“We will do and we will listen” — still relevant for Jews today? Not in how many of us make our choices… Especially in a world where leisure time is cherished and Judaism is competing in the marketplace of extra-curricular activities. Most contemporary Jews reject the traditional “commandedness” structure of Jewish life, so how can … More »
Author Archives: Rabbi Dan Horwitz
Noble Ideas, Tarnished
It’s easy to get down, facing life’s challenges To scream and to frown, heart covered in calluses Hopes dashed, lack of desired impact Arguing over what exactly constitutes a fact Ideals shattered, butchered and battered Clinging to a sense of calm but only getting madder At those who don’t care, who give up on … More »
Unsettled
I’m not sure that my own views on the Divine are settled. I find the demographic realities of the Jewish community to be unsettling. I struggle mightily with the motivations and convictions of West Bank settlers. I travel so much for work that I inevitably feel unsettled. I worry that in … More »
Jewish in Beijing
I had the privilege this past May of serving as the Rabbi-in-residence for Kehillat Beijing – Beijing’s progressive Jewish community. Overwhelmingly comprised of Americans who are pursuing business ventures in China, I found the community to be incredibly warm and welcoming. Inevitably, when transported to a new situation, folks tend to extend warmth, as they’re … More »
It’s All Hillel’s Fault
“Hillel would also say: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” - Pirkei Avot 1:14 It seems that much of the American Jewish world has become fixated on the first of Hillel’s three presented clauses. … More »
The Kotel
A symbol, you see Powerful and mystifying to me People yearning for a day long since past When sacrifices were the norm, yet didn’t last With prayer since supplanting slaughter And somehow a son having greater rights than a daughter To identify as part of holy community Which somehow causes such great … More »