Rabbi Hammerman, thank you for bringing Senator Blumenthal to us, especially at this point in time of the New Year. It was inspiring to hear both of you in these troubling times and it gave me hope for the weeks and months and year to come. Wishing you both and your families (both furry and not!)a Happy and Healthy New Year! Shana Tovah!
You are right about the hugs. We had a foster son who couldn't remember his parents hugging him. It was quite a while before he stopped almost jumping across the room when I tried it. We became Mom and Dad--and he still--now a 20-year Veteran--gets hugs, but there's a wound that hasn't completely healed. Kids need hugs.
Is the Left "illiberal?" That's too broad a term. It leaves me out--I'm Christian, but definitely liberal. The guest violin player at my wedding was a Jew who had taught me to play a violin.
My father had Jewish students who helped with his basic research. My parents had Jewish friends. It never occurred to me to treat Jews any differently than other friends. My spouse and I attended a Jewish festival for re-opening a historic synagogue that had been moved and were surprised at the similarity between our services--but we're not Evangelicals who worship with bands! I respect Jews as the origins of my own faith and do not think Jews have to convert--would answer questions, but would not attempt conversion. When I was in college (60 years ago) I felt no difference between my Christian friends and Jewish ones. Maybe things have changed, but not in my now-smaller circle.
Thanks to both of you for your thoughtful pre-High Holiday schmooze. Even in a time of severe challenges to democracy on many fronts, it was heartening to hear that a Democratic Senator can develop cooperation on issues of common concern with individual Republican Senators.
Rabbi Hammerman, thank you for bringing Senator Blumenthal to us, especially at this point in time of the New Year. It was inspiring to hear both of you in these troubling times and it gave me hope for the weeks and months and year to come. Wishing you both and your families (both furry and not!)a Happy and Healthy New Year! Shana Tovah!
You are right about the hugs. We had a foster son who couldn't remember his parents hugging him. It was quite a while before he stopped almost jumping across the room when I tried it. We became Mom and Dad--and he still--now a 20-year Veteran--gets hugs, but there's a wound that hasn't completely healed. Kids need hugs.
Great conversation. Wishing a good year to all, health, healing, peace.
L'Shana Tova Umetucka
To you as well!
sweetness, good health, and peace to us all this 5768. Thank you, Rabbi and Senator Blumenthal for sharing today. L'shanah Tova
Thank you for this most enlightening discussion with Senator Blumenthal.
L´shana tovah u´metukah!
Is the Left "illiberal?" That's too broad a term. It leaves me out--I'm Christian, but definitely liberal. The guest violin player at my wedding was a Jew who had taught me to play a violin.
My father had Jewish students who helped with his basic research. My parents had Jewish friends. It never occurred to me to treat Jews any differently than other friends. My spouse and I attended a Jewish festival for re-opening a historic synagogue that had been moved and were surprised at the similarity between our services--but we're not Evangelicals who worship with bands! I respect Jews as the origins of my own faith and do not think Jews have to convert--would answer questions, but would not attempt conversion. When I was in college (60 years ago) I felt no difference between my Christian friends and Jewish ones. Maybe things have changed, but not in my now-smaller circle.
Thanks to both of you for your thoughtful pre-High Holiday schmooze. Even in a time of severe challenges to democracy on many fronts, it was heartening to hear that a Democratic Senator can develop cooperation on issues of common concern with individual Republican Senators.