Zalman Kravitz

The Jewish Soldier Who Refused to Kneel

The Jewish Soldier Who Refused to Kneel

During World War II, Master Sergeant Morris Kravitz fought bravely in the North African campaign in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy. Before making his way to Rome for a much-needed leave, his soldiers asked for an unusual favor. Would their sergeant visit the Vatican and get rosary beads blessed by the Pope to send home to their mothers? After taking a photo outside the Tomba del Milite Ignoto, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Sergeant Kravitz made a detour to the Vatican. He pur
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Can God Create Another God?

Can God Create Another God?

Can God Create Another God? When someone challenges my religious or theological beliefs, I am prepared to engage in a discussion as long as the other party is respectful, honest, and open-minded. Unfortunately, many people who approach me with challenges don’t want an answer. Their dogmatic attitude echoes the slogan, “My mind is made up, so don’t confuse me with facts.” Nevertheless, our sages (Ethics of Our Fathers 2:14) teach, “Know what to answer” when someone challenges your faith. This a
Torah portion Vayeitzei Jeremiah 23:6
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Sacrifices That Remove Pain and Bring Healing

Sacrifices That Remove Pain and Bring Healing

Since the destruction of the Second Temple, the book of Leviticus might appear irrelevant since we can no longer offer the animal sacrifices mentioned in this week’s Torah portion Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:16). Some argue that we are better off without this ‘barbaric” ritual, and others claim we are now bereft of a means of atoning for our sins. In a profound statement, the prophet Samuel says, "Does God delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of God? Behold, obed
Torah portion Tzav sacrifices
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
COVID19 and the Reconciling of Distance and Closeness

COVID19 and the Reconciling of Distance and Closeness

“Social distancing” has become a rallying cry to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This week’s Torah portion Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1- 5:26), begins with the statement “God called (vayikra – ויקרא) Moshe” to instruct the Jewish people to bring offerings. In these times of “distancing,” it is noteworthy that the word Vayikra can also mean “to come close” to God. How do we reconcile distancing with coming close? The spiritual way to make an offering is to pursue ways that bring us cl
Torah portion Vayikra COVID -19
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
He Told Me I Was Blind

He Told Me I Was Blind

After a visit by a missionary, an elderly Jewish man started to question his faith. He invited his family to hear the missionary and asked me to present the Jewish point of view. I was able to refute the missionary’s proof-texts. However, the missionary became frustrated and said, “Rabbi, you are blind.” He explained that I have a veil over my eyes that prevents me from understanding the bible, and the only way to remove the veil is by accepting Jesus. Everyone saw the irony when I responded,
Torah portion Yayahel-Pekudei Veil
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Purim’s Jewish Response to Coronavirus

Purim’s Jewish Response to Coronavirus

Along with friends and family, I am concerned about the spread of the potentially deadly Coronavirus. I don’t recall a time when Purim parties were canceled, and elbow bumps replaced handshaking. Our sages taught (Berachot 32b) that we are obligated to protect our health as it says, “take care and guard your life (nefesh)” (Deuteronomy 4:9).  We must take proactive steps to stop the spread of this disease, including cleaning our hands often and covering our coughs and sneezes. In addition to m
Torah portion Ki Tisa Coronavirus
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Polygraphs, Prophecy and Genealogy

Polygraphs, Prophecy and Genealogy

We communicate in a variety of ways, including verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual. The FBI, for example, trains their agents to observe facial micro-expressions to determine emotions like fear and happiness. A polygraph can enhance human perception by measuring physiological indicators while a person answers a series of questions. DNA can reveal genetic relationships. In this week’s Torah portion Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10), we read about a garment worn by the Kohen Gadol or High Priest,
Torah portion Tetzaveh Geneology
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
I Was Attacked on Campus

I Was Attacked on Campus

The rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses are frightening and sometimes dangerous. I know this from personal experience because once when I had set up a Jewish information table on campus, a student started cursing me. His verbal attack turned anti-Semitic, and then he threw a punch at me. Fortunately, my years of self-defense training kicked in, and I was able to block the punch and hold the student down until the police arrived. Although some religions tea
Torah portion Mishpatim shall not kill
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz