http://rivster.wordpress.com Life as seen through the eyes of a frum Reform Jewish rabbi changing the world one Jew at a time Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:57:45 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Freedom of speech. A right guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. One in which I strongly support. For it is freedom of speech that encourages the free-flowing of ideas. Allows for blogging. Publishing any and all thoughts, ideas, convictions. A society in which the ... http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/ethical-quandry/ The practice of reciting Tehillim on behalf of one who is ill or is a captive dates back hundreds and hundreds of years. And yet this tradition presents a nagging question. Do we truly believe that God will only spare the life of one for whom others pray? ... http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/the-power-of-prayer/ Cell Phone Car Crash 1 Originally uploaded by John Rash Photo Yes. You. In the Golden State, Vehicle Code (VC) §23123 goes into effect today mandating that cell phone calls are prohibited unless they are placed using a "hands-free" device. (A ... http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/put-down-that-phone/ Tonight was the second of ten tennis classes. I continue to be the WORST player in the class. Let's walk through this. Last week was the first class. Prior to that event, I had never held a racket in my hand. EVER. We "learned" ... http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/06/30/two-down/ Schadenfreude. Definition?? Enjoyment taken from the misfortune of someone else. It's borrowed from the German. Anyone else see the humour?? Example: "Dear PC, I am sorry that we weren't able to connect last week. It seems as though I am experiencing a mental breakdown and will need to ... http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/06/30/one-persons-misery-is-another-personswhat/ The Ima just amazes me! She is like...but a better version :0 Take a look at the creative and seamless way she blended this week's edition of Haveil Havalim and Jew camp. http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/06/29/she-is-that-good/ In what must have been motivated by desired favourable decision in the handgun case, Beernut was given this as a birthday gift: Today's 5-4 decision understands the Second Amendment as protecting the right for individuals to own firearms. If it's been a while since your last US Constitution class, let ... http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/upcoming-target-return/ Come here, kids. Good shot. Good shot. Aw...bad shot. That's OK. Keep it up. Good shot. Over and over again, "Dave" comments on his students' efforts. Positive reinforcement. It really goes a long way when working with students. So there ... http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/06/25/tennis-anyone/ The old saying is true. Birds of a feather really do hang out. During an inproptu staff meeting, my boss confirmed that once again he would be riding on a float in the annual 4th of July parade. Seemingly off-topic, I ask my colleagues if they know who Ron Jeremy is. Boss: ... http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/culturally-literate/ Check out this week's Haveil Havalim over at the one who started it all: Soccer Dad. http://rivster.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/weekly-reader/