Who Owns God in Politics and the Blogosphere?

At CPAC, Matt Margolis, LaShawn Barber and I talked a bit about evangelical Christianity and political conservatism.

Matt has a post up today about the upcoming GodBlogCon and he asks a good question:

While I’m sure the intent is not to be a congregation of conservative bloggers, I would guess they’ll represent a large portion of the attendees. SmartChristian Blog refers to it “The first ever Christian Blogosphere Convention”

So why isn’t it called ChristianBloggerCon or ChristBlogCon or some variation thereof? As a conservative Jewish blogger, I find it troubling that conservatives have trademarked “God” as Christian.

It’s not that I’m offended, I just feel that if it’s going to be called “GodBlogCon’” any blogger who believes in a higher power and who blogs about their faith—whatever it is—should not feel as if they would be excluded because they are not Christian.

Matt is a pretty sincere and tolerant guy, a religious Jew who strikes me as equally a committed, active political conservative. He did, after all, blog and work for the re-election of Bush last year. And there's the rub, I think.

read the rest! »

More Ways to Wisdom: Aish Audio

Rabbi Chaim Dubin writes:

"I noticed that you have some of Rabbi Noah Weinberg's 48 Ways to Wisdom classes on your site, and wanted to let you and your readers know about a new website that we've just launched with many audio classes in MP3 and Windows Media format from Rabbi Weinberg and others associated with his College of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Many of our titles are available for free streaming, or users can opt to subscribe for a monthly plan that will allow them to download classes for just $1.00 each. Please pass the word on to anyone you know who might benefit from our offerings."

Aish's outreach work is excellent; they have my full respect, even though we belong to different sects of Judaism. Indeed, as noted in my cites of Rabbi Weinberg's series, their materials are deliberately written so members of any faith can benefit from the insights and perspective they bring. If you're grappling with life questions, this audio site is a worthwhile destination.

48 Ways to Wisdom - Way #22: Frustration

An Orthodox Jewish Rabbi wrote this series so that his essays retain their value no matter what creed you follow. Think of it as a gentle way of sharing a community's millennia-long history of accumulated wisdom. As Friday night approaches, we turn our attention away from the world and toward these kinds of issues.

Installment #22 is about frustration. Tony Robbins once noted that if your life isn't as successful as you wish, it may be because you don't have enough frustration in it. Sounds counterintuitive, but he made a good case and so does Rabbi Weinberg. The key, of course, is dealing with it the right way.

My current frustration: having seen the hilarious "Gay Bar" Blair/Bush music video parody, I can't get the song out of my head....

48 Ways to Wisdom - Way #21: Laughter

An Orthodox Jewish Rabbi wrote this series in such a way that they retain their value no matter what creed you follow. Think of it as a gentle way of sharing a community's long history of accumulated wisdom.

This installment is all about laughter - understanding its dynamics, and using its cutting edge to gain perspective and defuse tension. On a deeper level, he says, laughter teaches us how G-d interacts with the world.

UPDATE: Here's a relevant example from Israel. "Only In Israel" indeed.

48 Ways to Wisdom - Way #20: The Art of Conversation

This has been a regular feature on Winds of Change, though it went on hiatus during the War on Terror's Iraqi Campaign. In the wake of President Bush's speech last night on the USS Abraham Lincoln, this seemed a proper time to bring it back.

Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom. This week's installment is about the art of conversation - the real kind, not the stilted, formal variety or casual chit-chat:

"A "conversation" is a exploration of another person. The point of conversation is not to impress others or to enhance your popularity, but to learn about others.

That is our most common mistake. When you talk to the guy in the plane, don't let him know by the end of the trip how many trophies you've won and what investments you've made. Nor are you interested in information like who won the ball game and the current market price of gold. That is not conversation. That is the information shop.

The point of conversation is to connect with someone and explore his experiences, thoughts, feelings, and inner appreciations. What does he think about life, about love, about meaning? For example, while a "discussion" might focus on the question, "Is the president effectively dealing with the economy?", a "conversation" would ask, "How is the economic situation affecting you lately?"

So what do you do if you aren't Fred Rogers? Rabbi Weinberg has some suggestions. Speaking from experience, I recommend them highly.

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #19 - Wake Up

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom. This week's entry is about "waking up to life."

"Children are a perfect example. From the moment a baby opens his eyes, he's up like a shot. "Another day... new adventures... so much to discover... so much to experience... waaaah!!!! Take me out of my crib!"

And did ever try putting a baby to sleep? No way! He's afraid of missing all the excitement.

To capture this zest for living, you need to focus on the deeper purpose and meaning of life. Look for fascinating, fulfilling activities. Learn how to create joy in living, instead of just "waiting for it to happen." When excited and looking forward to a new day, you are fully alert. "

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #18 - Physical Pleasure

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom. Today's feature talks about physical pleasure. As a way to wisdom? Yes.

Human beings are pleasure-seekers. The more pleasure, the more power. Figure out how to transform raw physical sensation into the deeper pleasures of love, meaning, creativity. Don't worry -- you won't lose the physical pleasure. You'll actually enhance and appreciate it more.... Be a gourmet of life. Focus and make sure you're getting the full pleasure. Swish it around in your mind and prolong its taste. The deeper appreciation will motivate and energize you."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #17 - Marriage Power

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom.

I swear, I did not plan this. The next entry in tthe sequence, #17, really is "Marriage Power." Happy Valentine's Day!

"How should you choose a spouse? Are you going to choose the best-looking one? The one with the most vitality? The most money?

Choose for long wear...."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #16 - The Business of Living

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom.

This week's entry talks about the way we live our lives:

"Would you rather be rich or wise? Wise, of course. So why do we pursue money with more zeal? Because money is more real to us. The key is to take that motivation for money, and apply it to the more meaningful aspects of life: relationships, spirituality.

If your business is worth it, then certainly "You, Inc." is worth it, too. Deal with yourself as if you're a big business. Examine how you strive to make a dollar, and seek wisdom in this same way. Apply business principles to living."

1. Operate Efficiently
2. Commit to the Goal
3. Strategic Planning
4. Keep an Accounting
5. Maintain Quality Control
6. Invest Long Term
7. Test Market
8. Inventory Control

The close is a story, "Elijah and the Fisherman." I won't spoil it for you with a preview, go read it for yourself.

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #15 - Oral Instructions for Living

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom.

This week's heading is "Oral Instructions for Living," dealing with the oral commentaries around the written Torah. Even if you're not Jewish, applying the principles he explains to your preferred source of wisdom literature can pay real dividends. As Rabbi Weinberg notes:

"Judaism is not supposed to be a reference work sitting on the shelf. It's to be lived and internalized. If you gain a piece of wisdom, integrate it into living."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #14 - Written Instructions for Living

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. They're written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but retain their full value no matter what creed you follow. Think of them as a gentle and modern way of sharing almost 6,000 years of accumulated wisdom.

This week's feature encourages Jews to RTOM, or "read the owner's manual":

"All men have an inalienable right" -- straight from the Bible. "Love your neighbor" -- the Bible. Isaiah's vision of peace adorns the United Nations. The biblical sanction to "proclaim freedom throughout the land" is engraved on the Liberty Bell.

You don't need to accept the existence of God to learn these basic lessons. Whether inter relationships, self-awareness, community relations, or environmental concerns -- Torah is the ultimate "owner's manual."

"We don't have the patience to get to know ourselves and we want to learn from experience. Many people say: "After I make money, when my business is self-sustaining, then I'll take time out to learn Torah. But I need to experience life a little first."

Three divorces later..."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #13 - Think About It

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials come from an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their full value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom.

Way #13 (the Bar Mitzvah!) is about making decisions in ways that avoid both rashness and dithering, as we consider the challenges life places before us:

"The Sages say that whatever you encounter, study it four times. This process is likened to the act of planting - because wisdom is for the soul what food is for the body.

• Plowing. The first time you go over an idea, try to figure it out. That's "breaking up the soil."
  
• Planting. The second time, the idea begins to make sense. You're "putting seeds into the ground," planting it into yourself.
  
• Harvesting. The third time, you come to an experiential and intellectual understanding. It's "reaping the wheat."
  
• Digesting. The fourth time, you integrate the idea into your life. It "nourishes" your soul and is now part of you.

....With everything you want to achieve - and the short time you have to do so - taking time to deliberate is the best investment you'll ever make."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #12 - Growth Through Teaching

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their full value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom.

This week's installment may seem paradoxical, but every blogger has already experienced the basic truth contained in Rabbi Weinberg's wise words:

"Way #12 is pilpul hatalmidim - literally "discussions with students." To attain wisdom for living, teaching needs to be a basic way of life. Why? Because if you can't teach an idea, then you don't really know it yourself....

Having to explain an idea to others forces you to clarify it for yourself. You examine everything much more thoroughly - the details, logical progression, etc. And you'll become ly moved by the idea.... Until you share an idea, it's not yours. It remains but a hazy notion in your imagination. Transmitting the idea to others makes it real. You've taken it out of potential and made it a reality. By reaching others, you will reach yourself."

The whole article is worth reading. Rabbi Weinberg goes on to discuss a number of related ideas, from the moral obligation to teach to valuable tips on reaching people effectively - without preaching. The goal is to inspire action, and by teaching and learning to reduce ignorance in the world.

"When you reduce ignorance in the world, even by a little bit, you give a great gift to mankind. Some diseases only a doctor can treat, but ignorance can be cured by everyone who takes wisdom seriously.

Help cure the international ignorance problem. Teach wisdom."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #11 - Real Friends

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their full value no matter what creed you follow. Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom.

Way #11 is dik'duk chaveirim - literally "cut if fine with friends." See the importance of sitting down, of reasoning together. Don't assume your viewpoint is correct. Open yourself to the ideas of others....

We need real friends - someone you can trust, to discuss plans, feelings, ambitions. With a friend, you don't worry about scoring points or winning ego contests. A good friend will listen to the pros and cons and give you straight, honest feedback.... Everyone has different insights. Amongst many people you'll find many solutions.

Some roads can be traveled alone, but the road of life shouldn't be one of them. Go with a friend.

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #10: Honour the Wise

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their full value no matter what creed you follow. Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom.

As Rabbi Weinberg points out, wisdom is the most important thing in the world; the key to a meaningful life:

"You'd never dream of using trial and error in the operating room. So why leave your life to guesswork?"

"Way #10 is b'shimush chachamim - literally "serving the wise." This means to: a) learn from him, and b) assist him. To succeed in life, you have to desire wisdom, and pursue it with enthusiasm. Hang around wise people and see how they apply wisdom to living. Ask a lot of questions, and keep asking as long as they're willing to give you the time."

I hope it always stays that way, because that's what "Sensei" means. And I'm enormously appreciative of my colleagues for being true Senseis, and participants in b'shimush chachamim.

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #9 - Total Concentration

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but are written in such a way that they retain their full value no matter what creed you follow.

Think of it as a gentle and modern way of sharing 5,000+ years of accumulated wisdom. In this segment, Rabbi Weinberg talks about learning to focus. I must admit that I didn't get as much out of this one as I have from other installments, partly because it seemed a bit unfocused itself.

Hey, I'm a writer too. I know how that goes - sometimes you have to pitch anyway, even when you don't have your best stuff. Still, there were some useful ideas:

"In Jewish consciousness, before any important activity, we say: "Hineni muchan u'me'zuman" - "I am about to do activity X." It's a declaration to apply one's mind for a certain period of time, and to block out extraneous thoughts and emotions. Try saying aloud "I am now going to study," or "I am now going to honor my parents," etc."

"...How do you avoid this trap? Be interested in truth, wherever it will lead. If you find truth and it conflicts with your prior beliefs, dissolve your prejudices. Be relentless in the pursuit of truth. "I have to change my whole life? Okay, I am not afraid."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #8 - Constant Joy

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, but retain their full value no matter what creed you follow.

"Way #8 is B'simcha - with joy. Some people may have more "natural" joy. But joy can be studied and mastered like any other tool.... You're not reaching your potential unless you have joy."

For thoughts and tips on how to understand the distinction, cultivate real joy, and develop an "attitude of gratitude" that takes things in stride, read the full article.

I'm certainly giving this one some very close consideration.

POSTSCRIPT: Reader Michael Marcus has some thoughts about last week's Way #7 - True Charisma. He says:

"...The closest any orthodox drash comes is "total dependence on God". Christianity approaches this self-unreliance (e.g. Meister Eckhart) in the context of the "poor in spirit" (Sermon on the Mount). But what Weinberg eccentrically calls humility is far better designated by at least one other term. He writes: "Humility means living with the reality that nothing matters except doing the right thing." Well, excuse me, that’s integrity, for which the word "anivut" will simply not do. And naturally, by sacrificing the genuine meaning of anivut, he forgets himself all the time and uses humility in its traditional way throughout the article. Oops.

ALSO odd that Aish have a picture of a graven image."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #7 - True Charisma

"48 Ways to Wisdom" is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by a Jewish Rabbi, but retain their full value no matter what creed you follow.

Today's topic discusses charisma. What does that have to do with wisdom? Well, it's not that wisdom comes from charisma. But charisma - true charisma - can come from wisdom. Rabbi Weinberg explains:

"Despite his smooth exterior, the arrogant person is, ironically, restrained and inhibited from expressing his true self. How can he "be himself" when he is constantly preoccupied with how he appears in the eyes of others?

Humility is freedom. When you are only concerned about truth, and living by it, then you are free to express yourself in the most genuine and uninhibited way. Your natural beauty shines through. That's real charisma!

The Torah tells us that the most humble person of all time - Moses - was, not coincidentally, also the most charismatic. As the teacher of Torah, Moses had a quiet confidence in the justness of his cause. He could not be rattled by rebels or complaints. And that's what earned him the greatest respect."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #6 - Mastering Fear

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by a Jewish Rabbi, but retain their full value no matter what creed you follow.

Today's Way to Wisdom deals with fear. How do you? Deal with fear, I mean. Rabbi Noah Weinberg writes:

The Hebrew word yirah means both "to fear" and "to see." Way #6 -- Yirah - teaches that the essential choice of life is to open our eyes to available opportunities, and to fear the consequences of avoiding that reality....

Fear is like any other emotion -- there are both positive and negative aspects. Negative fear is debilitating. Positive fear is exhilarating. The adrenaline gets the blood running in your veins. It gives you power to accomplish what you want to do. If you're walking along and spot a snake, fear propels you to run with blazing speed and hurdle the fence like an Olympian. With fear, you are out of the dream world and 100 percent into reality.

Making the right choice is a constant human struggle. We have an inclination to take the easy way out, and to ignore the coming consequences. "To see or not to see?" -- that is the Jewish question.

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #5 - The Power of Awe

Technical difficulties interrupted this last Friday, but we're back on track. This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday (for Friday evening begins the Jewish Sabbath), we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by a Jewish Rabbi, but retain their full value no matter what creed you follow.

"Imagine you're standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon with a majestic purple-and-orange sunset blazing across the western sky. You stand transfixed for an hour, then look up at the awesome expanse of stars. You are transformed, lifted, in awe.

B'aima literally means "with awe." Awe is an experience so powerful that it's paralyzing. On the other hand, we know awe to be extremely exhilarating. What defines an awesome experience?

When we look at the expanse of stars, we see power, beauty, harmony. We realize that each tiny star is actually a raging sun. And in the face of tremendous force, we feel insignificant by comparison. We realize our own weakness, our smallness, our mortality.

Yet surprisingly, this doesn't depress us. It inspires us. Because we're merged with the greater whole. That realization can be a source of tremendous positive energy. And if you know the secret of awe and use it effectively, you can actively release its power in day-to-day living."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Way #4 - Self-Awareness

(Apologies for the lack of posting lately. Had a heavy iron gate with plexiglass backing catch the wind the other day, and slam shut on my right hand. Posting will be light for a while.)

This is a regular feature on Winds of Change. Every Friday, we cover one more way to wisdom from Rabbi Noah Weinberg. These materials are written by a Jewish Rabbi, but retain their full value no matter what creed you follow.

Crisis is a "come as you are" experience. So when Rabbi Weinberg is offering some wise words when he suggests:

"Don't go through life making assumptions about who you are. Take the time now to "meet" yourself - before a crisis comes along and forces the issue."

48 Ways to Wisdom: Listen Effectively

Hi all. Just looked at last week's post, and gosh this was supposed to move to Fridays. Apologies... you'll see on Friday next week. This Shabbat, Rabbi Noah Weinberg talks about real listening as a path to wisdom. Here's an excerpt:

Shmi'at b'ozen literally means "listen with your ears." When the Torah uses the word Shema - as in "Hear O Israel" - it implies a deeper level listening - focusing, paying attention, understanding, and putting into action. Zero in on just what is being said and let the message penetrate your thoughts.

Effective listening means:

1. Hearing the words.
2. Understanding the message.
3. Putting it into action.

New Series: 48 Ways to Wisdom

This is a new series, which I'll be running on Fridays from now on (Friday night begins the Jewish Sabbath). Rabbi Noah Weinberg offers a series of 48 discourses on living a better life, each based around an important principle.

They're worth a read regardless of your religion - and even if you have no religion at all.

Way #1: Be Aware of Every Moment.

Sufi Wisdom: Kabir on Speech

From the ecstatic poetry of Kabir:

Speech is priceless
if you speak with knowledge.
Weigh it in the scales of the heart
before it comes from the mouth.

The structure of Kabir's poem will be reflected in the structure of this weekend's blog posts.

N.B. A rabbi once explained the "say it test triangle" to me. I still think it's one of the most brilliant things I've ever heard. Imagine a triangle. Along each side a question is spoken: "Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it nice." The test is simple: say something only when at least two of the answers are "yes" (the open angle created is an analogue to an open mouth).