Tag: Judaism

A row has broken out over a meeting about Israel at a University of London college that one man described as “anti-Semitic”. Jonathan Hoffman, vice-chairman of the Zionist Federation of Great Britain, made the claim in a blog relating to a meeting at the School of Oriental and African Studies. But others have insisted the meeting was fair and there were no anti-Semitic undertones. Other Jewish audience members spoke without being heckled.

Israel is teetering toward theocracy, with the rise of the Haredim.

Jewish dentist puts a clause in his will to disinherit any of his descendants who marry a non-Jew.

Jewish girl tells her parents that she is dating an Italian boy.

Some residents of the mostly secular Ramat Aviv district, alarmed by the increasing presence and proselytizing of ultra-Orthodox Haredim, are trying to drive them out.

Madonna has used a newspaper column to reveal that she was inspired to adopt African children by her conversion to the Kabbalah sect of Judasim. The U.S. pop star said learned of the plight of AIDS orphans in the southern African nation when she and a teacher at the Kabbalah Centre were seeking a project to help disadvantaged children.

The recent FBI corruption sting in NJ not only indicted mayors for bribery but, strangely enough, also rabbis for trafficking in organs.  This Slate article examines Jewish attitude towards organ donation.  And again, religion seems to be a barrier against rational humanitarian behavior.

An obituary of God published in The Economist’s millennium issue.

The Westboro Baptist Church, famous for its open condemnation of Christians, Jews, and Muslims – as well as just about everyone else under the sun – is up to its old tricks, once again. In their latest act of absurdity, members of this de facto cult have posted an interpolation of the 1985 hit “We are the World”, entitled “God Hates the World” on YouTube.

Humans naturally create stories and narratives, says British author and neurologist Oliver Sacks. As a “non-militant atheist”, Sacks believes that the human mind is s story-generating machine, but that this story generating propensity needn’t be focused on Theistic themes and that much can be gained by using this faculty in the context of nature.

A Turkish television show is offering contestants what it claims is the “biggest prize ever” — the chance for atheists to convert to one of the world’s major religions. The show, called Penitents Compete, features a Muslim imam, a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi and a Buddhist monk attempting to persuade 10 atheists of the merits of their religions. Atheists who convert win a trip to a holy location, depending which religion they pick.

American Jewish University presents best-selling authors Sam Harris and Rabbi David Wolpe in a debate about the existence of God and the role of religion and faith in society. This debate is moderated by Los Angeles Times religion editor Steve Padilla.

The widow of a North Hollywood rabbi says her husband only lent them to his assistant. Local Jewish court ruled in her favor; an appeal in Israel is also pending.