Truths You Can Use

A few days ago my five-year-old daughter asked me to download her favorite new song. It’s called “Let Me Love You Until You Learn To Love Yourself.” The music didn’t speak to my soul, but the title did. Sometimes it can be hard to love ourselves. We need help. We need hope. Faith can help…

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. What he didn’t say that the first step is the hardest step. Jewish wisdom teaches this in the story of a man named Nachshon. His story begins on the shores of the Red Sea. The Israelites are on…

A Jewish wedding ceremony ends with an strange ritual. The groom lifts his foot up and breaks a wine glass. Why? Because even at great times of joy, we recognize that brokenness is a part of life.  In fact, we live more fully when we acknowledge and confront the imperfections, the challenges, the disappointments life…

At a conference I attended yesterday, writer Carrie Wilkerson shared a profound piece of wisdom. In discussing the hard work required for success, she said, “Don’t try to be superhuman. Be human and people will think you are super.” She captured a profound truth. When we try to be something we are not, we fail.…

(This post was inspired by a podcast by Michael Hyatt, which focuses on physical steps can take get out of a funk. My focus is on the spiritual and psychological.) Last week brought the full fury of winter down on many parts of the country. Snow and cold do not only shut down our schools…

Pope Benedict’s resignation is sending shockwaves through Catholic communities worldwide. It also brings sadness and loss to the Jewish community. Despite early concerns with the Pope’s childhood participation in the Hitler youth, he has been an extraordinary leader, reaching out to the Jewish community and addressing shared concerns with intelligence and moral passion. The Pope…

What do you tend to order at restaurants? Do you get the same thing every time? Or do you try the latest special? Do you opt for a wine you have never tried? Or do you go with your favorite Merlot? For food, I’m the kind of guy that sticks to the familiar. Yet, in other…

Former New York Mayor Ed Koch, who died last week, had a signature saying: “How’m I doing?” He asked it of passerbys at subway stations, street corners and press conferences. Behind the question was a request for feedback. He was asking the people of New York how he was doing as Mayor. Was he making…

This Sunday Americans will be praying extra hard. It’s Superbowl Sunday, and according to a recent study, one out of four Americans believe that God intervenes on behalf of sports teams. Does He? Well, only God knows the answer to that question. If I had to guess, however, here’s what I would suggest: 1. God…

Certain metaphors capture the imagination. Among the most powerful in Judaism comes from an 18th century Rabbi named Nachman. “The whole world,” he said, “is a narrow bridge. And the most important part is not to be afraid!”  This saying has been set to music. It has been committed to memory by thousands. It has been…

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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