The Rabbi and I

Heaven is not owned by any one religion, it is God’s personal property. There are as many ways to get into heaven as there are blades of grass on the fairway! There are organized religions, individual paths, and group spirituality that can help us find our path to what happens next.

Your journey to Heaven is waiting

Yogi Berra said it best: “when you come to a fork in the road take it!” Peace in Gaza and the Middle East is upon us. It can really happen.

Gaza peace and Israeli security

The return of the hostages accomplished. Next comes nation building. Let’s not lose sight of the peace agreement; safety and security for everyone in the region.

Hostages Home! Peace and safety. Next,

Anti-Semitic lies & rumors go and prosper on Social media. TikTok provides fertile ground for people to make irresponsible and inaccurate statements about Jews. Anti-Muslim content enjoins free rein.

T Gaza peace plan is. ..

A new influencer tells what misconceptions are in the media about Jews. We discover that ignorance and antisemitism are mixed. He has the initiative to a Rabbi to help sort out truth from lies.

Antisemitism is rampant

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!

Healthcare needs to be fixed. So let’s stop politicizing the solution and just fix it.

Robin Hood is not the answer to a broken healthcare.

There is no conspiracy to abolish Christmas. There is nothing wrong with wishing anyone a “merry Christmas”. Don’t let the politicians ruin the holiday.

Merry Christmas and to all a happy new year

We need to lock up our children in school in order to protect them. Once again we turn to sound bites and political expediency to solve a problem.

Lock Them Up!

Teaching world religions in Public Schools is a great idea. Promoting one religion is a bad idea.

Religion belongs in Public schools

If you want to gamble and win then this episode is for you. All the hints and secrets you need are right here.

Listen, gamble, and win

More exciting than a “Hail Mary” pass to win with 1 second on the clock. More exciting than the World Series. Who will be the next president of the United States.

An exciting election Trump vs Harris “The convicted felon vs a woman”!

Different jobs require different qualities.. Being president of the United States requires integrity, honesty, and being above reproach. These qualities are reflected in the candidates actions, words, and reputation. Either a man or a woman can be president.

Don’t vote for the wrong candidate because she’s not a man.

We are being inundated with misinformation and outright lies in the weeks before the election. Don’t believe what you see and hear. God gave you the ability to think use it to determine truth from fiction.

Don’t Vote early!

The evidence was overwhelming that Columbus was Jewish, unfortunately it was “an inconvenient truth”. New DNA evidence makes denial impossible. Chris was a Jew searching for a place for his Jewish people to settle.

The jury of TRUTH has ruled, Christopher Columbus was Jewish

The Jewish people wish the world a “Happy & Healthy Birthday”. The Holy Day of Rosh HaShanah observes both the birth of the new year and the birthday of the world. We pray that this year brings the end to hate and destruction.

A safe and free Israel and Palestine

Whenever Trump backs up an immigration policy it’s for the purpose of making America a white nation—and lo and behold, that’s exactly what “remigration” means. 

“Remigration” is “the chilling notion of returning immigrants to their native lands in what amounts to a soft-style ethnic cleansing.” Essentially, remigration would mean forcing non-ethnically European immigrants and their families to leave the U.S., even if they are citizens. The horrific policy proposal is a direct response to the racist “great replacement” theory, which has been pushed by many right-wing U.S. politicians, including J. D. Vance.

THE TRUMP PLAN TO...

America was never a melting pot, we just wanted to believe that it was. Now is the time to embrace the reality that we are a stew and much better for it.

One candidate for president wants to deport you

Hate is always been an effective tool to get and control a following. The Republican candidates for President and vice president found that accusing American Haitian citizens of eating pet dogs and cats could and would rally the faithful. Shame on you for believing, following and supporting such a candidate.

Garfield in the Wok

Now that students in Loudoun County Virginia will be given Narcan to carry incase a friend overdoses it is time to give everyone a gun! You say no to a gun and okay to Narcan? It’s time to stop waiting for something to be crisis before dealing with the issues.

Our students need help before mental health becomes a crisis.

No need to wait for the debate or the election to be over to be unhappy. I haven’t found anyone who has not already made up their mind. I not going to bother watching because the TV station is unfair, the moderator is unfair, the questions are unfair and the candidates are not fair!

Boycott the debate!

The first of the 10 Commandments directs us to the one! Different cultures may use a name different from the one we use, regardless we are all directed to the One. Be weary of those who claim to have sole access to the One or special status that you can’t have.

The One and only One

The response of “Christian” Republicans to the Democratic vice presidential candidate’s son is a disgrace and insult to God. The attitude of these people does not reflect the teachings that they profess to believe. Trump & Company, please read the Old Testament.

We are all created in the image of God.

The 2nd commandment of the 10 is very clear “do not treat a former president as god”. Straight forward, support and vote for your politician of choice doesn’t worship them.

A former president is not god!

Stop making lemonade, duck instead. Now that we have entered the season of the presidential election, keep your eyes peeled.

What does lemonade and politicians have in common?

This commandment is the second most misunderstood of the 10. You can’t pronounce God’s personal name no matter how hard you try! But you can misuse it for power and control.

Politicians have broken all the other commandments and even a presidential felon can’t break this one!

The Westward expansion and immigration to the United States has followed the same pattern. People leave their homes for the same reasons. They are looking for something better than what they have. They take jobs that the local population doesn’t want.

Immigrants rarely displace workers!

Sunday is the first day of the week, that makes Saturday the 7th and according to the 10 commandments it is the Sabbath. Relax, you can still go to church on Sunday and observe the Sabbath on Saturday.

Observe the Sabbath

Nothing is as it seems. Advertisements, commercials, press releases, even your partner never starts off telling us everything. More often than not the article is not what the headline said.

Politicians have made lying an art!

The sky is falling just ask the Republicans. The known universe could end in November just listen to the Democrats. And there is no end to the Christian clergy who tell us that you will not be included in the rapture which is happening next week!

The end is coming soon!

Judaism is a series of rail cars linked together to form a train. One can move between the cars. Each car is a branch of Judaism.

In one car these people believe they are the only real Jews.

It is frightening how many children, of all ages, choose to violate the 5th commandment. Listen to what it means to honor your parents.

How you treat your parents is how your children will treat you.

Is it news, is it entertainment, is it fake? It is getting harder and harder to tell. Be care the media is a minefield.

You mean it is news that is for entertainment only!

The 6th commandment forbids murder. Killing is another matter. Understand the distinction.

Killing In Combat is not violate the 6th commandment!

The temptation to ignore this commandment is great, don’t give in. Focus on one committed relationship at a time. The burdens of “cheating” far outweigh the benefits.

The blame game started before the sounds of the shots faded. Politicians and their supporters have sown the seeds of fear, hate, anger, and violence. We, the citizens of America, are reaping the harvest.

Organizing our lives around making decisions just to please others is is a fruitless waste of time and energy. My goal in life is to have those who dislike me have the courage to tell me why they dislike me!

When we hear the 8th commandment we think of objects and stop there. We steal spiritual and non material “things” as well. We steal time from ourselves and employers, we steal love and affection from our families and friends, and trust and respect from our supporters.

“Whomever creates problems in his household will inherit the wind”. This proverb is so true today. Politicians are creating problems, then give us solutions, and then we support them! We are fighting each other over made up issues and the real problems are ignored.

Praying and good wishes will not make the United States a better place. Our actions however will make the USA a better place.

Don’t be seduced by simple slogans, judge the candidates by how they act.

The commandment that one should not bear false witness does not apply only in a court of law. The 9th Commandment means we should not lie and make statements that are false. Particularly to get elected or for personal gain.

God said it, not me don’t lie

The goal is to be able to appreciate what other people have without wanting to possess that object. The desire to have something better than what others have is self destructive.

We can never enjoy what we have if something else is always better.

The media reports that older people are invisible are greatly exaggerated. I have been given the attention and concern that a 78 year old deserves. Neither I nor anyone I know personally has been treated as if they were invisible.

You are not invisible

Welcome to the 10 Commandments and politicians. In coming episodes we’ll compare Trump’s and President Biden’s behavior to the 10 Commandments.

How does Trump and Biden measure up to the TEN

Do you remember Fernando Lamas' famous words? “It's better to look good than to feel good, and darling, you look marvelous!”

How you look is the message

Extremism and cultism are the new norm, not good. We are mistaken thinking that electing an autocratic, dictator, seeking revenge will make America great again. Nor will re-electing a far left candidate who is out of touch with the average American make us better.

The values of our politicians are not American values.

How did it get to be such a mess and how will it end. Pre World War I colonialism created countries in the Middle East that were not historically countries. Arab nationalism was ignored and land was taken and given without any thought.

Palestine and Israel recognizing each other is the only, best, and last hope.

It gets tiresome being bombarded with everything being negative. “Fair & Balanced” has become a meaningless phrase. Not all Democrats are right and all Republicans wrong and vice versa! Why not present your positives & negatives, instead of you are right and they are wrong.

The Present President is Always a Bad Choice

Don’t let everything you see, read, or hear cause you to freeze. Inaction results from our being influenced by everything except what we want to do. It is all about you, not about what others say.

Be yourself and not anyone else.

Stop saying “good enough”. The word “enough” qualifies the good and diminishes enjoying the good. Judging what we do against all the social media posts creates an unnecessary unhappiness. Things that we do can and are good, no compromise necessary.

Something good is good, enough already making it less.

You are not going to Hell. You are not a sinner. A sin is acting in a harmful or destructive way. The key word is act. We are all going to experience envy, whether we sin or not depends on how we respond to our feelings.

You are not going to “Hell”

Lusting after things that are unnecessary is definitely missing the mark. What do I need to be happy and satisfied? We can recognize that we want and desire are the result of lust or are they things that would make us happy.

How does your lust work for you?

Rituals for both religious purposes and non religious purposes can benefit us or distract us. Rituals are not the end goal. They keep us focused and remind us of our goals.

Use religious rituals as intended

Sin is not a state of being, you are not in a sinner who needs to be saved. You just missed the mark! Pride is not the sin, hubris is. We all should take pride in who we are and we do, it is excessive pride that destroys us.

Hubris goes before the fall!

Social Truth, Twitter, Facebook, X, CNN, Fox New, Al Jazeera, just to name a few. Let’s sort this stuff out! We have the ability and can do it. Perhaps you can’t handle the truth!

”Social Truth” can you handle the truth

Remember sinning means missing the mark, it is not a state of being. So you spent time off task, projects were late, not all the household chores got done and you aren’t a sinner. You set up your work schedule, you decide how to spend your time, and then decide if you followed your plan.

A Sin Means Missing the Mark You Set

Our money should not be spent on rebuilding the Key bridge. The owner of the ship is responsible for the damages it caused. Why aren’t we considering the collision a terrorist event.

Was the collision of the cargo ship with the Key bridge a terrorist attack?

Just because your religion is perfect for You doesn’t mean it is perfect for me. Every religion is great for someone just not everyone.

Stop using politics to promote your religion

This is the sin of excess. Moderation is the goal, enjoying that which is not harmful is not a sin. Too much of anything is not only a sin but is destructive.

No one ever sinned by choosing the middle way

Medical science gives us more information than we can use. We have reached the point where our knowledge exceeds our ability to act on that knowledge and information.

Do I really need to know that much about my cancer?

Sin in Judaism means missing the mark, it is about our actions. We are not sinners nor are we In a state of sin. We choose to act in ways that result in harming ourselves and others.

Actions that destroy and harm are deadly