President Obama lands today in Israel. It is his first visit as President. His relationship with Israelis has had its ups and downs. He intrigued and inspired many Israelis during the 2008 campaign. One merchant interviewed recently in the New York Times recalled selling thousands of kaepas (small skullcaps worn by religiously observant Jews) inscribed…

In a recent talk Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, pointed out a unique feature of the Hebrew language. It contains two words for the one English word “why.” The two Hebrew words are maduah and lamah. Why do we need two words? Because each conveys a different attitude.…

Chutzpah is a Yiddish word with no exact English translation. The closest English equivalent would be “audacity” or “boldness.” But chutzpah also contains an element of passion, social concern and self-confidence. Someone with chutzpah knows what he believes, and knows that he is right. Chutzpah Makes a Pope Impossible Perhaps the embrace of chutzpah has…

Passover is the most celebrated Jewish holiday in America. For many the most memorable part of it is the food. Yet, Passover is also a teaching tool. We  highlight and expound upon important parts of the Exodus story.   Fortunately, in his monumental work on the Jewish holidays, Abraham Bloch summarized them. Each is rooted…

Evan Moffic
about

Evan Moffic

Rabbi Evan Moffic writes for people of all faiths. His book, What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Jewishness of Jesus was a 2015 best-seller. His upcoming book of devotions—Shalom for the Heart—takes short biblical passages and show they way they can help us make better choices and live with fewer regrets. With Rabbi Moffic, you will find an open, accessible guide to life’s deepest truths. A husband and father, he graduated from Stanford University in 2000, and was ordained a rabbi in 2006. He leads a congregation in suburban Chicago. You can connect with him directly at emoffic@gmail.com.

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