Shabbat Shalom: Ancient poem

This text, by an anonymous author who lived sometime in late antiquity (4-7 CE) somewhere in the Byzantine Empire, is a strange and bold description of God. Mystical “travelers” would ascent to the heavens and describe the wondrous visions experienced there. Maimonides’ hated these texts, but it is the experience behind them which animates traditional…

The miracle of Israel

By MICHAEL FREUND— The state of Israel this week turned 65, defying history and the odds to celebrate its continued existence in a very dangerous part of the world. Countless flags fluttered from cars and homes throughout the country, and numerous families took advantage of the weather to barbeque meat and enjoy a well-earned day…

Too much of a good thing?

By SHIRA RUBIN, CSMONITOR— Luay Abdel Rafah was unconcerned with President Obama’s visit to nearby Bethlehem, or by the announcement that the United States would unblock $500 million in US funds for the Palestinian government. He was busy tending to the last organic radish, onion, and lettuce crops of the season in a rooftop permaculture…