Holocaust Memorial Day

In what must surely be a rare overlap of calendars, today is both the National Day of Prayer and Holocaust Memorial Day. Hopefully at least part of the prayers offered today by the American Church will be prayers of repentance for the anti-Semitism that is so rampant in that most cunning of places - our system of thought.

Here's an article from The New York Times that shows Christians and Jews joining together for Holocaust Memorial Day, but more significantly it tells the intriguing tale of a Torah rescued from Auschwitz. Perhaps they'll write a book about it someday . . .

A Liberal Critique

I just read an essay by Marilynne Robinson called "Onward, Christian Liberals." While I don't agree with everything she has to say, this particular criticism of the stream of Christianity I'm most comfortable in hit home:


Since these folks claim to be defenders of embattled Christianity (under seige by liberalism, as they would have it), they might be struck by the passage in Matthew 25 in which Jesus says, identifying himself with the poorest, "I was hungry, and ye fed me not". . . It is the teaching of the Bible passim that God has confided us very largely to one another's care, but that in doing so he has in no degree detached himself from us.


I've read Blue Like Jazz, and I'm familiar with the current trend in the Christian subculture toward Donald Miller's "liberal" approach to social issues. There's not much to disagree with in his low-key message, but several years after I read the book I can't say that it had any lasting effect on my actions.

But as I was reading Robinson's essay (an exercise in exposing myself to nonfiction writing, not in any kind of religious or spiritual reading), I felt a much greater sense of accountability than I can recall feeling during Blue Like Jazz. Perhaps the uncushioned critism from the "outside" landed more directly than Miller's enjoyable suggestions.

More likely, I think, is the fact that now I have a Jewish framework in which to pursue the discussion. Tikkun Olam - the restoration of the world - is a constant guiding principle in Jewish thought. I just read the autobiography of a Jewish man, and he is continuously amazed at Christianity's lack of true action on behalf of the poor and needy.

I'm not suggesting that conservative Christians never do anything good and relevant for the poor or that we should jump on board every program of the "liberals." I am saying that we've been too long remiss in adequately addressing a major need that weighs heavily on the heart of God (see all of Scripture for proof of His concern for the poor, widows and fatherless). We're being taken to task by the world and the church. And it's a scolding that we -- and by we I mean I -- deserve.

Jury Duty

Sorry about the jury poll. I was hoping we could swap jury stories. I received a summons for jury duty a few weeks ago, but then when push came to shove they didn't need me. I was hoping to get a bloggable story out of it. I'm supposed to be summoned again here in the near future, so we'll see.

Your Kitchen Friend

In case for some inexplicable reason you don't read Leah's blog, here's the link to my fabulously hilarious husband giving some household advice, Christopher Walken-style.

http://www.youtube.com/beahblake

Random Redemptive Gift and Personality Observations

As a Servant, I am drawn to strong leaders with big visions -- a chance to serve something great without leading it myself. Also as a Servant, I would prefer to run away from strong leaders who cause conflict, push on my boundaries, and expect me to make the world turn in order to accomplish their particular vision. I thought maybe the Lord was just playing tricks on me over the past year or so. Turns out I was playing tricks on myself.

I think Rulers are wired to value fairness. Does Arthur mention that on the CD?

If I ever operate as a D, it's because of an S motivation.

If Cs aren't necessarily organized, then is organization tied to any personality type?

Am I endlessly intrigued by these conversations because I have some C in me and Cs like categories?

Now discuss.

Leviticus 19:23

If you do choose to plant a tree with the Jewish National Fund, this is the verse that relates to tree-planting and even comes on some of the tree certificates:

When you shall come to the land you shall plant trees. - Leviticus 19:23

That's not quite how my NASB reads, but I'm going to trust the Jewish translation on this one. It seems this verse applies to people who are actually going to the land. So some of us are going this summer, and hopefully all of us will go up someday. . .

Tu b'Shevat

Today and tomorrow, according to T.J.'s email, are Tu b'Shevat, Israel's Arbor Day.

And I quote:

It is celebrated by eating the special types of fruits for which Israel is renowned: olives, dates, grapes, figs and pomegranates -- and also buxer (carob). It's also celebrated by planting trees in Israel and if you can't get to Israel, you can purchase trees to be planted in Israel from the Jewish National Fund www. jnf.org or call 800-542-TREE.


Before the email finishes, he adds that it's a Biblical mandate to plant a tree in Israel. Now, I'm all for planting trees in Israel. It sounds like a great idea. But does anyone know where it's mentioned in the Bible?