Christians
Palestinians and Israelis are not blameless and both are wrong. By choosing sides because we think that that side is right has ended up in us turning against each other and violence has ensued.
Violence and Destruction Spreads in The War Between Israel and Hamas.
We need to deal with our feelings of helplessness when we watch the news. Doing something local instead of trying to solve ending the war between Israel and Hamas is the key.
The war is destructive to both sides.
Watch events unfold in the Middle East along with events in Ukrainian mix in the US congress we might be tempted to give up hope. Don’t despair there is hope.
Israel, Gaza, Ukrainian, & The House of Representatives weigh on us
People Who Are Hurt, Hurt Other People. That is exactly what we are witnessing in the Hamas Israel war. Whether the hurt is real or perceived, that person will respond by hurting others. And when those seeking vengeance go unchecked we are witnessing the results.
Hamas Seeks Vengeance on Israel.
We all want to know where we go after our mortal life ends. You can finally find out with this podcast.
Death only ends our material lives
Time to reinstate the Biblical concept of an eye for an eye. If you take Scripture literally then it’s time to support equal justice.
Equal Justice, What is done to you should be done to the criminal.
All of us are intelligent, humans are not stupid by nature. Unfortunately some of suspend our native intelligence and believe things that are patently untrue and inconsistent with known reality.
Don’t suspend your intelligence
Spending your time doing nothing is required. The idea that we must always be doing something is destroying us. Whether it is an hour, a day or a weekend doing nothing is healthy. How is working 24/7 working out for you?
Join Jimmy Buffet in Margaritaville
Be careful around people who use sacred literature to promote, support, or defend a particular position or idea. Start with the text, what does it mean, In what context was it written, etc. Don’t be seduced by someone who has an idea and then uses Scripture to support that idea.
The Scriptures are truth and they are not true
The Sate Of Israel was established to be a homeland for all Jews, not just those deemed acceptable by a select group. The government of Israel is off the rails and yes as an American Jew I can criticize Israel. And I can withhold my support because Israel is not just another nation, it stands for the teachings of the Hebrew prophets.
Palestine & Israel Two Countries At Peace
Find the GPS that will guide you to God. No organized religion controls the road to God. There are many paths to serenity and there is a GPS that will guide you.
A spiritual road requires your own GPS
I belong to a valid religion, while you belong to a cult. From the inside ever cult looks like a religion. Today many religions are turning into cults and followers aren’t noticing.
Religion as Cult, No Questions Asked
Ruth Handler was the daughter of Polish-Jewish immigrants. Barbie made he debut in 1959 named after Ruth’s daughter Barbara. No question, Barbie is Jewish and represents an independent, free thinking woman. Not dependent on men dictating who she can be or what she can do.
Barbie Represents The 21st Century Jewish Woman
Being civil to others is not just a Jewish virtue. Christianity and Islam promote peace in our relationships. The Congress would accomplish more for the common good by being civil and respectful to each member.
Saving a life is a prime directive in Judaism, this includes your own life. Have pride in being Jewish and use discretion when to wear Jewish symbols.
Faith requires proof and evidence. What is your proof and evidence for accepting something on faith?
Every politician knows that they are going to have a good day when they can find someone to blame! Stir up hate and blame to get elected. Mix in inaction and obstruction and you have the makings of a successful politician.
First they blamed Rock and Roll, then they blamed video games, and now they blame social media! Stop blaming in order to get votes. Solve problems instead of being divisive.
Who’s afraid of TikTok, not me. All the information you need about me is in the podcast. No reason to ban TikTok, why bother. It’s me Rabbi Block tells all.
You have now spent 18 minutes being Jewish. Perhaps you want to spend more time being Jewish. Nothing is stopping you from being Jewish as often as you like. As my sneakers tell me “just do it!”
No one is too tough to love. “Tough Love” is an excuse to abuse your children. Love means loving them for who they are and not claiming to love them when you are actually abusing them.
Observing the rituals is not the goal to being Jewish, embracing them is what makes you Jewish. Use the rituals as a guide, a reminder of how you need to act. Embrace the meaning of the rituals and live them.
Time to reign in your spending. Using credit in an emergency may be required, but not as a source of entertainment. Be happy spending what you have.
It is Jewish to live within your means. Moderation in lifestyle leads to a better and happier life.
Is the need for external validation driving you crazy? Are you tired of seeing pictures of your friends eating a salad? Cheer up, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs will save you.
Remembering the past and sharing it is a way to be Jewish. Your Jewish past will become your future so don’t forget it.
Having a hard time focusing? Easily distracted? As a society we are loosing the ability to stay on track. Anything is more interesting than what we are presently doing.
Being Jewish in 30 seconds means being open to changes. Judaism survived because it changed and adapted to new ideas. Otherwise we would still be sacrificing animals!
You read my title Rabbi and immediately you think you know exactly what I believe and how I will act. Stop jumping to conclusions based on minimal knowledge. Stay open, watch, & listen before you draw conclusions.
Circumcision or Brit Milah is a ritual made up of 2 parts. A medical procedure and a spiritual covenant ceremony. The medical procedure I.e. the circumcision can be done in the hospital and the spiritual ceremony can be done anytime after birth.
Pride is a good thing until it becomes excessive. Before it is too late reign in your human hubris. Greek mythology teaches us what happens when hubris goes uncontrolled.
The goal of dating is finding someone that you are compatible with. Don’t limit your dates because of someone’s religion.
Why pay more when I will sell you the secret to life for only a dollar! Why so cheap you ask? Because I live the secret and want to share it, not make a profit.
Be amazed by what is around you. Balance your daily activities with paying attention to all of creation.
We humans take our relationships for granted and the when they are over we regret not having more time. Without being morbid say goodbye.
Santa Clause said it best, “be good for goodness sake”. Fear of hell and the reward of heaven have not made the world a better place. It is time to listen to Santa Clause.
Reading 3 verses from the Torah or the Bible only takes 30 seconds. Being Jewish means studying 3 verses of Torah.
Some religions accept art openly while others shun all and every form of art. Why do religions have an art problem? Is there really a problem?
The Rabbi pulls out all the stops and tells it like it is. Don’t listen, your feelings might be hurt if you do!
What you you write to your 18 year old self? Practical advice, philosophical advice, or lottery numbers, think carefully.
Why do we question the validity of UFOs and extraterrestrial life? Judaism supports the existence of other planets with life.
Fulfilling God’s commandments or doing a good deed is not reserved for only one religion or any particular religion.
Judaism requires you to enjoy life! Make good choices and don’t do what is harmful. L’Chiam
What’s not to love about a religion that requires to get drunk, once a year, at a religious service. Listen to the reading of the book of Esther (The Megillah) in the synagogue and follow the crowd!
During the month of Adar you are commanded to be happy! And on the 14th of the month we celebrate Purim and you are commanded to listen to the Book of Esther and get drunk during the reading.
We are giving up many of our freedoms under the illusion that we will be more secure. Time to stop giving up our freedoms for pretend security.
Being Jewish means that you are always ready to Nosh. Jewish food is a Jewish necessity.
FOMO is a very real issue. We need to acknowledge that this state of mind is very real and harmful to enjoying life.
With age comes the possibility of wisdom. That is why God commanded us to honor those over 75 and not dismiss them as being a burden on society. Keeping “Honored Citizens” safe and healthy benefits society. Don’t you want to live to be an “Honored Citizen”.
What passes for humor is no laughing matter. You laugh at people hurting themselves intentionally so that they can make a video and that’s humor?
Immortality lies in the name we leave behind. May your name be blessed by good deeds you do.
The data has been confirmed and the jury is in so you would think that the invalid arguments are laid to rest. But like a zombie the argument is a living dead!
Yiddish is such a colorful language, why not use some Yiddish expressions? Go ahead be Jewish in 30 seconds.
Movies are historically accurate aren’t they? That is why I trust what I see instead of what I was taught.
If you have seen the movie or the TV miniseries do you believe that you now know the actual history? Media is very seductive and entertaining and is it accurate enough for you?
Don’t fall for the nonsense that you need to get out of your comfort zone to be happy. Happiness is the result of being comfortable. Don’t believe me? Just listen.
Forget the “bucket list” just do it! Don’t fall for the hype that you need to make a list of things to do before you die.
Number 12 in the series “How To Be Jewish in 30 Seconds” bids a farewell to the Sabbath. We began Shabbat with a meal and a blessing, we say goodbye to the Shabbat with a snack and a blessing.
Don’t be the one. Just because the person is popular doesn’t mean that they aren’t out to get you!
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the only way to talk to God is through prayer or worship! God is the original kibbutzer!
In Greek mythology the sirens lured sailors to their death on the rocks of an uncharted island. The sirens of today are the celebrities that would lure us to use products that they don’t actually use but are paid to recommend. Stop listening before you are destroyed on the rocks.
Light 8 lights over Chanukah to be Jewish. Forget the made up rules just light the lights.
The glass is neither half full nor half empty, just pour it into a smaller glass and it will be full! Let’s learn to balance.
Worship has rules and requirements, prayer does not. No one can tell you what to pray or how to pray. Ask, deal, thank, or just talk the choice is yours.
Your arm will get tired before the universe stops throwing lemons at you! Stop playing catch and unsuccessfully making lemonade.
With Thanksgiving behind us and Chanukah and Christmas ahead another stressful holiday lies ahead!
Once again an easy way to be Jewish! Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal and you have observed the meaning of the Biblical holiday of Sukkot.
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the season to be grateful and ends with the new year.
Our 6th segment is just as easy to do as the first five, don’t say things that aren’t true to make friends and influence people! And don’t spread rumors and tales.
Being Jewish means hanging a mezuzah on your door posts. It doesn’t even take 30 seconds.
I am not 77 years young, I am not in my “golden years”, nor do I buy anti-aging products rather I am experiencing getting older.
Episode 3 in the series, recite the Shema. Being Jewish means doing something and not necessarily everything.
30secondJew
AI is becoming ubiquitous and we are enamored with it. Is AI the equivalent of human feelings? Perhaps we are the AI and AI really is human!
We all have free will, we can do whatever we want. Don’t you want your grandma to be proud of you? Sure you do, there are then some things you should do.
In episode 2 of our series the Sabbath meal is introduced as enough to be a good Jew. Being Jewish is not about fulfilling an endless series of rules. Being a Jew means doing something Jewish!
Time to review our marriage to our electronic devices. Perhaps our devices need a break from us!
You have free will. What makes you think that God will give you permission to lie, cheat, steal, or take advantage of others when He specifically said don’t lie, cheat, steal, or take advantage of others!
It’s not complicated. Being Jewish starts with a blessing. You can do more and you don’t need to do more.
You don’t need to follow the religion of your grandparents just because they said so. You can choose the religious practices that make sense to you. And if not now when?
Be careful not to be so concerned with constructing the sukkah that you forget why you are building a sukkah. The Rabbis drafted the construction plans for the sukkah, but God revealed to us why.
The time has come to decide. Courting voters has reach a fever pitch. The lies and deceptions of the candidates have reached a new high or is it a new low!
Every country on the planet has an agreed upon immigration policy. Let’s put aside political posturing from both the Democrats and the Republicans and create an agreed upon immigration policy. What is happening now is destructive not constructive.
Yom Kippur is about you and not about the people you have hurt. It is the time to do a personal inventory and correct your actions. Then and only then do you ask for forgiveness.
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of a 10 day period of conducting a personal inventory. Have I let chance control my life or have I made thoughtful choices. Gambling has a place, but not when I have the opportunity to choose what to do.
Football gives us many great Jewish lessons and this year is no exception! With the new football season comes new plays. If we are going to survive the coming year we will need new plays. The old ones just don’t work any more.
Father Kelley & Rabbi Block share their experiences of combining a Jewish naming ceremony with a Roman Catholic baptism. Baptism and Jewish naming are not mutually exclusive.
What should I be afraid of this week? Every day the media has us in a frenzy. Don’t you remember acid rain, the hole in the ozone, no more birds, etc. it is never too late for us to panic!
Social Media is anything but! What was a great platform for sharing has become antisocial.
Judaism and Roman Catholicism are more in common than they are different. A wedding with a Catholic Priest and a Rabbi combine the spiritual and traditional elements of both faiths.
Whether in our personal lives, the military, or medicine just because it can be done doesn’t mean we should do it! Too much waste and pain are the result of doing something unnecessary just because we can do it.
Art takes feelings, emotions, and perceptions and makes them visible in the world we live in. Religion takes our feelings, emotions, and perceptions about the universe and expresses them in our actions.
You can never hide from your religion! Let’s not fool ourselves if our religion is valuable and helpful why would we not take it with us. If you need a vacation from your religion it is time to find another religion.
Rabbi Abraham Heschel: “One thing I know with certainty is the God exists and it is not me!” God as described in the Scriptures is just that, an individuals description of that which cannot be described. It is time to stop treating one description as the only description.
Public schools have failed to educate our children. Private schools are beyond the reach of most families. That just leaves home schooling.
The real battle is between Hume and Hobbes. Are people innately good or bad? Your view will determine your actions.
You can never be too careful. Evil crouches at the door. There are many ways to ward off bad luck and evil.
Active Minds is a National organization to help and support college students adjust to college life. Information for Active Minds Activeminds.org Active Minds Chapter list: https://www.activeminds.org/programs/chapter-network/#states (https://www.activeminds.org/programs/chapter-network/#states) Active Minds at Maryland email: umdactiveminds@gmail.com
Special Guest Nate Blanken tells Rabbi Ken Block about a new tool for mental well being that's targeted towards college students. Flourish Labs/håp podcast: Flourishlabs.net Projecthap.com Referral code for håp: RRMb Active Minds Podcast: Activeminds.org Active Minds Chapter list: https://www.activeminds.org/programs/chapter-network/#states (https://www.activeminds.org/programs/chapter-network/#states) Active Minds at Maryland email: umdactiveminds@gmail.com
Fear of Success and fear of failure can immobilize us if we let it. It is human to be afraid, does the fear incapacitate you. Let’s focus on the results of our fear and not focus on the fear itself.
In this episode Rabbi Kushi, the unorthodox orthodox Rabbi, and Rabbi Block discuss what makes art Jewish. Can someone who is not Jewish create a work of art that we label as Jewish?
There is a place in Judaism for everyone. It’s about the little engine that should. Harford County Maryland Chabad Rebbe Kushi Schusterman joins in the discussion of having a place for all Jews.
We often try to run from our religion, but it goes with us. You can’t run away from yourself! Why do you think you can run from your religious practice?
The Talmud tells us when we are required to lie. Come and learn the teachings about when lying is forbidden and when it is required.
No news might be good news, but 24/7 of the same news is making us unstable and paranoid. See what watching the same news is doing to us.
No good has ever come from the state requiring all citizens to be the same religion. History has taught us that state run religion has a bad outcome for every.
Are there any any shortcuts to reach God? No, God is available directly to all. Any aids you need are okay as long as they are not a substitute for direct contact.
Many religions ask us to suspend intelligence and just accept what we are told. What’s going on! Judaism has a simple teaching “if you need to suspend intelligence then run, don’t walk the other way”. Faith should never require you to suspend intelligence.
Judaism Is a religion and a culture. Like a train it has many cars so that there is room on the train for every Jew regardless of level of observance or cultural identity. We keep chugging along because there are no police on the train throwing people off!
Being a Red Sox fan has taught me to live with perplexing. We are in a constant state of being perplexed. Let’s embrace being perplexed and stop embracing solutions that make life more difficult.
You can use the Bible to prove anything you want to prove and that doesn’t mean that what you are saying corresponds to reality. Let me know what you want to prove and I will give you the Biblical quotes you need!
Listen to when the “law of the pursuer” applies and you are required to take out the pursuer. You didn’t know that there situations when you would be required to take a life? Listen to when.
Let’s pattern our laws after the religions of all Americans and not just the religions of a select view. If want religions to be the basis of our laws it can be done.
No one should be denied the right to be joined together. Visit my web site Rabbionthego.com
When you coach you are the coach to all the members of the team and just those whose religion you share. If you choose to pray, show respect for every member of your team and include their beliefs.
Different religions have different views concerning statutes, pictures, icons, etc. and they all agree that we should not worship anything not worthy of worship. If the object does not help direct us to The One then we are idol worshippers!
School is a place of learning so let’s teach about the validity of the prayers over the over 4000 religions on our planet. Unlike some religions that claim that God only hears their prayers, God hears all prayers.
Do something, make something, build something, don’t leave the bricks in the box. You need to act to make your vision a reality.
Stop choosing to be unhappy, unless of course you want to be unhappy! Accepting the changes around us as they inevitably change leads to happiness.
People are so passionate about issues that don’t affect them and ignore things that actually do. Then we use our religion to impose views on those who have a different religion. I ask my Christian friends to reread the Gospel of St. Mathew 6:5-15. Your religious beliefs are yours, allow me to have mine!
Plastic has been a life changer. Now it is out of control. Not is the time to balance the benefits of plastics with the burden it creates.
Our society ignores dealing with human emotions. Whether it is anger or happiness we do not teach healthy ways to deal with my emotions. We all experience the breadth of emotions, we need to help each other learn not to choose destructive behaviors.
We have all seen our attention span’s shrinking. Attention is a learned behavior. Now is the time to learn to increase our attention span.
Baruch HaShem, thank God that Pope Francis understands and supports the true meaning of the sacraments. At a time when people distort religion for political gain it is good to know that the Churches authority on earth is standing up to religious corruption.
Saying that something is forbidden does not work the way we think it does. Stopping antisocial and dangerous behavior requires more than just a ban.
Helping families resolve their objections to an interfaith wedding. Marrying outside one’s faith naturally creates anxiety among family members. Listen to ways to reduce anxiety and accept the choices of the wedding couple.
In Numbers 12:1-16 God makes it clear that He had no objection to Moses marrying a black non Hebrew woman, Zipporah. Moses sister, Miriam, criticizes her brother for marrying the Cushite daughter of a Midianite priest and is struck with Leprosy.
Human beings crave novelty. Is the new and exciting programmed into us? Or is it just that advertising makes us think that we crave new experiences and new stuff?
The Talmud teaches that there are times when you are required to lie. Wait a minute, isn’t telling the truth a commandment? Come and listen to when you must lie!
Religion has been as destructive as it has been helpful. The reason lies not in religious teachings but in what people have done in the name of religion.
Is creativity always the result of personal tragedy? It appears that creativity comes from a tragic life. However not everyone who has a tragic life is creative. What is going on?
Protecting our Constitutional right to bear arms while protecting our citizens from harm. It is time to stop arguing either everyone can be armed or no one can have a gun. Both extremes are unrealistic and unacceptable.
Since we can’t really conceive of our own death, is death something we should fear? We know that we will die some day. Why waste time fearing the inevitable.
Two years of the Covid pandemic taught us many things, but did we learn anything? Have we transferred what we learned into action? Did we miss a great opportunity to make life better?
Judaism teaches that community worship is important and not as important as home observances. The home is where we unite with God on a daily basis.
Food and memories are are tied together. Can't you taste the Christmas ham or the Chanukah latkes? Let's enjoy holiday foods together.
History has taught us that forcing citizens to practice the same religion does not have a good outcome. You can only freely practice your religion if I am free to practice mine.
Our most vivid memories are there foods we eat. Listen as we explore religion and food.
It is time to stop waisting our efforts on the tools people use to express anger and focus on the causes of the anger. American society is an angry society. Gun violence will decrease as we turn down the anger in politics, in schools, and in the work place.
Judaism and Buddhism are 2 sides of the same coin. They are not mutually exclusive. Each has its own rituals and rituals are not the center of the religion, the teachings and beliefs are at the center.
Staying connected with the Force puts you in harmony with the universe. Block the force and you risk alienation with what is.
A good whupping will keep the child from getting spoiled. Just because sage advice has been passed down from generation to generation doesn’t make it true.
Vegetables are the future for survival! War has solved a lot of problems and the solution was never good.
Now that the CDC has approved a fourth dose or the vaccine should I get the first dose? What other vaccines have to had? Have they prevented you from being hospitalized or from having serious illness?
Addiction is not limited to drug, sex, and rock and roll. How do you deal with your addictions? Admit it we all all addicts.
We all want to win, but at what expense? What has the obsession with winning done to our children? Go ahead and win at all costs, do you like the results?
Government intrusion is a problem for all of us. How Much government is enough government?
If you are not going to forget what happened then don’t forgive. Remembering and retelling what someone did to us does us harm.
God I want to hear fro You, I don’t want to hear what someone says you say! And if not now when.
Views of Rabbi Block as a past 10 year member of the Harford County Maryland School Board and past President.
There are times when you are required to lie and other times when you forbidden to lie. Listen and learn how to navigate the tricky use of language.
One size does not fit all, one tool cannot be every tool, one religion cannot fill all our needs. Many religions are scared and afraid of allowing their members to incorporate elements of other religions. Incorporating Buddhist teachings into Judaism is a natural.
When I visit Vegas does my religion go on vacation to the Bahamas or does it come with me?
Organized religions can refuse to sanction marriages of their choosing and we can choose to give them power over us.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is going all out to make sure we have easy access to marijuana. Are you ready?
Biases are not something that we can ignore or make go away. We can however not act on them.
Rabbi Ken Block observes that the Good Book is more like a library, and eggs are not always what they are supposed to be!
Rabbi Ken Block explains that faith needs proof, just not necessarily the kind you’re thinking of.
Guest Laurel Sutliff asks what we can individually do to stop the hate and prejudice that is tearing us apart.
Rabbi Block advises on the wisdom of taking care of your elders (especially the two of us)
Rabbi Block rounds up this round of observations on Mathew 5-7. The Rabbi is open to discuss more.
Yet more helpful observations from Rabbi Ken Block on our goals and expectations during the holidays.
Rabbi Ken Block looks at the differences between interfaith practices and supporting traditions
Rabbi Ken Block says interfaith holidays are for celebrating, not rule making or breaking.
Rabbi ken Block takes off the clothing on religion and encourages us to get back to the basics!
Rabbi Ken Block shares his story from childhood through Rabbinic seminary and the part the Jesuits played.