Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

El Elyon, God Most High

El Elyon, God Most High
I tend to feel in control and self-reliant - until I’m not. Yes, I give mental assent to God being in control of all things but it is amazing how often I don’t live like it. I like the feeling of being in control. Right now, many are being faced with the reality that, in…
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Kingdoms at War

Kingdoms at War
What happens when you bring the gospel of a NEW kingdom to a culture that already has a king? Friction, clashes, and confrontations are inevitable – all forcing people to choose sides. That’s what Paul and the early church faced as they began to spread the good news. The Kingdom of God was reclaiming territory,…
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Dust of Forbidden Speech

Dust of Forbidden Speech
Dishing out negative information, even if true, is forbidden in the Jewish law of Lashon Hora. God wants us to love our neighbor and to treat everyone with dignity, even when – and especially when - it’s difficult. So we hold our tongue. But our fallen human nature tends to find a way. We become…
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Lashon Hora: Forbidden Speech

Lashon Hora: Forbidden Speech
Words can hurt. They have the power to damage not just feelings and relationships but also reputations and even livelihoods. We know that slander and deceit are wrong, but what if the information is true? Lashon Hora, or forbidden speech, is that which may be true but is derogatory or negative. Rabbinic law set boundaries…
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