The World is Ready For a Message of Unity
At the beginning of the month I was invited to LA for a marathon shoot of 24 short episodes explaining the wisdom of Kabbalah and its relevance to our lives. This couldn’t have been timed better since I was already in town for a convention and a lecture that followed, so I delightedly took on the challenge of shooting 24 episodes in two days (though my part in each is about 5 minutes). The World is Ready for a Message of Unity On the second day of the shooting, I had a special treat. I sat before a panel of six students that consisted of the council of the USC interfaith program, who “grilled” me with questions regarding Kabbalah for seven hours straight. Naturally, anti-Semitism and the role of the Jewish people arose in their questions, and being students, they didn’t hesitate to ask whatever came into their minds. The panel consisted of a Roman Catholic, a Methodist, one who didn’t disclose his faith, a Muslim and two agnostics. All students said they were observant in their faiths, yet were interested in learning about other faiths and traditions, which was why they joined the interfaith program. Through their questions, I explained about Kabbalah, but I also dedicated time to discussing the role of the Jewish people in the world, and why so many people feel that there is...
Anti-Semitism UPROOTED
How the Jewish People and the World Can Win (or Lose) Together Pariahs A few days ago, two Jewish boys were beaten up in Queens, New York, and the word Hamas was written all over them. The media took no notice. But if Jews were to do the same to Arab boys, would the media treat it likewise? It is not a hypothesis that the world is against us, nor is it a residue of past fears that should have been long gone by now. Anti-Semitism is as vibrant and as vile as ever not only in our neighborhoods, in some of our neighbors’ eyes, or on graffiti next to the shul. It is everywhere: on the bus, at school, at college, at work (albeit in a more implied manner), and, of course, in the media. The social media is inundated with unreserved anti-Semitism. In France, names, residential addresses, and pictures of Jews were posted on a Facebook wall with an invitation to hurt them. To date, some have already been attacked. The rest are hiding. In Belgium, an elderly Jewish lady was refused medical care and was advised to go to Gaza for treatment. Anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic demonstrations are held in dozens of cities throughout the world each day since the beginning of July. According to the Anti Defamation League (ADL), in just three weeks between July 8...
The Secret to a Happy Year
Each New as a year time Year.” around of The reflection. High this time, Holy This Jews Days year, wish are it seems one a time another, as of though joy, “Happy as there well is much more to reflect on than in past years. The past year has been a trying one for all Jews, wherever they live, due to the resurgence of anti-Semitism. So in the spirit of the High Holy Days, let us examine our situation and find the opportunity in the challenge. Introspection The war in Gaza took its toll not just on the Israelis and Palestinians. In many ways, it has uncovered and deepened a chasm that exists within Jewish communities the world over. Differences that were once settled peacefully and calmly through debate have now become so poignant and tense that community leaders offen opt to avoid any discussion fearing that it will deepen the schism within their already divided community. But this murky point in our collective existence is actually an opportunity, and the High Holy Days are the best time to begin to set matters straight. Now is a time when people are inclined to introspect is it suitable to reflect on our actions in light of the negative trend toward us in the world. We Are Jonah The most important part in the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) service comes...
Who Are You People of Israel?
WHO ARE YOU, PEOPLE OF ISRAEL? Time and time again we are pressed and terrorized until we feel helplessness and pointlessness. Being Jewish, I wonder at the purpose of this relentless suffering we experience. Indeed, why can’t we escape these torments? Why is there no end to these ordeals that seem to repeat themselves every generation? As our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents suffered hatred during WWII, we, too, are underway to experience similar “treatment” from the rest of the world. Some among us believe that the past cannot return, that the atrocities and the way people treated one another in ancient times, or when the Nazis were in power, are unfeasible today. And yet, we see how easily humanity is reverting to that state. And once again, we are the only ones at stake. I have written this booklet because Jews the world over are afraid. The pages before you are an attempt to answer questions that Jews face everywhere, an effort to present the solution we are required to pursue. I have tried to be as brief and as concrete as possible, as I’m aware of the restless nature of our generation. And yet, it is my sincere hope and wish that you will find it helpful. You will find further explanations in the link at the end of the booklet. With love, Dr. Michael Laitman Where...
Jewish Life Explained – Like a Bundle of Reeds with Dr. Michael Laitman
Jewish Life Explained – Like a Bundle of Reeds with Dr. Michael Laitman Dr. Michael Laitman discusses how Jewish life optimally accords with the law of connection with “Like a Bundle of Reeds” executive editor, Chaim Ratz. “Like a Bundle of Reeds” is a TV series originally broadcast on JLTV based on the book of the same title. It deals with the following topics: * Are we Jews different from other nations? * Why was I born Jewish? * Why is there anti-Semitism? * Could the Holocaust happen again? * What can I do? * Why are there Jews? Download the eBook version of “Like a Bundle of Reeds” for free here » http://bundleofreeds.com(also available is the softcover version for only...
Yom Kippur Explained – Like a Bundle of Reeds with Dr. Michael Laitman
Dr. Michael Laitman Explains Yom Kippur – A “Like a Bundle of Reeds” Interview Dr. Michael Laitman discusses the Yom Kippur holiday and the story of Jonah with “Like a Bundle of Reeds” executive editor, Chaim Ratz. “Like a Bundle of Reeds” is a TV series originally broadcast on JLTV based on the book of the same title. It deals with the following topics: * Are we Jews different from other nations? * Why was I born Jewish? * Why is there anti-Semitism? * Could the Holocaust happen again? * What can I do? * Why are there Jews? Download the eBook version of the new “What Is Yom Kippur? – The Great Secret of the Jews (That You Don’t Know About)” booklet for free here »...