Soulless

Jewish World Review ^ | 12/08/'04 | Rabbi 'Avi Shafran

[Zionist Conspirator]

The Chanukkah story is merely a quaint tale about wars of antiquity, right? The battle for the soul of society continues

It would seem a promising premise for story about Chelm, Jewish folklore's fabled town of the clueless. The resident philosopher sagely informs his fellow citizens that since he can't perceive his own face directly he must not have one. Besides, he explains to the townsfolk, as anyone can plainly see, what seems to be his face clearly resides in his mirror.

The Chelm tale idea is inspired not by hopeless simpletons but by celebrated scientists. Like Yale psychology professor Paul Bloom, the author of a new book, "Descartes' Baby," about, as its subtitle puts it, "what makes us human." In a New York Times op-ed, Professor Bloom lamented human beings' stubborn commitment to "dualism," the philosophical idea that people possess both physical and spiritual components. He pities those who, like his six-year-old son, insist on pretending that there is an "I" somehow separate from the physical cells of one's body and brain.

[Zionist Conspirator]

Here's an interpretation of the meaning of Chanukkah you won't hear from the ADL or the AJC's.

[Zionist Conspirator]

For your interest.

[Zionist Conspirator]

And yours, too.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[xJones]

Very interesting read, thanks.

[hlmencken3]

A good collection Rabbi Shafran's excellent insights can be found at:

http://www.jewishamerica.com/ja/features/AmEchad.cfm#Index

[SirLurkedalot]

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[lainde]

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