January 22, 2021 “I have made the hearts of his servants stubborn”    Bo 10:1

The Capitol takeover exposed another fabrication of the Right: That the right to bear weapons should have no constraints. Assault weapons and high-capacity pistol magazines WILL be brandished for political advantage and to threaten civil society. Second Amendment fanaticism serves no real purpose but to accessorize violent dissension. 

January 15, 2021 “I shall incite against you a swarm of wild beasts”    Va’eira    8:17

In 1859 Democrats declared that John Brown’s Harpers Ferry outrage exemplified Republican abolitionists. Abraham Lincoln responded, “John Brown is not a Republican.” Similarly, Donald Trump and his boot-lickers (McConnell, Cruz, Jordan…) are insurrectionists, not Republicans. Republicans need a new Lincoln, not more bottom-feeders.

January 8, 2021 “Come, let us outsmart the people”        Shemot  1:10

Does permitting the U.S. to arm the Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabian with F-35 Stealth fighter jets benefit Israel or does it benefit Israel’s prime minister? Is Arab despots’ recognition worth risking Israel’s qualitative military advantage? Better to reach across the Green Line for a truly historic and meaningful peace. 

January 1, 2021 “and I will bless them”   Vayechi  48:92020

This has been a strange and challenging time, a year of tragedy, antagonism, mismanagement, and isolation. Now we know that in 2021 we will emerge from the pandemic menace. May this be a new year for justice, civil discourse, equality, and generosity – a year of blessing for all of us.