The Rabbi and I

Of course we disagree when it comes to religion and politics. We disagree about movies, videos, and food. To disagree is human but hate is a choice and so is murdering someone because they disagree with you. The survival of our democracy depends on freedom of speech. Using hate as a political tool and weapon will do what our enemies have been unable to do, destroy our democracy.

I want to be free to listen to those I agree with and those that I don’t agree with!

Whose first? Whose second? Who cares? Israel is a country that has a right to exist and defend itself. People were displaced when Israel was founded and now need a permanent home. Let’s solve the problem

The Philistines were first that is why it is called Palestine

Action and prayer belong together like Peanut & Jelly, fish & chips, mac & cheese, Taylor & Kelce , Tom & Jerry, and Kermit & Miss Piggy. Action and prayer aren’t mutually exclusive. Most of us wear a pair of socks not a sock, a pair of shoes not a shoe, actions and prayers are a team doing one does not preclude the other.

Prayer and action belong together like Taylor & Kelce

We are being tortured into thinking that we can balance our personal lives with our work. It can be done depending on your job. However the myth requires us to do what can’t be done. Isn’t that why it is a myth!

Your job will determine the work/life balance

United, Judaism will survive and prosper, divided we will do to ourselves what anti semites couldn’t! We don’t need to agree to everything, each of us can have our own solutions to problems. Unless we stop demonizing others and share our views Judaism can not and will not survive.

Reform Jews were not kidnapped and brainwashed.

Imagine by John Lennon

“You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one”

“Imagine" is not a Beatles song. It is a song written and performed by John Winston Lennon released in 1971 on his album of the same name. 

I am proud to be accused of being a dreamer 

Before we can fix Gaza with need to agree on Gaza. People are dying while we debate who is doing what to whom. Stop looking in the small rear view mirror and start looking ahead through the much larger windscreen.

Genicide or not Genicide that is not the Question!

The phrase "if you will it, it is no dream" is a famous quote by Theodor Herzl, the founder of the modern Zionist movement. It encapsulates his belief that with strong will and determination, even seemingly impossible goals, like establishing a Palestine can be achieved. Without terror, rape, murder, or kidnapping we can have 2 states the respect each others right to exist

A challenge to the UN, 2 countries coexisting in peace!

Since Rabbi Block is on vacation his AI takes his place. If this works out Rabbi Block will be permanently on vacation.

AI is coming for you next!

“Religious Freedom” 

Sacred scriptures in each tradition contain principles that can be interpreted to support religious tolerance, freedom of conscience, and respect for diverse paths to truth.

I. Judaism

Judaism is not a proselytizing religion. It emphasizes mutual respect and ethical pluralism, accepting that non-Jews can live righteous lives within their own traditions.

II. Christianity

While missionary in outlook, Christianity’s core message emphasizes free choice and personal conviction. Religious freedom is cons...

Our responsibility for caring for the world stems from our understanding of being stewards of God's creation. This resonates with the Christian concept of dominion as responsible care, the Islamic understanding of humans as Khalifah with environmental responsibilities, the Hindu reverence for nature, and the Buddhist principle of interconnectedness that demands we protect the delicate balance of life. 

We must stop destroying our home planet

The pursuit of knowledge and intellectual exchange has always been valued within all of the traditions we have been exploring. Jews are called the people of the book, constantly learning and interpreting. Christianity has a rich intellectual history and kept learning a live through out the dark ages.. Islam places a profound emphasis on the seeking of knowledge. Hinduism elevates Jnana, the path of knowledge, as a path to liberation. And Buddhist wisdom (Prajna) is essential for understanding the true nature of reality.

Should I worry now or wait? The news tells us all the details and we will be bombarded with opinions. How do we handle this newest potential for war?

The USA vs Iran and it is not the Olympic Games!

Where the UN has failed Costco can succeed! You and I can not change the decisions of Russia, Ukrainian, Israel, Iran, or any other country. We can change how we treat our fellow Americans. And that will change foreign policy.

Will Israel and Iran draw the world into war?

Across the 3 Abrahamic traditions, Buddhism, and Hinduism, justice-based giving is more than charity:

It is a form of righteousness, ensuring moral balance and social responsibility.

Whether as legal obligation (Judaism, Islam), living Jesus (Christianity)or spiritual imperative (Buddhism, Hinduism), giving reflects a just and compassionate worldview.

These teachings promote dignity, redistribution, and care for the vulnerable—not from pity, but from duty and divine accountability.

Providing for the “least among us” is response to God.

The impulse towards acts of kindness and compassion is a universal language of the human heart. Our tradition elevates chesed as a cornerstone of our faith. Christian love (agape) is defined by selfless care. Islamic Rahmah, divine compassion, inspires acts of mercy. Hindu teachings overflow with the importance of Daya and Karuna. And Buddhist practice centers on the cultivation of Metta and Karuna for all.

The understanding of Tzedakah as justice-based giving finds resonance in other traditions. While the mechanisms may differ, the underlying principle of ensuring the well-being of the community and addressing systemic inequalities is...

Respect for others is grounded in the belief that all humans are created in the image of God. Respect is inseparable from love and humility. Every person is worthy of care and dignity. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly emphasize the importance of caring for orphans, widows, the poor, and the needy. Respect for others arises from recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. It is cultivated through mindfulness, compassion, and non-harming. The concept of Karma suggests that actions towards others have consequences, reinforcing the importance of treating all beings with respect.

Respect everyone, including yourself

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Fairness 

Fairness refers to treating others with impartiality, justice, and equity. It encompasses truthfulness, just judgment, and ethical reciprocity. Though each religion frames fairness within its own metaphysical worldview, all uphold it as a central moral and spiritual value.

The Golden Rule is found in the 3 Abrahamic Religions, Buddhism, & Hinduism.

Respectful Listening and Seeking Peace

These two interconnected values—respectful listening and peace-seeking—are essential for meaningful relationships, community harmony, and spiritual growth. Across the world’s major religions, sacred texts emphasize these principles as divine attributes and human obligations.

Pope Leo speaks for all religions when he promotes peace

President Trump said that “Catholics can’t take a joke”. The Talmud helps us navigate when you should keep your jokes to yourself! Humor is no laughing matter and requires self restraint.

President Trump please act presidential

The unwavering commitment to honesty is another thread woven through the human experience. Our Ten Commandments stand as a testament to its importance. Christians, too, hold truthfulness as a divine mandate. Islam elevates Sidq, truthfulness, as a core virtue. Hinduism enshrines Satya as a fundamental ethical restraint. And the Buddhist path of Right Speech calls for communication that is truthful, kind, and constructive.

Don’t Just Post the Ten Commandments, Live Them!

Rabbi Block shares a heartfelt reflection on the passing of Pope Francis — a leader whose compassion, humility, and bridge-building touched lives around the world. From his defense of the marginalized to his efforts to deepen Catholic-Jewish relations, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy that transcends faith traditions.

A Rabbi’s Tribute to Pope Francis | Interfaith Reflection

Welcoming the Stranger is a basic value of the 5 religions discussed. How do we balance this value with the need to have an immigration policy. Welcome the stranger and keep the bad actors out!

Strangers & Immigrants Striking a Balance

It is not about picking the right political party nor is it about picking the right candidate. It is about having a moral compass based on your beliefs and religion.

The three Abrahamic religions, Buddhism, & Hinduism Agree on the first step

Just have a Passover Seder. You can’t do it wrong unless you become obsessed with the rituals. The Seder is a family meal with an invited stranger to celebrate freedom. The symbols and elements are there to have us feel that we were once in a very narrow place and now we are not.

A Seder can be 5 minutes or 12 hours neither is better

Where will hold the Seder? Whom do we invite? What do I bring if I am invited to a Seder? Seven days or eight days? Can I drink vodka? It is never too early to ruin Passover by reading and listening to what everyone tells you.

Passover Celebrates Freedom, so celebrate

God has a favorite religion. Wondering which religion it is? That’s easy just look at the ones God doesn’t like and the one left standing is God’s favorite!

Is your religion God’s favorite?

Some people use cards, others a crystal ball, others leaves, and I use Scrabble tiles! Using Scrabblemancy listen to predictions for the coming months.

The future predicted with 100% Accuracy

President Trump believes that the region remains too important to leave to the natives. I disagree and so does the Arab governments in the region. They have a proposal that only lacks two important elements. Adding these 2 elements would finally stabilize the region and create peace.

Peace in Gaza is in sight.

Let’s balance the Quran, the Hadith, and the tafsir, or Quranic exegesis so that Islam is truly a religion of peace, moderation, reconciliation, and tolerance. The goal is to create a secure and peaceful Middle East.

Let us create the peace envisioned by Muhammad, Moses & Jesus.

J.D. Vance & Tom Homan now speak for the Roman Catholic Church! You are both an embarrassment to the teachings that you profess. Next time I have a question I will check with you because you know more then Pope Francis.

Vice President Vance knows more about what Jesus taught than The Vicar of Jesus!

Abraham was the father of Ishmael and Isaac. Now is the time for the estranged brothers to renew their bond. We can have a free and independent Palestine and a safe and secure Israel because brothers are bigger than politics.

A state of Israel & A State of Palestine existing next to each other in Peace & Harmony Would Make Or Father Avraham Very Proud.

President Trump’s plan to buy Baja California and move the Palestinians there will no more solve the problem than dispersing the Palestinians through out the Arab world. A homeland yes, destroy Israel no!

The Quran (Koran) has the answer!

Jesus was born to a Jewish mother, in a Jewish country, and attended synagogues. His prayer reflects what was familiar to him.

Father, King, Heaven is for everyone.

Don’t be fooled by thinking that money from foreign countries will lower our taxes! The price of goods will increase and you and I will pay.

Tariffs are a tax paid by the consumer.

Don’t be misled the “uncovering” has begun. The apocalypse means the uncovering of God’s plan. When the end of time arrives and the Messiah announces the establishment of God’s kingdom everyone will be saved and redeemed. Not only 360,000, not only those who accept the savior of their choice, not only those who believe what I believe, everyone will be united with God.

Redemption is for all people.

Civility is what will make America great again! Being a bully is a sign of weakness and not strength. Being civil is not a weakness rather it is a strength. Being a world power means respecting the sovereignty of other nations

Civility in the New Year means peace

We live in two worlds, a physical world and a spiritual one. Each requires different proof and evidence in order to function. We often want physical proof to support that which is spiritual. Love exists in the spiritual world so don’t look for love in material objects.

Being spiritually connected leads to faith.

Neither is better and choosing one does not preclude the other! You don’t have to choose. No apology necessary.

Ham & Latkes Like Bogey and Bacall

Turtles have survived for millennia without human intervention, they have managed to survive the cold. Our veterans and homeless do need help to survive the cold. The money spent on warming turtles and relocating them to Florida should be used to warm and relocate the homeless.

Save the freezing turtles!