Following orders from God, Abraham leaves Haran and settles in modern Israel with his wife Sarah. God admires this devotion, and promises Abraham prosperity for him and his descendants. However, Abraham becomes distraught, for Sarah is aging and unable to conceive a child. To avoid dying heirless, Sarah offers Abraham her maidservant, Hagar. Then, God acknowledges his covenant with Abraham, and God increases Sarah's fertility. Unfortunately, Hagar already bears Ishmael. Although the new mother succeeds in her designated task, Sarah mistreats Hagar. Eventually, Hagar becomes exasperated, and she runs away from Abraham and Sarah. She and Ishmael only returned based upon the words of an angel. Abraham and Sarah raise Isaac, but pay no regard toward Ishmael. Seeing their neglect, God blesses ishmael and his descendants with prosperity, which leads to the birth of the prophet Mohammed and the Muslim culture. Likewise, Isaac is considered the father of the Hebrews, for he was Abraham's other heir. Hagar and Sarah clash when birthing Abraham's heir, yet two nations are the heed of this conflict.
Is Ishmael really less worthy than his half-brother? Sure, Isaac is a blessing from God, but Ishmael precedes God's intervention and is no less Abraham's child than Isaac. Additionally, Hagar simply follows Sarah's orders to lay with Abraham, yet Sarah feels disgraced by her conception. How can Hagar, a servant, be at fault for obeying her mistress? By unknown means, it is evident Hagar was taken into custody by Sarah. Does it make Hagar less worthy than Sarah? The Torah also describes Hagar as Egyptian, implying her skin is a darker tone than Sarah. Does this imply race defines one's worthiness? Since Ishmael is multi-racial, is he less worthy of Abraham's attention? In the Avot V'emihot, the Jews proclaim how God is the God of Sarah. Based on the current situation, is Sarah a righteous anscestor to admire?
In my opinion, Ishmael and Hagar are just as valuable as Issac and Sarah. No human should be automatically neglected. I use the word automatically because humans start off as equals but deteriorate this privilege. For instance, two boys enter high school. One is Christian and the other is a Jew. Even though their English teacher is a devout Christian, she can not judge the Jew for anything other than his academic performance. Each child must originally receive the same attention at the start of the school year. If one boy turns in an essay personally attacking the teacher, then she can proceed to judge him. Similarly, Ishmael and Isaac should remain equal in Abraham's eyes until one of them supersedes the other. Racism, ageism, and sexism are all forms of prejudice and strangely stem from the Bible itself. Occasionally, I feel the Bible teaches the opposite of what the story tells. Such anecdotes highlight immorality in order to distinguish the opposite. Therefore, instead of following Sarah's path toward prejudice one should embrace people of all backgrounds until an individual is proven inadequate otherwise.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Understanding the Tower of Babel
Although the story of Noah's ark is one of the Bible's most famous, there is more to this week's parashat than just that. God chooses righteous Noah to be the keeper of the world's species while the world is destroyed by a massive, forty day flood. It is up to Noah and his three sons thereafter to repopulate the world. Once humanity is reestablished, the people of Earth settle into a valley and consolidate their efforts to build a marvelous city. God looks down at the people and sees how progressive they are becoming. Acknowledging any task is within humanity's reach, God mixes up the speech of each of the builders. God spreads these people among the world, each bringing a different language with them. The unfinished tower is known as the Tower of Babel, for the people babbled with confusion in their scrambled tongues.
This scene at Babel is quite troubling. Why does God interrupt the people's uniting, an unachieved goal of humanity throughout all of history? The text offers that the tower is literally being constructed to ascend toward the sky. Perhaps, this type of progress is intimidating to God. In God's vision of the universe, humans are meant to be below the heavens. If this was offensive, was there fear that God's sovereignty was threatened? Weekly, Jews praise God for being almighty and the most powerful force in the universe. What if God simply stops anyone else from coming close? In this moment, people live in the same place, know of the same God, speak the same language, and work with each other. Instead of this ideal unity, humans are separated by nation, some hating others. Rather than building a beautiful city, humans destroy one another's beauties. Is it God's fault? The people of Babel do not believe this city is a threat to God. The people build this city to make a name for themselves. Maybe they are doing this in arrogance toward God, boasting how like in the image of God humans can truly be. On the contrary, the people may be proving that their post-flood society is worthwhile. After all, they know God believed creation was mess before Noah, they want to show that this previous mistake is actually a masterpiece in the making. Whatever the reason, humans were separated by language at Babel.
Can one ever really "try their best"? From this logic, it can be concluded God limits a human's ability to excel toward true divinity. For instance, doctors and scientists are slowly finding cures to the world's diseases, but can there be cures for every illness? New York City is a hub for culture, politics, and society. However, can it grow too great? Even on a personal level, there is so little knowledge that can be attained. A student may go on to be their high school and college's valedictorian, but even Albert Einstein was clueless to some wonders. There are times when people limit themselves, but another force could be at work. In Eden, Adam and Eve are granted a perfect world to tend to with one rule. As Eve breaks this rule, the idea of perfection disappears. At Babel, the people nearly reach this level of greatness again. Based on Judaic teachings, the Messianic Age, the return of perfection in the world, is yet to come. It is possible that God separated humans by language to challenge them. Some may find this cruel, but is an A+ truly an A+ if the teacher never makes tough tests or quizzes? Is it worth reaching a goal without work? In most people's live, success comes with effort and elbow grease. God is like a parent, and God just does not want to spoil the children of Earth. Suddenly, the so ever troubling puzzle of Babel never seemed so clear.
This scene at Babel is quite troubling. Why does God interrupt the people's uniting, an unachieved goal of humanity throughout all of history? The text offers that the tower is literally being constructed to ascend toward the sky. Perhaps, this type of progress is intimidating to God. In God's vision of the universe, humans are meant to be below the heavens. If this was offensive, was there fear that God's sovereignty was threatened? Weekly, Jews praise God for being almighty and the most powerful force in the universe. What if God simply stops anyone else from coming close? In this moment, people live in the same place, know of the same God, speak the same language, and work with each other. Instead of this ideal unity, humans are separated by nation, some hating others. Rather than building a beautiful city, humans destroy one another's beauties. Is it God's fault? The people of Babel do not believe this city is a threat to God. The people build this city to make a name for themselves. Maybe they are doing this in arrogance toward God, boasting how like in the image of God humans can truly be. On the contrary, the people may be proving that their post-flood society is worthwhile. After all, they know God believed creation was mess before Noah, they want to show that this previous mistake is actually a masterpiece in the making. Whatever the reason, humans were separated by language at Babel.
Can one ever really "try their best"? From this logic, it can be concluded God limits a human's ability to excel toward true divinity. For instance, doctors and scientists are slowly finding cures to the world's diseases, but can there be cures for every illness? New York City is a hub for culture, politics, and society. However, can it grow too great? Even on a personal level, there is so little knowledge that can be attained. A student may go on to be their high school and college's valedictorian, but even Albert Einstein was clueless to some wonders. There are times when people limit themselves, but another force could be at work. In Eden, Adam and Eve are granted a perfect world to tend to with one rule. As Eve breaks this rule, the idea of perfection disappears. At Babel, the people nearly reach this level of greatness again. Based on Judaic teachings, the Messianic Age, the return of perfection in the world, is yet to come. It is possible that God separated humans by language to challenge them. Some may find this cruel, but is an A+ truly an A+ if the teacher never makes tough tests or quizzes? Is it worth reaching a goal without work? In most people's live, success comes with effort and elbow grease. God is like a parent, and God just does not want to spoil the children of Earth. Suddenly, the so ever troubling puzzle of Babel never seemed so clear.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Four Types of People
In the world, people fall be classified into four distinct compartments. There are people who recognize good, knowing what is righteous but never following their impulses. There are few famous examples of these bystanders because they rarely attempt to change the world. Those who recognize good know how to save the world, but are too fearful or lazy to actually change it. Then, there are those who recognize evil. Although there are few criminals who think violently and refuse to listen to their impulses, one can want to do evil but not be able to acquire the materials to perform their crime. For these followers in society, there are two types of leaders; those who perform good deeds and those who create evil. The righteous are some of the most hallowed people in society. People, like Gandhi teaching that violence is not necessary to compel change, refuse to let the same old pass by in their lifetime. They do not allow a single iniquity stand overlooked. On the other hand, there are people who act upon evil. Like Hitler, these sinister beings rise up from the lowest depths of human nature. From shoplifting to genocide, evil doers ignore the principles and ethics of society to compensate their own motives, usually greed or power. Anyone from Beijing to Berlin can be characterized as one of these four types of people. There are no overlaps, for these qualities analyze a person's character, their integrity or lack of it.
Before one can sort people into these classes, they must consider the difference between good and evil. If good is following the way society generally works, then American citizens might still rely on slaves imported from Africa. Good is fighting for what one considers right. Unfortunately, there are two sides to one fight and both consider their viewpoint good. On issues where the debate is heated, such as raising taxes versus cutting government spending, good and evil are dependent on the person. Perhaps, one could only follow their personal ethics system. The big bad wolf is the clear antagonist in "The Three Little Pigs", but he was simply seeking revenge on the pigs who perhaps hurt his pride in some way. Similar to such a fictitious fable, true goodness rises above wickedness by the end of time. When faced with such conflicts, good actually is the quality to follow one's heart. While some feel the Occupy Wall Street protests are inhumane, others are fighting for what they believe will redeem the American economic system. In the end, one side will win or gain more through compromise, but both forces are voicing what they feel is right.
Even though the definitions of good and bad are vague, there is one fact that is certain. The recognizers in life are not acceptable. It is never okay to be a bystander, yet they are a majority of the world's population. Being inspired is great, but it does not actually change the world. Who is one to tell others they can not change the world by themselves? Someone thought of the wheel, and fire did not just appear on its own. From these simple amenities, one can learn that heroes are everywhere. Change does not need to be massive, but starting small is starting somewhere. For instance, if someone believes the environment is a worth cause they should start in their home. The change they create in their home expands to their neighborhood and then to their town, state, country, and finally the world! Standing aimlessly without strong convictions is useless to the world and oneself. Anyone can be a leader. Leaders fight for what they believe in and against what they dislike. For anyone who reads this, help fix the world. All it takes is a little elbow grease.
Before one can sort people into these classes, they must consider the difference between good and evil. If good is following the way society generally works, then American citizens might still rely on slaves imported from Africa. Good is fighting for what one considers right. Unfortunately, there are two sides to one fight and both consider their viewpoint good. On issues where the debate is heated, such as raising taxes versus cutting government spending, good and evil are dependent on the person. Perhaps, one could only follow their personal ethics system. The big bad wolf is the clear antagonist in "The Three Little Pigs", but he was simply seeking revenge on the pigs who perhaps hurt his pride in some way. Similar to such a fictitious fable, true goodness rises above wickedness by the end of time. When faced with such conflicts, good actually is the quality to follow one's heart. While some feel the Occupy Wall Street protests are inhumane, others are fighting for what they believe will redeem the American economic system. In the end, one side will win or gain more through compromise, but both forces are voicing what they feel is right.
Even though the definitions of good and bad are vague, there is one fact that is certain. The recognizers in life are not acceptable. It is never okay to be a bystander, yet they are a majority of the world's population. Being inspired is great, but it does not actually change the world. Who is one to tell others they can not change the world by themselves? Someone thought of the wheel, and fire did not just appear on its own. From these simple amenities, one can learn that heroes are everywhere. Change does not need to be massive, but starting small is starting somewhere. For instance, if someone believes the environment is a worth cause they should start in their home. The change they create in their home expands to their neighborhood and then to their town, state, country, and finally the world! Standing aimlessly without strong convictions is useless to the world and oneself. Anyone can be a leader. Leaders fight for what they believe in and against what they dislike. For anyone who reads this, help fix the world. All it takes is a little elbow grease.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Does Sorry Cut It With God?
At this time of year, the Jews do more than celebrate the new year. A new year becomes an opportunity to start anew. On Rosh Hashana, God opens the Torah, the Book of Life. According to mysticism, God watches us all a little closer over the ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. It is said that God weighs a person's bad sins and good deeds against each on Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur, the Book of Life is sealed and our destiny for the year is certain. Yom Kippur means the Day of Atonement. On this most holy day of the year, we apologize for our sins through praise of God. Whether or not one believes in God is actually irrelevant, for reevaluating one's actions and relieving guilt is always providential for success in life. It is helpful though to literally talk out one's sins with God. In this role, God becomes the omnipotent therapist in the sky.
How forgiving is God? Apologizing is not simply enough. In order to properly atone for one’s sins, the problem must first be recognized and then corrected. The Jews say the world stands on three things; Torah, Avodah (worship), and Gemulit Hasidim (acts of love and kindness). When the Torah’s law is broken, the entire pyramid is thrown off balance. To fix this, Jews praise God on Yom Kippur and are granted a new slate for the year. God will forgive atoners under any circumstances. After the concluding service of Yom Kippur, the responsibility of redeeming oneself falls on the sinner. Performing the positive mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah is fully relieves someone of their wickedness. Regardless of the degree of evil, a person should always strive to help others. It is impossible to atone for every sin on Yom Kippur, but the study of Torah, praise of God, and love to others increases God’s forgiving nature.
What happens when a society begins to run amuck? According to the book of Jonah, God allows them to correct their actions prior to further punishment. God sends Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh about the consequences of their wrongdoings. At first, Jonah ignores God's request and attempts to run away. However, Jonah realizes it is impossible to escape God as a storm is cast upon the sea. A fish swallows Jonah for three days. At the end of this time, Jonah promises to go to Nineveh. He saves the city and himself. As individuals, atonement is simple, for the power is entire our responsibility. In groups, it is difficult sometimes impossible to tell another person how to improve their morality. If this is true, why do Jews go to synagogue for Yom Kippur services rather than worshipping with a deep, personal connection to God? As seen in the horrors of the Holocaust, it only takes one, evil soul in all of Europe to rupture the tranquility in a society. Humans excel and fail as a coalition. Therefore, setting a time of year to reanalyze our society's fallings is just as essential if not more so than atoning as individuals.
How forgiving is God? Apologizing is not simply enough. In order to properly atone for one’s sins, the problem must first be recognized and then corrected. The Jews say the world stands on three things; Torah, Avodah (worship), and Gemulit Hasidim (acts of love and kindness). When the Torah’s law is broken, the entire pyramid is thrown off balance. To fix this, Jews praise God on Yom Kippur and are granted a new slate for the year. God will forgive atoners under any circumstances. After the concluding service of Yom Kippur, the responsibility of redeeming oneself falls on the sinner. Performing the positive mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah is fully relieves someone of their wickedness. Regardless of the degree of evil, a person should always strive to help others. It is impossible to atone for every sin on Yom Kippur, but the study of Torah, praise of God, and love to others increases God’s forgiving nature.
What happens when a society begins to run amuck? According to the book of Jonah, God allows them to correct their actions prior to further punishment. God sends Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh about the consequences of their wrongdoings. At first, Jonah ignores God's request and attempts to run away. However, Jonah realizes it is impossible to escape God as a storm is cast upon the sea. A fish swallows Jonah for three days. At the end of this time, Jonah promises to go to Nineveh. He saves the city and himself. As individuals, atonement is simple, for the power is entire our responsibility. In groups, it is difficult sometimes impossible to tell another person how to improve their morality. If this is true, why do Jews go to synagogue for Yom Kippur services rather than worshipping with a deep, personal connection to God? As seen in the horrors of the Holocaust, it only takes one, evil soul in all of Europe to rupture the tranquility in a society. Humans excel and fail as a coalition. Therefore, setting a time of year to reanalyze our society's fallings is just as essential if not more so than atoning as individuals.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Making Religious Choices
As Deuteronomy begins to wind down, the Israelites' journey comes to a close. The Jews' entry to the Promised Land is very much like God lending Israel a car. Although God is willing to give Israel the keys, God stills feels a lot of validated nervousness. The Israelites are very new to driving, and God wants to make sure they can handle their new responsibility. Like trusting a teenage driver, God is nervous that Israel will not follow through with the covenant made in the desert over the last forty years. God hopes for the best, but warns Israel of the consequences of breaking the covenant. Driving poorly results in a accident. Likewise, disobeying God also may involve pain. Under some circumstance, the punishment could be severe, including entire excommunication from the twelve tribes of Israel. Controversially, God denounces following only one's freewill. God claims that one who says, "I shall be safe, though I follow my own willful heart," is doomed to great misfortune.
God chose to make humans separated from the rest of humanity. Unlike any other living creature on Earth, people can make decision while being cognizant of emotion and condition. Humans determine their actions based on freewill. Anything from a gorilla to a starfish, merely eat, sleep, and drink to survive. Abstract thinking separates humanity from the animal kingdom. In contrast, God condemns the use of freewill in this week's Torah portion. God orders the Israelites to
obey the commandments listed in the Torah. Where do humans cross the line between decision making and defying God's law? God dislikes humans with a willful heart, but it is this very attribute that makes humans unique from all of creation. Similar to many conundrums in life, the key to freewill is balance. One is free to choose whether or not to eat a bacon cheeseburger. Based on one's degree of observation, loyalty to God may vary. Most people scorn murder, but go out on Shabbat. Where does freewill cross over to disloyalty?
Does religion hold one back from the splendors of life? According to the portion, God desires all Jews follow the laws of the Torah to some degree. From as early a stage as infancy, God's commandments contradict daily routines. Take a child's birthday party for example. Mary is celebrating her fifth birthday party on a Saturday afternoon. Rachel wants to go because Mary and her are very close friends. However, she recognizes that Shabbat is a day of rest and reflection not fit for such a strenuous festivity. Even if Rachel decides to go, she realizes that the lunch being served is a pepperoni pizza with an ice cream buffet afterward. Although Rachel is merely five years old, she already faces constraints which her religious forced upon her. Why even observe the commandments if they become an obstacle? After all, plenty of people ignore the word of God. Contrary to this week's parashat, they face no mayhem worse than anyone else in the world. First of all, observing any religion or offers insight into the soul. The arbitrary religion one is born into may not be the one meant for them. Secondly, religious law is a tool for establishing values. Abstaining from shellfish seems absurd in one person's eyes, but offers the lesson of discipline in another's eyes. Religion does not hold back from life's joys. It enhances them. Sometimes the choices are tough, but overall the guidance and spirituality religion can offer is worth the risk of missing out on one birthday party.
God chose to make humans separated from the rest of humanity. Unlike any other living creature on Earth, people can make decision while being cognizant of emotion and condition. Humans determine their actions based on freewill. Anything from a gorilla to a starfish, merely eat, sleep, and drink to survive. Abstract thinking separates humanity from the animal kingdom. In contrast, God condemns the use of freewill in this week's Torah portion. God orders the Israelites to
obey the commandments listed in the Torah. Where do humans cross the line between decision making and defying God's law? God dislikes humans with a willful heart, but it is this very attribute that makes humans unique from all of creation. Similar to many conundrums in life, the key to freewill is balance. One is free to choose whether or not to eat a bacon cheeseburger. Based on one's degree of observation, loyalty to God may vary. Most people scorn murder, but go out on Shabbat. Where does freewill cross over to disloyalty?
Does religion hold one back from the splendors of life? According to the portion, God desires all Jews follow the laws of the Torah to some degree. From as early a stage as infancy, God's commandments contradict daily routines. Take a child's birthday party for example. Mary is celebrating her fifth birthday party on a Saturday afternoon. Rachel wants to go because Mary and her are very close friends. However, she recognizes that Shabbat is a day of rest and reflection not fit for such a strenuous festivity. Even if Rachel decides to go, she realizes that the lunch being served is a pepperoni pizza with an ice cream buffet afterward. Although Rachel is merely five years old, she already faces constraints which her religious forced upon her. Why even observe the commandments if they become an obstacle? After all, plenty of people ignore the word of God. Contrary to this week's parashat, they face no mayhem worse than anyone else in the world. First of all, observing any religion or offers insight into the soul. The arbitrary religion one is born into may not be the one meant for them. Secondly, religious law is a tool for establishing values. Abstaining from shellfish seems absurd in one person's eyes, but offers the lesson of discipline in another's eyes. Religion does not hold back from life's joys. It enhances them. Sometimes the choices are tough, but overall the guidance and spirituality religion can offer is worth the risk of missing out on one birthday party.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Shakespeare Series: "Julius Caesar"
"Julius Caesar" unravels the plot carried out to assassinate the title character and its aftermath. Villainous Cassius convinces Julius' dear friend Brutus to help him with the murder. They gather a team of senators in the name of protecting Rome. These men of the Republic claim to be selfless. As Caesar gains popularity among the Roman public, these noble men cower that he will proclaim himself emperor. The men decide the only way to stop Caesar is to lead him to the senate and slay him. Truth be told, their plan backfires. Caesar's murder leads Rome into a state of chaos. With what appears to be treason, citizens of Roman are appalled by Caesar's death. In the midst of protecting Roman democracy, the conspirators destroy it. Romans look to Mark Antony as their only hope of preventing Rome from falling apart. Antony eventually forms a triumvirate with Lepidus and Octavius. In accordance to Caesar's will, Octavius become Rome's first emperor.
At Caesar's funeral, Brutus defiantly proclaims, "But as he was ambitious, I slew him" (III.ii.25). Julius Caesar was an honorable man, but he was far too ambitious. The moment he stopped fighting for the rights of the Roman people, he was sworn dead. Like Napoleon and Hitler, he overstepped his bounds. A leader should be decisive, but these three men failed to learn the difference between executive and totalitarian. Even Cassius and Brutus let power go to their heads. In Rome's discombobulated state, these men try to rise to the top. They receive their own consequences, but one must read to find those out. Although Rome was the last empire of the ancient world, Caesar's fallings are still prevalent. Like Rome, US congressmen and congresswomen are letting personal ego inhibit their ability to reform society. Caesar was talented in communicating through political rhetoric, a valued asset of the modern politician. Sometimes society forgets the mistakes of the Romans. Although the successes of the Roman Empire are monstrous, the rights of its citizens were minimal. Their failing to preserve democracy resulted in an multi-century empire.
I recommend "Julius Caesar" to any sophisticated reader. This play exemplifies Shakespeare's mastery of turning a simple plot into something very deep. I advise any reader of this play to attempt to dwell in the motions of Caesar and Brutus. As their friendship falls apart, we should relate it our friendships that seemed to drift apart. For a rookie to Shakespeare, I would wait to read "Julius Caesar". The language is challenging and confusing at times. I read this play while I was a camp. Even with all the exciting activities surrounding me, this tale of the failing Roman republic could captivate me. Picking up this masterpiece will send a reader on a wild ride to society much like our own a long time ago.
At Caesar's funeral, Brutus defiantly proclaims, "But as he was ambitious, I slew him" (III.ii.25). Julius Caesar was an honorable man, but he was far too ambitious. The moment he stopped fighting for the rights of the Roman people, he was sworn dead. Like Napoleon and Hitler, he overstepped his bounds. A leader should be decisive, but these three men failed to learn the difference between executive and totalitarian. Even Cassius and Brutus let power go to their heads. In Rome's discombobulated state, these men try to rise to the top. They receive their own consequences, but one must read to find those out. Although Rome was the last empire of the ancient world, Caesar's fallings are still prevalent. Like Rome, US congressmen and congresswomen are letting personal ego inhibit their ability to reform society. Caesar was talented in communicating through political rhetoric, a valued asset of the modern politician. Sometimes society forgets the mistakes of the Romans. Although the successes of the Roman Empire are monstrous, the rights of its citizens were minimal. Their failing to preserve democracy resulted in an multi-century empire.
I recommend "Julius Caesar" to any sophisticated reader. This play exemplifies Shakespeare's mastery of turning a simple plot into something very deep. I advise any reader of this play to attempt to dwell in the motions of Caesar and Brutus. As their friendship falls apart, we should relate it our friendships that seemed to drift apart. For a rookie to Shakespeare, I would wait to read "Julius Caesar". The language is challenging and confusing at times. I read this play while I was a camp. Even with all the exciting activities surrounding me, this tale of the failing Roman republic could captivate me. Picking up this masterpiece will send a reader on a wild ride to society much like our own a long time ago.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Can We Sweep Evil From Our Midst?
In Parashat Ki Teizi, God reemphasizes laws stated in Leviticus. God reviews the process of dealing with a marriage or divorce with a slave, a defiant child, and kidnapping. In addition, God prohibits sex before marriage, prostitution, torture, and remarriage of the same spouse. The commandment to wear a tallis is also included in this week's text. Ki Teizi is full of dos and do nots for the Israelites as they enter the land.
Similar logic applies to every law. According to the Torah, these demands are not to be tedious, but rather sweep evil from our midst. Is it possible to purify society so there is no evil? Most likely, this is not probable. Humans' sense of right and wrong differs from person to person. Nobody can agree on what is truly justice. If society abided to the rules of the Torah, such as remaining abstinent, how better off would we be? A world without regulation would definitely be chaotic, but it seems like rules can get in the way of happiness. Could we lighten up on our legislature? For instance, look at a school. A wise person once said, "In school, you lose all your rights." It is perfectly logical that one is not allowed to shoot guns or smoke cigarettes in class. These kinds of restrictions protect the students. Would the world really end if a hat were kept on during the day? What about playing cards during study hall, which really is prohibited in some schools? The fine lines these institutions and the nations of the world operate by are considerably insane. Playing cards will not sweep evil into one's midst.
Furthermore, once these codes are broken one receives punishment. What kind of justice system is being run in this world? Criminals who do bad things are then put in a single room for an amounted time, sometimes even for the rest of their life. I am not denying that jail is an effective way to keep our neighborhoods safe. I argue the fact that criminals sit in cells where they may become more furious at the world than they were before their imprisonment is unethical. Rather than let our villains rot away behind bars, I suggest we figure out how to psychoanalyze the cause of their harsh actions. I was originally going to say that we should correct criminals' unacceptable behavior, but then I began to think. Is it sometimes necessary to break the law? Rosa Parks was breaking the law during her time, but she stood up for what she believed. In my opinion, laws are only unbreakable when the protest of said law will harm others. Perhaps, everybody should relax and enjoy life for a little while, rather than worrying about demands from an executive power.
Similar logic applies to every law. According to the Torah, these demands are not to be tedious, but rather sweep evil from our midst. Is it possible to purify society so there is no evil? Most likely, this is not probable. Humans' sense of right and wrong differs from person to person. Nobody can agree on what is truly justice. If society abided to the rules of the Torah, such as remaining abstinent, how better off would we be? A world without regulation would definitely be chaotic, but it seems like rules can get in the way of happiness. Could we lighten up on our legislature? For instance, look at a school. A wise person once said, "In school, you lose all your rights." It is perfectly logical that one is not allowed to shoot guns or smoke cigarettes in class. These kinds of restrictions protect the students. Would the world really end if a hat were kept on during the day? What about playing cards during study hall, which really is prohibited in some schools? The fine lines these institutions and the nations of the world operate by are considerably insane. Playing cards will not sweep evil into one's midst.
Furthermore, once these codes are broken one receives punishment. What kind of justice system is being run in this world? Criminals who do bad things are then put in a single room for an amounted time, sometimes even for the rest of their life. I am not denying that jail is an effective way to keep our neighborhoods safe. I argue the fact that criminals sit in cells where they may become more furious at the world than they were before their imprisonment is unethical. Rather than let our villains rot away behind bars, I suggest we figure out how to psychoanalyze the cause of their harsh actions. I was originally going to say that we should correct criminals' unacceptable behavior, but then I began to think. Is it sometimes necessary to break the law? Rosa Parks was breaking the law during her time, but she stood up for what she believed. In my opinion, laws are only unbreakable when the protest of said law will harm others. Perhaps, everybody should relax and enjoy life for a little while, rather than worrying about demands from an executive power.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
My Thoughts on Camp Shomria 2011
Coming back home from summer campo is a daunting task to undergo. Especially when one's camp feels like home, as does mine. Of all possible things to do to reconnect with society, I spent a gloomy day back going to the dentist and buying shoes. To make matters worse, it was rainy on this bleak Monday morning. That afternoon the joy continued with a visit to the orthodontist to get my braces tightened. After about three weeks in the "real world", I can honestly say all I want to do is get in the car, turn around, and return to Liberty, NY. To say the least, it was an amazing summer at Camp Shomria.
One of the greatest things about Mosh (as we call it) is the massive potential to witness instantaneous friendships form. On the first day, campers are split into age groups known as kvutzot. Besides a common age and grade, these groups can be totally dissimilar. Some come from Israel and others come from down the road. From my experience, I know all fourteen year olds learn, work, and interact with each other in different ways. Somehow, a kvutzah can come together to do number of tasks. For instance, they do the dishes for the whole camp or write and run an activity. By learning to work with my kvutzah, it eventually taught me how to understand people. Everybody in my kvutzah did not speak English fluently or agree on political issues. At Mosh, I learned to accept people's flaws. When someone new entered the kvutzah, they were welcomed. Of course, kvutzot get mad at each other and they fight. However, families are the same way. Arguments between members of the same kvutzah somehow get resolved. Lifelong friendships quickly take shape as one begins to live with their kvutzah. I know these bonds are indestructible and will only strengthen with age.
One of Camp Shomria's newest initiatives is to achieve self sustainability. With a hundred mouths to feed at each meal, this is quite the dream. Although this year was only the start, we turned a parking lot into a garden that produced dozens of vegetables daily. It grew a wide range of produce, including tomatoes, beets, spices, potatoes, and corn. This garden was entirely organic. Across from the garden were nearly eighty chickens which laid all of the camp's eggs. It was a daily activity to weed the garden or feed the chickens. At the end of a meal, campers would throw away their food scraps into one of two compost bins. One bin would be used as chicken food at the farm. The other decomposed to become rich soil for the garden. In addition, campers learned about a large array of ecological subjects. My kvutzah's topic for the summer was water. One week we boiled lake water to become tea, and another week we discussed how drilling for natural gas in the Catskills can taint New York City's water supply. I find it fascinating how unequally water is distributed in the world. My kvutzah discussed how to solve this problem. One of my least favorite moments of the week returning home was the reawakening of how ecologically unfriendly Americans can be. Like I said, I was sitting in the dentist office the other. A commercial came on about natural gas and how it was "the cleaner solution". I immediately became disgruntled that the ad left out how drilling can tamper with water supplies and the resource is non-renewable. It was an eye-opening experience.
Unlike regular summer camps, Shomria is part embraces the power of its campers. In fact, it is entirely run by youth. The oldest councilor at camp was only twenty-two years old. The camp is exactly what we want it to be. Shomria embraces this and really lets us call the shots. Every year the older kids hold a forum to make decisions about the camp's future. Mosh gave me the belief that one person can change the world at any age. Being home, I realize that youth are not encouraged as much as I would like. Adults run the banks, the institutions, and the countries, but children are the future. We constantly put our hopes on the back burner saving them for when we are older. I may not be eligible for the US Congress yet, but I know I can lobby for what I believe is justice. If the councilors tried to teach me anything at Camp Shomria is was to stand up for the causes I deeply believe are important. Hopefully, I can take this lesson as my part to perform tikkun olam- fixation of the world.
One of the greatest things about Mosh (as we call it) is the massive potential to witness instantaneous friendships form. On the first day, campers are split into age groups known as kvutzot. Besides a common age and grade, these groups can be totally dissimilar. Some come from Israel and others come from down the road. From my experience, I know all fourteen year olds learn, work, and interact with each other in different ways. Somehow, a kvutzah can come together to do number of tasks. For instance, they do the dishes for the whole camp or write and run an activity. By learning to work with my kvutzah, it eventually taught me how to understand people. Everybody in my kvutzah did not speak English fluently or agree on political issues. At Mosh, I learned to accept people's flaws. When someone new entered the kvutzah, they were welcomed. Of course, kvutzot get mad at each other and they fight. However, families are the same way. Arguments between members of the same kvutzah somehow get resolved. Lifelong friendships quickly take shape as one begins to live with their kvutzah. I know these bonds are indestructible and will only strengthen with age.
One of Camp Shomria's newest initiatives is to achieve self sustainability. With a hundred mouths to feed at each meal, this is quite the dream. Although this year was only the start, we turned a parking lot into a garden that produced dozens of vegetables daily. It grew a wide range of produce, including tomatoes, beets, spices, potatoes, and corn. This garden was entirely organic. Across from the garden were nearly eighty chickens which laid all of the camp's eggs. It was a daily activity to weed the garden or feed the chickens. At the end of a meal, campers would throw away their food scraps into one of two compost bins. One bin would be used as chicken food at the farm. The other decomposed to become rich soil for the garden. In addition, campers learned about a large array of ecological subjects. My kvutzah's topic for the summer was water. One week we boiled lake water to become tea, and another week we discussed how drilling for natural gas in the Catskills can taint New York City's water supply. I find it fascinating how unequally water is distributed in the world. My kvutzah discussed how to solve this problem. One of my least favorite moments of the week returning home was the reawakening of how ecologically unfriendly Americans can be. Like I said, I was sitting in the dentist office the other. A commercial came on about natural gas and how it was "the cleaner solution". I immediately became disgruntled that the ad left out how drilling can tamper with water supplies and the resource is non-renewable. It was an eye-opening experience.
Unlike regular summer camps, Shomria is part embraces the power of its campers. In fact, it is entirely run by youth. The oldest councilor at camp was only twenty-two years old. The camp is exactly what we want it to be. Shomria embraces this and really lets us call the shots. Every year the older kids hold a forum to make decisions about the camp's future. Mosh gave me the belief that one person can change the world at any age. Being home, I realize that youth are not encouraged as much as I would like. Adults run the banks, the institutions, and the countries, but children are the future. We constantly put our hopes on the back burner saving them for when we are older. I may not be eligible for the US Congress yet, but I know I can lobby for what I believe is justice. If the councilors tried to teach me anything at Camp Shomria is was to stand up for the causes I deeply believe are important. Hopefully, I can take this lesson as my part to perform tikkun olam- fixation of the world.
Friday, September 02, 2011
A Few Thoughts on Genocide
In Parashat Shoftim, God briefly outlines the criminal justice system of Israel. God starts by describing how to prevent corruption. This includes the refusal of bribes. Members of the law are required to seek justice under any circumstance. Aaron and his descendants, the Levites, are assigned to rule over Israel's religious and federal practices. Later in the parashat, God declare that those who believe in magic or ghosts are a disgrace. Fortune tellers and seance goers alike are to be excommunicated from the community. All these laws were fairly non-shelaunt until the very end of Parashat Shoftim. To conclude this portion, God discusses militarily issues. God claims in order to receive the land of heritage, the Israelites must not let a soul live from a number of different tribes residing in Canaan.
Basically, God condones genocide. How could this be? The events of the Holocaust occurred less than a century ago. After the horrors Jews in Europe were forced to endure, it is inconceivable to believe God could order us to wipe out entire nations. Through a historian's eyes, the mass, Biblical murder is not as provocative as it seems. Killings like these were not considered genocide in the ancient world. If the ancient Israelites did not eliminate these nations, these enemies would have attacked us. Hindsight set aside, the ethics of how Israel went about dealing with these domains is purely despicable. In any age, the elimination of a race to prevent these peoples from leading us to abhorrent sins is ethically unacceptable. I find some of Jewish law unnecessarily strict,. like the forbidding of shaving ones sideburns, but I understand that daunting restrictions like these promote the teaching of discipline. There is no way to find a way to ethically defend this violent decree by God.
What can we do? This treacherous act was done over 3,000 years ago. It is impossible to change the past. I believe there a three steps we need to take in order to obtain full atonement over our ancestor's actions. First of all, we need to be willing to claim responsibility for the bloodshed that occurred. Hopefully, the other peoples of the world are willing to forgive us. Secondly, we need to teach about the horrors of genocide. Of all nations, Jews can empathize on the topic of genocide most often. As a generation of Holocaust survivors begins to pass on, we are responsible to tell their stories. Emotions make the Holocaust a touchy subject, but we can not let them get in the way. In my opinion, teaching youth about the Holocaust is the only way to prevent another mass extermination of the caliber. One may ask how we can educate others about genocide without experiencing the Holocaust, like our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Promote high schools to assign their students to read books like "Night", which are banned in some districts. Parents should sit down with their child and inquire what their knowledge is on this subject. The third step of our redemption is to prevent future genocides. It boggles my mind that genocide is still occurring after the Holocaust. Teaching our children is not enough to protect another from suffering. I do not even believe sending aid is enough to accomplish such a task. Although I am guilty of not doing so myself, I insist that we need to lobby against genocide. In the 1940's, the United States of America was too finically fragile to stop the Holocaust in its tracks. It was not until 1945 when numbers like six million began to reach the American public. It makes me wonder what the numbers look like in Darfur right now.
Basically, God condones genocide. How could this be? The events of the Holocaust occurred less than a century ago. After the horrors Jews in Europe were forced to endure, it is inconceivable to believe God could order us to wipe out entire nations. Through a historian's eyes, the mass, Biblical murder is not as provocative as it seems. Killings like these were not considered genocide in the ancient world. If the ancient Israelites did not eliminate these nations, these enemies would have attacked us. Hindsight set aside, the ethics of how Israel went about dealing with these domains is purely despicable. In any age, the elimination of a race to prevent these peoples from leading us to abhorrent sins is ethically unacceptable. I find some of Jewish law unnecessarily strict,. like the forbidding of shaving ones sideburns, but I understand that daunting restrictions like these promote the teaching of discipline. There is no way to find a way to ethically defend this violent decree by God.
What can we do? This treacherous act was done over 3,000 years ago. It is impossible to change the past. I believe there a three steps we need to take in order to obtain full atonement over our ancestor's actions. First of all, we need to be willing to claim responsibility for the bloodshed that occurred. Hopefully, the other peoples of the world are willing to forgive us. Secondly, we need to teach about the horrors of genocide. Of all nations, Jews can empathize on the topic of genocide most often. As a generation of Holocaust survivors begins to pass on, we are responsible to tell their stories. Emotions make the Holocaust a touchy subject, but we can not let them get in the way. In my opinion, teaching youth about the Holocaust is the only way to prevent another mass extermination of the caliber. One may ask how we can educate others about genocide without experiencing the Holocaust, like our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Promote high schools to assign their students to read books like "Night", which are banned in some districts. Parents should sit down with their child and inquire what their knowledge is on this subject. The third step of our redemption is to prevent future genocides. It boggles my mind that genocide is still occurring after the Holocaust. Teaching our children is not enough to protect another from suffering. I do not even believe sending aid is enough to accomplish such a task. Although I am guilty of not doing so myself, I insist that we need to lobby against genocide. In the 1940's, the United States of America was too finically fragile to stop the Holocaust in its tracks. It was not until 1945 when numbers like six million began to reach the American public. It makes me wonder what the numbers look like in Darfur right now.
Friday, August 26, 2011
There's No Place Like Home, Is There?
In this week's, parashat God continues to discuss how to enter the Promised Land according to the Torah. God reviews which animals are considered Kosher and which are traif. In addition, God tells how an Israelite would be punished if they turned to other gods. These punishments include stoning and death. God also discusses how to deal with wicked people who attempt to invade an Israelite city. God teaches the Twelve Tribes to treat the poor with an open heart. According to the Torah, Jews are intended to lend to other nations but never borrow. Regularly, debts in Israelite society would be settled after three years. God demands Jews to be generous to the poor and expect no return. Asking the poor to pay one back is considered a sin punishable by death. FInally, God discusses how to celebrate the harvest festivals; Passover, Shavout, and Sukkot. Through these civil laws, God prepares the Israelites to live in a courteous society.
A common, Jewish nickname for Israel is the "Promised Land". Throughout this week's parashat, God describes locations in Israel as the "land which the Lord, Your God gives you". Why did God give us this particular place for our sanctum? It all started with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah dwelt in Israel, which was then known as Canaan. As patriarch of the Jewish people, God puts Abraham to the test. God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham take Isaac up to the mountain, but an angel swiftly stops the murder. In that very instant, God forms a covenant that the land of Israel belongs to Abraham and his people. Two generations later, famine strikes Canaan. Jacob was notified that Egypt avoided was experiencing feast. this famine. He brought the Jewish people to live in the land of Goshem. Hence, we were enslaved by Pharaoh and liberated by God. The rest is history.
What makes a place sacred? For some, it is our household, alma matter, or place of worship that we think of as our cherished domain. I consider my camp to be hallowed ground in Liberty, New York. Sometimes I ponder if the people and memories from Mosh make it sanctified or the fact that it was founded in the 1930's. The Great Depression, the Holocaust, and the Red Scare are amongst some of the critical moments in the twentieth century that camp survived through. Some of the buildings are still intact from the opening. Sometimes I look on the walls and see signatures from the 1940's. As the six weeks of the summer go on, a microcosmic society begins to develop. It is almost as if we were our own kibbutz. I wonder if the camp would be the same if we bought the equivalent 117 acres somewhere else, say the Berkshires. We would sing the same songs, dance the same dances, and write the same activities. Natural gas companies are beginning to approach summer camps in the Catskills, and that may include a move for us in Liberty. We discussed the prospect of selling our lands to drill for natural gas. Although the opinion was not unanimous, a majority of campers did not want to take responsibility for destroying such a special, historical place. In the end, we decided to turn down any companies that approached us, no matter how much money they offered. This overwhelming decline to drill showed me that buildings and fields really matter. New York is essentially comprised of tall buildings and narrow streetways. It would not be right to see a Yankees home game outside the Bronx. It would be nearly impossible to move 8 million New Yorkers to different location, let alone convince them to still call it New York. Imagine San Francisco without the Golden Gate Bridge. A place is brought to life by the people who inhabit it, but the location is the foundation to making it special.
Israel is so similar yet so different. Different people claim ownership over this country. If this is new truth about location is universal, Israel needs to be between the Red, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea. Does it need to be sacred to only Jews? I am sure those Mediterranean sunsets are just as spectacular if one prays to a different deity. I am conflicted. I believe that Muslims and Christians should be able to call Israel their holy land too, but I also believe Israel is the Jewish state. The solution of this situation is extremely difficult. All I can say is to move forward in Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy, we must keep in mind what if feels like to call Israel our home.
A common, Jewish nickname for Israel is the "Promised Land". Throughout this week's parashat, God describes locations in Israel as the "land which the Lord, Your God gives you". Why did God give us this particular place for our sanctum? It all started with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah dwelt in Israel, which was then known as Canaan. As patriarch of the Jewish people, God puts Abraham to the test. God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham take Isaac up to the mountain, but an angel swiftly stops the murder. In that very instant, God forms a covenant that the land of Israel belongs to Abraham and his people. Two generations later, famine strikes Canaan. Jacob was notified that Egypt avoided was experiencing feast. this famine. He brought the Jewish people to live in the land of Goshem. Hence, we were enslaved by Pharaoh and liberated by God. The rest is history.
What makes a place sacred? For some, it is our household, alma matter, or place of worship that we think of as our cherished domain. I consider my camp to be hallowed ground in Liberty, New York. Sometimes I ponder if the people and memories from Mosh make it sanctified or the fact that it was founded in the 1930's. The Great Depression, the Holocaust, and the Red Scare are amongst some of the critical moments in the twentieth century that camp survived through. Some of the buildings are still intact from the opening. Sometimes I look on the walls and see signatures from the 1940's. As the six weeks of the summer go on, a microcosmic society begins to develop. It is almost as if we were our own kibbutz. I wonder if the camp would be the same if we bought the equivalent 117 acres somewhere else, say the Berkshires. We would sing the same songs, dance the same dances, and write the same activities. Natural gas companies are beginning to approach summer camps in the Catskills, and that may include a move for us in Liberty. We discussed the prospect of selling our lands to drill for natural gas. Although the opinion was not unanimous, a majority of campers did not want to take responsibility for destroying such a special, historical place. In the end, we decided to turn down any companies that approached us, no matter how much money they offered. This overwhelming decline to drill showed me that buildings and fields really matter. New York is essentially comprised of tall buildings and narrow streetways. It would not be right to see a Yankees home game outside the Bronx. It would be nearly impossible to move 8 million New Yorkers to different location, let alone convince them to still call it New York. Imagine San Francisco without the Golden Gate Bridge. A place is brought to life by the people who inhabit it, but the location is the foundation to making it special.
Israel is so similar yet so different. Different people claim ownership over this country. If this is new truth about location is universal, Israel needs to be between the Red, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea. Does it need to be sacred to only Jews? I am sure those Mediterranean sunsets are just as spectacular if one prays to a different deity. I am conflicted. I believe that Muslims and Christians should be able to call Israel their holy land too, but I also believe Israel is the Jewish state. The solution of this situation is extremely difficult. All I can say is to move forward in Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy, we must keep in mind what if feels like to call Israel our home.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Exclusion: That Horrible Feeling
Once again, the Israelites fail to believe in God. In Parshat Chukat, the Israelites complain to Moses about their standard of living. They are angered by the lack of water in their arid environment. God orders Moses to slash a rock with his staff. Instantly, water gushes out of the rock. This portion also features the unfortunate deaths of Aaron and Miriam. God decides that no person of the originally liberated generation earned their entrance into the Promised Land. Their lack of faith held them back. Moses and his caravan pass through two kingdoms in Parshat Chukat. Each time Moses asks permission to travel along the roads of these kingdoms. He promises to merely stay on the road and avoid interacting with the people of either kingdom and their possessions. Both kings deny Moses this right, claiming he is a threat to their sovereignty. Therefore, the Israelites are attacked. In their defense, they retaliate to gain access to these private roadways.
It is human nature to exclude others. Exclusion helps us demonstrate our power. By leaving others out, we appeal to those who already belong. Moses did the best he was capable of to persuade these kings the Israelites meant no harm. Perhaps, these kings heard of the plague in Egypt and feared God. At this point, I do not find Israel much of a threat. Almost every week, I read about the Jewish people complaining to Moses. Although God punishes them, they fail to learn from their mistakes. Are the Israelites really a threat toward either king?
If anybody knows exclusion, a middle school graduate, like myself, should know it best. In the Israelites' case, exclusion snowballed into a battle. Nobody enjoys being excluded, yet at one point or another we all were left out of the major group. =In my experience, exclusion is generated in two different ways. Sometimes it is unintentional. For instance, at my middle school the tables were square with seats attached. If all the seats filled up, kids could feel left out. The excluders were not trying to be malicious, yet the environment caused isolation. The other kind of exclusion makes the antagonized one feel much worse; intentional exclusion. At times, it is appropriate, such as not making a team or getting a role in a play. However, clubs that require no minimum or maximum number of participants should be welcoming to anyone who seems interested. In my last few weeks of eighth grade, I saw cliques in full force. A clique in its simplest form can be a bond of friends based on similar interests. When these groups refuse to let in new members, it can cause havoc. Unlike the kings in the desert, modern humans should ignore their self doubt and be open to letting people be part of a group, club, or activity. On Sunday, I leave for Camp Shomria. I went last year and met many people. Upon meeting these people, I decided to forget how they were last year. When I arrive on Sunday, I will refuse to listen to any prerequisites about campers, counselors, or the facilities themselves. I want to show up with a clean slate, and I hope my peers feel the same way toward myself. Like I said, we all know how horrible it feels to be excluded. By working and tolerating each other, we can redeem Moses in the desert.
It is human nature to exclude others. Exclusion helps us demonstrate our power. By leaving others out, we appeal to those who already belong. Moses did the best he was capable of to persuade these kings the Israelites meant no harm. Perhaps, these kings heard of the plague in Egypt and feared God. At this point, I do not find Israel much of a threat. Almost every week, I read about the Jewish people complaining to Moses. Although God punishes them, they fail to learn from their mistakes. Are the Israelites really a threat toward either king?
If anybody knows exclusion, a middle school graduate, like myself, should know it best. In the Israelites' case, exclusion snowballed into a battle. Nobody enjoys being excluded, yet at one point or another we all were left out of the major group. =In my experience, exclusion is generated in two different ways. Sometimes it is unintentional. For instance, at my middle school the tables were square with seats attached. If all the seats filled up, kids could feel left out. The excluders were not trying to be malicious, yet the environment caused isolation. The other kind of exclusion makes the antagonized one feel much worse; intentional exclusion. At times, it is appropriate, such as not making a team or getting a role in a play. However, clubs that require no minimum or maximum number of participants should be welcoming to anyone who seems interested. In my last few weeks of eighth grade, I saw cliques in full force. A clique in its simplest form can be a bond of friends based on similar interests. When these groups refuse to let in new members, it can cause havoc. Unlike the kings in the desert, modern humans should ignore their self doubt and be open to letting people be part of a group, club, or activity. On Sunday, I leave for Camp Shomria. I went last year and met many people. Upon meeting these people, I decided to forget how they were last year. When I arrive on Sunday, I will refuse to listen to any prerequisites about campers, counselors, or the facilities themselves. I want to show up with a clean slate, and I hope my peers feel the same way toward myself. Like I said, we all know how horrible it feels to be excluded. By working and tolerating each other, we can redeem Moses in the desert.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Shakespeare Series: "Taming of the Shrew"
"Taming of the Shrew" revolves around a pair of sisters who antagonize each other. Bianca is the desire of every man in Padua, yet Katherina is just the opposite. Their father, Baptista, forbids her to wed until her elder sister does so first. As I read "Shrew", Disney kept coming up in my mind. One of Bianca's prominent suitors, Lucentio, resembles Gaston of "Beauty and the Beast". He assumes a man of his status and wealth deserves a girl such as Bianca. He decides with the help of his servants he absolutely must marry her. Among him, many other men try to court the Italian beauty. One of these methods includes intricate disguises in which the men try to earn Bianca's love. Of course, these admirers are quite aware of her father's restrictions. Petruchio was just the hero Lucentio and the others were looking for. He traveled from Verona to seek out a wife whose father will provide him with wealth. Hortensio, another desperate seeker of Bianca's love, offers Katherina as his bride. Although he warns Pertuchio of her rude demeanor, the offer still sounds enticing. Pertuchio develops a scheme in his attempt to tame his acquired bride. Shakespeare craftily mixes a clever wit and insightful commentary on the way people live.
This play is nearly bursting at the seams with relevance. As I said, Disney kept coming back up in my mind. When Baptista and Pertuchio decide that Katherina will be married at once, the discussion prompted me to remember the saltan and Aladdin boasting about how the phony prince would be right fo his Jasmine. Disney's princess and Shakespeare's shrew are a duo of strong-willed women. At first, I thought Katherina's struggle would bring out her inner feminist. When I continued reading the play, I realized her unattractiveness was insignificant. Her bitter nature stemmed from a far deeper plight all humans suffer. Katherina was plainly misunderstood. I believe Katherina was cruel because no one cared for her. Even Baptista favored Bianca. He did not know how to deal with his complex, eldest daughter. Perhaps Hortensio offers the most important advice of all the characters in "Shrew"; if a girl does not seem interested, move on instead of moping with heartbreak. Certainly, the Bard crammed some fairly deep concepts between his jokes.
I recommend this play for a truly experienced fan of Shakespeare. It was not my favorite show of all time, but I believe this is to due to the fact it is really a play. In order to fully enjoy this piece, I feel one must see an actual performance. I am sure that parts I found difficult to comprehend would be much more lucid on stage. Although this play is intended to be a comedy, one can not expect a laugh from every line. In modern cinema, most comic characters are shown continually stupider plunders. "Taming of the Shrew" is written with a more subdued tone. There are moments where Pertuchucio is flamboyantly funny, but the show is also centered around a complex plot that forces a reader to think. It was a challenge to read, but if one feels up to the task they are assured to enjoy a story full of joy and wisdom.
This play is nearly bursting at the seams with relevance. As I said, Disney kept coming back up in my mind. When Baptista and Pertuchio decide that Katherina will be married at once, the discussion prompted me to remember the saltan and Aladdin boasting about how the phony prince would be right fo his Jasmine. Disney's princess and Shakespeare's shrew are a duo of strong-willed women. At first, I thought Katherina's struggle would bring out her inner feminist. When I continued reading the play, I realized her unattractiveness was insignificant. Her bitter nature stemmed from a far deeper plight all humans suffer. Katherina was plainly misunderstood. I believe Katherina was cruel because no one cared for her. Even Baptista favored Bianca. He did not know how to deal with his complex, eldest daughter. Perhaps Hortensio offers the most important advice of all the characters in "Shrew"; if a girl does not seem interested, move on instead of moping with heartbreak. Certainly, the Bard crammed some fairly deep concepts between his jokes.
I recommend this play for a truly experienced fan of Shakespeare. It was not my favorite show of all time, but I believe this is to due to the fact it is really a play. In order to fully enjoy this piece, I feel one must see an actual performance. I am sure that parts I found difficult to comprehend would be much more lucid on stage. Although this play is intended to be a comedy, one can not expect a laugh from every line. In modern cinema, most comic characters are shown continually stupider plunders. "Taming of the Shrew" is written with a more subdued tone. There are moments where Pertuchucio is flamboyantly funny, but the show is also centered around a complex plot that forces a reader to think. It was a challenge to read, but if one feels up to the task they are assured to enjoy a story full of joy and wisdom.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Ancient Israel Was No Democracy
After a while in the desert, it would be expected that the Israelites doubt Moses' leadership. In this week's Torah portion, a man named Korah organizes a few, angry fellows to chastise Moses. They complain to Moses that he overstepped his boundaries. They claim, "You have gone too far!" Moses responds to them by telling them to sacrifice to God. He claims that Korah is the one crossing the line. Witnessing this uprising, God takes action. Suddenly, the Earth swallows Korah and his comrades. God brings them and their possessions into Sheol, the Jewish equivalent of Hell. God's bold discipline causes further panic among the young nation. A mob against Moses and God forms. Although they fear being sent to Sheol, the Israelites find their current situation abusive. They claim that dying in the desert for their rebellion is worth defying God. One man professes that they would die sooner or later anyways. Israel loses faith that they will reach the Holy Land. In haste, God sends a plague to correct this mob's comeuppance. Moses nor God will not stand for disobedience such as that demonstrated in Parshat Korah.
Throughout the Torah, God's personality changes. As Numbers and Deuteronomy progress, God's tendencies are harsher and more rash. In my opinion, God's attitude swing can be reasoned quite logically. I believe the Torah was written by authors based on oral tradition. The last two books of the Torah were most likely written at the turn of the common era. At this time, Judaism's numbers were dwindling due to the rise of Christianity. This population decline caused authors of the Torah to write about a wrathful God. On the other hand, the New Testament illustrates a loving, gentler God. Israel was no democracy. God was considered Master of the Universe and Ruler of the Israelites. Like some rulers, God enforces absolutism. Absolutely no corruption is tolerated under the command of God. How does the slaughter of rebellious subject reflect the image of the Jewish God? Just as God can be strict, I believe God creates beauty. I often ponder the question; Where do I think of God most? Many would say synagogue or while lighting the candles. Whenever I see a sunset, I imagine God. Sometimes I think about how only a master painter like God could make a sky look so spectacular. Occasionally, I just stare in awe trying to recognize how day turns into night and an entirely new world is at my beckoning. God is the only ruler of this Universe, but sometimes that can be a wonderful virtue.
Then again, I am an Israelite's descendant. I see their point. If God is an omnipotent being, why do I stand on an Earth corrupt with hunger, disease, poverty, and all other travesties among men and women? Korah's anger with Moses in this week's portion reminded me of the American government. Often times, I hear people discussing politics. Like Korah, I understand a number of Americans are angry that politicians are driven by the personal gain rather than the betterment of the country. Nowadays, it seems like Democrat-Republican is a rivalry just as much as Yankees-Red Sox. Just like the baseball teams, their feuding drama inhibits progress. When the Yankees come up to Boston, the games stretch for three to four hours. Every election, Americans are promised our imaginable land flowing with milk and honey. After 235 years of democracy, we are still out wandering in the desert. Earlier in the year, my history class studied the decline of Rome. Obviously, we are failing to learn from the Romans. Shakespeare wrote that Julius Caesar's ambition slew him. It could be Obama, Palin, Trump, or Pelosi, politics are corrupt from either side of the spectrum. Instead of being ambitious as an emperor, our leaders need to be ambitious as a nation. To be fair, American citizens need to stop being so skeptical. Change is an experiment. Like all experiments, there is room for improvement. If we refuse to let the government implement change, how can Americans expect progress? Maybe, we all just need to open our eyes and watch the sun set.
Throughout the Torah, God's personality changes. As Numbers and Deuteronomy progress, God's tendencies are harsher and more rash. In my opinion, God's attitude swing can be reasoned quite logically. I believe the Torah was written by authors based on oral tradition. The last two books of the Torah were most likely written at the turn of the common era. At this time, Judaism's numbers were dwindling due to the rise of Christianity. This population decline caused authors of the Torah to write about a wrathful God. On the other hand, the New Testament illustrates a loving, gentler God. Israel was no democracy. God was considered Master of the Universe and Ruler of the Israelites. Like some rulers, God enforces absolutism. Absolutely no corruption is tolerated under the command of God. How does the slaughter of rebellious subject reflect the image of the Jewish God? Just as God can be strict, I believe God creates beauty. I often ponder the question; Where do I think of God most? Many would say synagogue or while lighting the candles. Whenever I see a sunset, I imagine God. Sometimes I think about how only a master painter like God could make a sky look so spectacular. Occasionally, I just stare in awe trying to recognize how day turns into night and an entirely new world is at my beckoning. God is the only ruler of this Universe, but sometimes that can be a wonderful virtue.
Then again, I am an Israelite's descendant. I see their point. If God is an omnipotent being, why do I stand on an Earth corrupt with hunger, disease, poverty, and all other travesties among men and women? Korah's anger with Moses in this week's portion reminded me of the American government. Often times, I hear people discussing politics. Like Korah, I understand a number of Americans are angry that politicians are driven by the personal gain rather than the betterment of the country. Nowadays, it seems like Democrat-Republican is a rivalry just as much as Yankees-Red Sox. Just like the baseball teams, their feuding drama inhibits progress. When the Yankees come up to Boston, the games stretch for three to four hours. Every election, Americans are promised our imaginable land flowing with milk and honey. After 235 years of democracy, we are still out wandering in the desert. Earlier in the year, my history class studied the decline of Rome. Obviously, we are failing to learn from the Romans. Shakespeare wrote that Julius Caesar's ambition slew him. It could be Obama, Palin, Trump, or Pelosi, politics are corrupt from either side of the spectrum. Instead of being ambitious as an emperor, our leaders need to be ambitious as a nation. To be fair, American citizens need to stop being so skeptical. Change is an experiment. Like all experiments, there is room for improvement. If we refuse to let the government implement change, how can Americans expect progress? Maybe, we all just need to open our eyes and watch the sun set.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Shakespeare Series: "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a play which contains four stories meshed into one overall plot. First of all, King Theseus of Athens prepares to marry the amazon queen, Hippolyta. In addition to their wedding, Theseus requests that his merchants perform a play at the ceremony. Many scenes include these merchants, such as Peter Quince, Francis Flute, Robin Sterveling, Tom Snout, and Snug. They rehearse for their king while dealing with their occasionally spacey friend named Nick Bottom. As the play continues, readers learn of a second royal couple. Queen Titania, King Oberon, and Robin "Puck" Goodfellow are a trio of mischievous fairies. Meanwhile, four mismatched lovers stow away to the woods. Lysander and Hermia are in love, but Hermia's father disapproves of Lysander. Ironically, Hermia's sister, Helena, falls for Demetrius, the suitor chosen for Hermia. In a turn of events, Robin Goodfellow casts a spell that makes Lysander and Demetrius both fall in love with Helena. From that point, confusion ensues, which makes for a hilarious masterpiece by the Bard.
When I go on the Barnes and Noble website, the Shakespeare books are labeled teenage novels. At first, I found this label quite precarious. How many average teens read Shakespeare's plays in their spare time? "A Midsummer Night's Dream" shed some light on this peculiarity. Through our foursome's romantic predicament, Shakespeare illustrates how a teenager sees love. In an adolescent's eye, everyone seems to be enamored with the wrong person. My sister and I often laugh at the idea of a middle school relationship. Young love does seem like a fairy's magic spell. Like Puck, it is mischievous yet benevolent. Helena expresses strong feelings of jealousy just like any kid growing up. William Shakespeare was no teenager when he wrote "Midsummer". However, the ever-changing interests of Hermia, Helena, Demetrius, and Lysander remind me of what I see at school. Of course, the play ends with a hilarious production by the merchants of Athens.
No reader can go wrong when choosing "A Midsummer Night's Dream". I recommend it to readers of all levels of Shakespeare, especially teenagers. Nick Bottom's blunders always put a smile on my face while Helena's struggle with her self conscious nature touch my heart. Honestly, it takes getting used to the utter confusion of this play. I constantly confused Hermia and Helena throughout the first act. My advice would be to concentrate and really give this hilarious piece a chance. For some odd reason, this play made me picture no stage at all. I could vividly envision the characters and woods. Whether one is looking for a nice laugh or a deep theme, pick up "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and prepare to be taken away.
When I go on the Barnes and Noble website, the Shakespeare books are labeled teenage novels. At first, I found this label quite precarious. How many average teens read Shakespeare's plays in their spare time? "A Midsummer Night's Dream" shed some light on this peculiarity. Through our foursome's romantic predicament, Shakespeare illustrates how a teenager sees love. In an adolescent's eye, everyone seems to be enamored with the wrong person. My sister and I often laugh at the idea of a middle school relationship. Young love does seem like a fairy's magic spell. Like Puck, it is mischievous yet benevolent. Helena expresses strong feelings of jealousy just like any kid growing up. William Shakespeare was no teenager when he wrote "Midsummer". However, the ever-changing interests of Hermia, Helena, Demetrius, and Lysander remind me of what I see at school. Of course, the play ends with a hilarious production by the merchants of Athens.
No reader can go wrong when choosing "A Midsummer Night's Dream". I recommend it to readers of all levels of Shakespeare, especially teenagers. Nick Bottom's blunders always put a smile on my face while Helena's struggle with her self conscious nature touch my heart. Honestly, it takes getting used to the utter confusion of this play. I constantly confused Hermia and Helena throughout the first act. My advice would be to concentrate and really give this hilarious piece a chance. For some odd reason, this play made me picture no stage at all. I could vividly envision the characters and woods. Whether one is looking for a nice laugh or a deep theme, pick up "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and prepare to be taken away.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Was There A Better Way?
Over the past week, I spent my time touring Washington D.C., the nation's capital. I viewed monuments, museums, and memorials. Among these sites, we toured the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. FDR numbered many accomplishments over his sixteen year administration. He was the only president to be reelected four times. How did he do it? Some would call him the father of the greatest generation that ever lived. He lifted a nation out of a depression through his innovative New Deal and defeated evil in its most triumphant hour. One ink blot lay on Roosevelt's impressive resumé. While World War II put democracy into jeopardy, Roosevelt overlooked the horrid tragedy of the Holocaust. Until 1944, our nation's leader was very hesitant to take action against the genocide occurring in Nazi Europe. At least, I thought Roosevelt was unfairly ignoring the Jews of Europe. It turns out he did a lot more than meets the eye.
I can honestly state that Roosevelt was not antisemite. How can a man juggle a economic sinkhole, a grievous war, and a genocide at the same time? Even Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis gives this president credit for trying to prevent Hitler from rising to power. Contrary to Winston Churchill, Roosevelt demanded Hitler be taken down from the first year of his presidency. While Congress refused to allow Roosevelt to lift particular quotas set in the 1920's, he helped Jewish refugees obtain visas in a more efficient way. People constantly came to Roosevelt with plans of ending the Holocaust. Contemporary historians discredit Roosevelt thinking he simply refused to listen to the American Jews. Contrary to this theory, Roosevelt took the time to go over each plan carefully. Taking these plans into consideration, he placed defeating Nazi Germany as a higher priority, even though Japan was a larger threat. He denied the American attempts to put an end to genocide in order to win the war. Roosevelt felt that defeating Hitler would bring Nazism to its end. He knew if Hitler was kept alive, his philosophies would also remain vivid. Franklin Roosevelt did not hate Jews, but developing a plan to save them was a difficult task.
These feats shed light on Roosevelt's views of the Holocaust, but many of his policies were executed too late for the Jews to be saved. Our thirty-second president's greatest impediments were Congress and the American public. Franklin and Eleanor pitied the persecution of Germany's Jews, but Americans did not. Of course, how could a nation with 25 percent unemployment worry about policies overseas? In his first term, Roosevelt's priority was to uplift the country of its depression. Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover diminished the legacy of Woodrow Wilson throughout the 1920's. By 1932, the nation's greatest success story was Babe Ruth calling his shot in Wrigley Field. The legislative branch of the United States found it skeptical that Jews would find jobs in 1930's America. By the start of the European war in 1939, there were over 4 million Jews already displaced by the Third Reich. How could Roosevelt obtain visas for 4 million Jews? Presidents, like other leaders, must make tough decisions. Turning away persecuted Jews for the sake of his nation was part of Roosevelt's job. Unfortunately, Roosevelt hardly made an effort to liberate concentration camps until 1944. Luckily, he refused to bomb Auschwitz and the other death centers. Over half the world's Jews died from 1933 to 1945, but Roosevelt tried his best to save as many as he could.
Personally, I feel he waited too long. The evidence I provide may contradict my opinion, but the way Roosevelt ignored this genocide for so long makes my heart wrench. On the other hand, it got me thinking. How can you judge a president based on one policy? Obama and Roosevelt are very alike. They are Democratic presidents who were inaugurated when our nation was inundated with problems. So far, both of these men worked with economic pressures, national insecurity, and a skeptical American public. Jews were up in arms as Obama discussed Israel with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Is Roosevelt truly to blame when we here that six million Jews were slaughtered in the Holocaust? Is Obama to blame when the death toll of the Darfur genocide is released?
Works Cited
Vanden Heuvel, William J. "America, Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Holocaust." Franklin D. Roosevelt - American Heritage Center, Inc. 2007. Web. 11 June 2011..
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. "Franklin Delano Roosevelt." United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. 6 Jan. 2011. Web. 11 June 2011..
I can honestly state that Roosevelt was not antisemite. How can a man juggle a economic sinkhole, a grievous war, and a genocide at the same time? Even Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis gives this president credit for trying to prevent Hitler from rising to power. Contrary to Winston Churchill, Roosevelt demanded Hitler be taken down from the first year of his presidency. While Congress refused to allow Roosevelt to lift particular quotas set in the 1920's, he helped Jewish refugees obtain visas in a more efficient way. People constantly came to Roosevelt with plans of ending the Holocaust. Contemporary historians discredit Roosevelt thinking he simply refused to listen to the American Jews. Contrary to this theory, Roosevelt took the time to go over each plan carefully. Taking these plans into consideration, he placed defeating Nazi Germany as a higher priority, even though Japan was a larger threat. He denied the American attempts to put an end to genocide in order to win the war. Roosevelt felt that defeating Hitler would bring Nazism to its end. He knew if Hitler was kept alive, his philosophies would also remain vivid. Franklin Roosevelt did not hate Jews, but developing a plan to save them was a difficult task.
These feats shed light on Roosevelt's views of the Holocaust, but many of his policies were executed too late for the Jews to be saved. Our thirty-second president's greatest impediments were Congress and the American public. Franklin and Eleanor pitied the persecution of Germany's Jews, but Americans did not. Of course, how could a nation with 25 percent unemployment worry about policies overseas? In his first term, Roosevelt's priority was to uplift the country of its depression. Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover diminished the legacy of Woodrow Wilson throughout the 1920's. By 1932, the nation's greatest success story was Babe Ruth calling his shot in Wrigley Field. The legislative branch of the United States found it skeptical that Jews would find jobs in 1930's America. By the start of the European war in 1939, there were over 4 million Jews already displaced by the Third Reich. How could Roosevelt obtain visas for 4 million Jews? Presidents, like other leaders, must make tough decisions. Turning away persecuted Jews for the sake of his nation was part of Roosevelt's job. Unfortunately, Roosevelt hardly made an effort to liberate concentration camps until 1944. Luckily, he refused to bomb Auschwitz and the other death centers. Over half the world's Jews died from 1933 to 1945, but Roosevelt tried his best to save as many as he could.
Personally, I feel he waited too long. The evidence I provide may contradict my opinion, but the way Roosevelt ignored this genocide for so long makes my heart wrench. On the other hand, it got me thinking. How can you judge a president based on one policy? Obama and Roosevelt are very alike. They are Democratic presidents who were inaugurated when our nation was inundated with problems. So far, both of these men worked with economic pressures, national insecurity, and a skeptical American public. Jews were up in arms as Obama discussed Israel with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Is Roosevelt truly to blame when we here that six million Jews were slaughtered in the Holocaust? Is Obama to blame when the death toll of the Darfur genocide is released?
Works Cited
Vanden Heuvel, William J. "America, Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Holocaust." Franklin D. Roosevelt - American Heritage Center, Inc. 2007. Web. 11 June 2011.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. "Franklin Delano Roosevelt." United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. 6 Jan. 2011. Web. 11 June 2011.
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