Is it 1909 or 2009 in Philly?

If this is a testing time, then some have passed with flying colors. Hats off to a rabbinical student in Massachusetts, Rachel Barenblat, who raised money to replace prayer rugs that a drunken intruder had urinated on at a mosque. She told me that she quickly raised more than $1,100 from Jews and Christians alike. via www.nytimes.com Yay Rachel!

Suicide bombings are becoming a daily occurance in Iraq. So much so, that when I scan the paper in the morning I quickly glance over the morning report of Iraqi violence. I can say the same for Darfur. I have become de-sensitized to it. Shame on me. Today they got 47 in Mosul. Last week it was a much higher figure. The total will continue to rise like a pinball machine. High score goes to the insurgents. A few days ago, it was the mass shooting of civilians including women and children. The insurgents or terrorists no longer attempt to…

1. God creates and sustains all of creation at all times 2. Intellect makes Man unique and exhalted from amongst creation (2:30-34) 3. With the great power of this intellect, comes great responsibility (spider man fans should recognize this mantra) 4. This responsibility is a sacred moral trust (amaana) 5. To the extent we have any power over any other person, or any part of creation, it is within the confines of this amaana. 6. Therefore, by not seizing on every opportunity to do good, you are abusing God. (I borrowed this line from someone else, but I like it…