JEWISH MISCELLANY
Aren't There Some Indications that the Practice of Judaism is Actually Increasing?—Considers the statistical reality of Jews out-migrating from Judaism and congregational life because of institutional irrelevance to their day-to-day pressures, a crisis of faith, loss of authentic community, and anti-Semitism. (7 pp.)
Are We Promoting an Exodus from One Religion to Another?—Highlights the theology implicit in the conclusions of contemporary archeologists that challenge the historicity of the biblical narrative. (3 pp.)
Discomfiting Questions About Animals and Us—Review of Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust by Charles Patterson. (3 pp.)
Jewish Religious Disaffection and American Anti-Semitism—Challenges the claim that Jews in the U.S. are experiencing dysfunctional fear of anti-Semitism, and that the U.S. is "structurally hospitable" to Jews so as to preclude more dangerous forms of anti-Semitism here; considers the primary character of contemporary American anti-Semitism; and considers the link between anti-Semitism and outmigration of Jews from Jewish religious life. (4 pp.)
To Lighten Parenting's Dark Side—Acknowledges the "dark side" of parenting, when parents must come to grips with their children's wrongdoing; the different sources of pain involved in these situations; how that pain can be lessened by doing everything possible to be a loving and responsible parent; and recognizing the role of Divine Providence in the future of one's children. (2 pp.)
Rebuking Anti-Semitism—Not an Option, An Obligation—Discusses the need to respond "on the spot" to public anti-Semitic speech, the inhibiting fear, and how to address the negative sociological implications of such speech in a way not contrary to halakhah. (3 pp.)