Defining Islam

I was recently asked to address the Sutton Place Synagogue as part of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding‘s Weekend of Twinnings. Below are my comments, as prepared, that I delivered on Nov. 22, 2008. I will post some questions and reflections in the next few days. —– Comments Offered on the Weekend of Twinnings at the Sutton Place Synagoge (as prepared, not as delivered) Shabbot Shalom Salaam Alaykum Ya Ali Madad In the Name of God the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful Thank you for opening your doors to me today and inviting me into your worship space. I hope…

Learning the lessons of history – Washington Jewish Week We are all too familiar with the rhetorical currency of anti-Semites. Jews control the human and material resources of every society in which they are found, they say, no matter how few in number. They maintain an international conspiracy. They meet secretly, presenting a pleasant and cooperative face to the world, but using hidden teachings of their sacred books to plot the overthrow of societies they consider hostile. They say one thing publicly and the opposite in private. They have learned how to “pass” in society, but even the most “assimilated”…