It's a Miracle (?)

People had several ideas about why God's name is not mentioned in the entire Megillah. One opinion was that the miracle of the story was brought about by the actions of people like Mordechai and Esther, not necessarily God. Do miracles come from God, people, or both?

Purim - Hiding our Identities (or not)

When we reviewed the Purim story (in Megillat Esther) we discussed how Esther hid her Jewish identity when she first entered the palace. She only revealed it later when Mordechai asked her to intervene on behalf of the Jews who were in harm's way. (By the way, the name "Esther" comes from the same shoresh/root as the word "to hide." Note that we also "hide" behind masks and costumes on Purim).
Most of us act like Esther at some point. When do you hide your identity, and when do you display it proudly?

Jews in sports...and politics

Shahar Peer (the women's tennis star) is one of the Israeli athletes who came up in our discussion of Jewish sports organizations (e.g. Beitar, the 1987 soccer champions!) We all like to cheer for Jewish and Israeli athletes. I wondered if that same feeling of pride extended to political candidates.
Are you more likely to support a candidate for office if he/she is Jewish or supports Israel?
Should this be a major factor in how we (or our families) vote?

At home or a guest?

We have begun discussing Zionism, the movement to establish a Jewish state in the land of Israel, the Jews' historic homeland. We read how Leon Pinsker and others felt that Jews in Europe were seen as "guests" in someone else's home. As a wave of nationalism swept through European countries, many Jews began to develop a sense of Jewish nationalism. They wanted a country to call their own, where they would be at home, not guests.

Do you ever feel like a guest in this country? What about this country makes you feel at home?
Considering the vast freedoms that Jews have as citizens in this country, is having a Jewish state still necessary?

Welcome to PJC Kitah Zayin!

B'ruchim Habaim (welcome!) This web log is for students in Kitah Zayin at the PJC Learning Center to respond to questions about Torah and Jewish learning.

When responding to posts, please use language and writing that displays kavod (respect) for the subject matter and for your classmates' ideas.

Be thoughtful, creative, honest...and enjoy!