Eddie Long… the new Torah? [Forward]
In one of the oddest religion stories this year, Atlanta pastor Eddie Long–who recently faced accusations of child molestation, and a subsequent divorce from his wife–was recipient to a strange outpouring of affection from a self-identified Messianic Jew as part of a recent church service. The Huffington Post gave early coverage to this story, but author Jay Michaelson goes into greater, even more bizarre detail in his article for the Jewish Daily Forward.
“There were additional details that doubtless escaped notice of casual visitors, but which get progressively more offensive the more knowledgeable one is. For example, Messer described removing the Torah’s cover as ‘removing the foreskin.’ And at the climax of the ritual, after wrapping Long in the Torah, he placed the scroll’s gartel (belt) around Long himself, stating that Long had become the Torah, become the King.”
“…and then a step to the R-i-i-i-ight…” [Forward]
Jewish voters have tended to identify more conservatively since 2008, says a new survey. The jump went from 20% to 29%, a factor which may have Democratic strategists wondering how to recapture these sentiments or prevent more Jewish voters from leaning to the Right in light of the upcoming election. Then again, maybe not…
“‘Republicans have been saying for more than 30 years that ‘this will be the year’ Jews will move to the Republican Party, and it has simply never materialized,’ said David A. Harris, president of the National Jewish Democratic Council. ‘I’m confident 2012 will be no different and Jews will continue to vote overwhelmingly Democratic.’”
Israel’s sex trade: can young men make a difference? [Huffington Post]
In light of new legislation that may help to curb the growing problem of an Israeli sex trade, Rabbi Daniel Brenner explores the gender conflicts at the heart of this industry, as well as potential sparks for a paradigm shift among young and future generations. Can the way in which we think about the give and take of human relationships be a key factor in overcoming the kind of thinking that leads to exploitation and control?
Super Bowl half-time: who needs Madonna when you’ve got… the Torah? [Forward]
In an effort to blend what’s hip and happenin’ with ye-ol’-biblical learnin’, Yeshiva University is offering a half-time show featuring the teachings of three professors who will make connections between Jewish ideas, athleticism, and formal sports.
“The video contains three eight-minute lectures by Y.U. professors Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff (‘Hold the Wings: Maimonides on Physical Fitness’), Rabbi Ely Allen (‘The Importance of Halftime’) and Yitzchak Schechter (‘The Ultimate Comeback’). Highlights include Schechter using a sports theme to teach the lesson of never giving up hope, and Allen talking about taking time out and recharging yourself — not unlike halftime. ‘It’s pretty direct,’ Isaacson said.”
The chosen people (…ish) [Zeek]
Just how “chosen” are the Chosen People? asks Zeek. In light of increasing globalization and a growing awareness that cultural interdependence and cooperation is best for breeding peace, can a singular “elected” people continue to cling to the Sinai narrative as it has been traditionally interpreted? Two Reconstructionist rabbis weigh in with different perspectives on the possibilities for redefining what it means to be chosen by God.
“The concept of ‘chosenness,’ only hinted at in the Hebrew Bible, was developed during periods of Jewish history when Jews were deeply persecuted and searching for some supernatural explanation for their suffering. Like other practices and beliefs, it need not be retained simply because it once existed in the Jewish canon of beliefs. We no longer believe that God contravenes nature or acts in history. If God is not a person, then who is choosing the Jews?”
