I’ve had students go on their own to a worship service outside their own tradition, but here’s another spin on the same assignment. Earlier this semester, Soni started a weekly “Souljourn” to explore that religious diversity, bringing students of different faiths to churches of different faiths, from Hare Krishna to Tao to Pentecostal. On Sunday [...]
You may have read my essay about anti-intellectualism. Well, here is the flip side: religious ignorance. Or rather, ignorance about religious traditions. UK broadcasters pondering over that nasty looking smudge on Joe Biden’s head. Hello! It’s called Ash Wednesday! Hello! Joe’s a Roman Catholic. Pretty good chance he’s gonna get some ashes. But here’s where [...]
This story from the LA Times is calling out for a sociologist or anthropologist to study. The old man with the Santa Claus beard pulled a black yarmulke from the trunk of his Cadillac and limped across the street. Hundreds of people had gathered outside an old synagogue in Boyle Heights for a program that [...]
I do admire my Orthodox brothers and sisters for their fortitude. On my walk Saturday (11/28) I saw my first Christmas Tree laden SUV. Ouch! It was an affront to my liturgical sensibilities. (smile) Oh my! Another Advent! This year, as in past years, the stack of Advent books is on the table. “Next year [...]
I’m not a big fan of this, but at least I’m beginning to be able to observe the displays without freaking out! The “lady” – actually there are two of them – is quite tall. As tall as a library shelf. So, over 6 feet, I gather. I have to admit I did enjoy the [...]
Happy New Year! A little late! I did celebrate. But I wanted to share two things. 1) The traveling rabbi who comes to your office to blow the shofar! 2) This poster. I think it’s over the top cool. May our names continue to be inscribed in theĀ roll book of learning. Share/Bookmark
This post from Andrew Sullivan’s blog reminded me of a discussion in class today about the similarities between religions. Sullivan quotes from a blog by Thoreau (no not that one): In a report on Indonesia, the Economist makes the interesting point that urban Muslims in Indonesia are actually more likely to be drawn to more [...]
May our learning be sweet this semester. When I was introduced to the ritual, the honey cake was carved out in the shape of a Hebrew letter – that my learning for the school year would be sweet. Since the new school year kind of coincides with Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) it’s a perfect [...]