What is the best book about Revelation?

Why did you write commentary on Revelation?

For many years the book of Revelation has fascinated me. I did not always understand the book, but there was a fascination.

In the early years of my faith, the church I attended studied the prophecies of Revelation several times. Each time the feeling grew in me that the studies originated in news stories or modern technology and authors twisted the scripture to make listeners believe we live in the end times. I dislike twisted scripture.

When I was in college and seminary, I took several classes in Revelation and Eschatology (study of end times) under renowned professors. These classes were interesting and gave more in-depth and connected commentary. The studies left me with a lot to think about. The professors compared scripture to scripture. Ultimately, the book’s complex plot twists were difficult to follow. But I had a better understanding.

For years I studied other books of the Bible that I understood better. I resisted studying the book of Revelation until several senior adults in my church cornered me into teaching it. I told them I would guide them to understand passages in the book of Revelation related to the worship and praise of God. But the Senior Adults took it as a challenge to make me share how I felt about Eschatology in the book of Revelation.

I accomplished the class, but a year later, the same people wanted me to teach it again. I did, but during preparation, I saw something that helped me understand the meaning of the Apocalypse. During the 15th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, I realized Revelation is not about the future. It concerns a past crisis. Twenty years before John wrote the book of Revelation, attackers destroyed the city of Jerusalem. John asked, “Why?" and God explained.

From the time I had my epiphany, I felt an undeniable desire to write a commentary. The process took ten years. Over those ten years I had to examine previous assumptions, always verifying that new ideas were true and Biblical. I did not want to twist the scripture, as others have done. The book is now written.

Why do you think the multitude of existing commentaries are inadequate?

Many commentaries exist in the book market that claim to simplify the book of Revelation. I have found none that really make the book less confusing. Several issues cause confusion about the Apocalypse.

1) Commentators look at Revelation in a piecemeal fashion. Commentators divide the book into small parts. They use unrelated Old Testament (or sometimes New Testament) proof texts to explain these small parts, which have themes based on those texts. ... If a proof-text does not fit, people will force it to fit.

2) The book of Revelation’s division into small parts causes it to lack a real storyline. The book imposes a timeline, forcing some parts to fit at the expense of clarity.

3) The imposed timeline creates a problem because it needs to be updated every 10-20 years since the end has not occurred yet.

4) Some things imposed onto the book to fit the proof texts are pathetic, such as:

.   a) The book clearly says things are happening “soon.Biblical literalists counter with, “It is like climbing up a hill, we see the mountain in the distance and John didn’t realize there was a valley containing years of time between the hill and the mountain, creating a long time, not a short time.”

.    b) The seven churches seem to be mega-churches, or at least like modern churches. Most pagan communities had no mega-churches.

.    c) Presentations imply the seven seals reveal the scroll’s contents. However, the scroll is still unread in chapter 10.

.    d) the seven trumpets = ten plagues of Exodus. Any mathematician knows 7 does not = 10, and the plagues are out of order. ... I think Genesis 1 makes more sense (explained in my book). 7 days = 7 trumpets, seals, bowls, churches, and a lot of other sevens in the book.

.    e) The number 666 ... how many things can it mean? Commentators impose gematria (which was not common at that time) or various other twisted ideas to seem smart. None of them are biblical.

How is your commentary different from any other commentary?

1) My commentary looks at the Apocalypse as John would have understood it, as a Jew living in the first century.

2) John wrote the book 20 years after the destruction of Jerusalem. John wanted to know, in real time, why God allowed the destruction of the Temple, its altar, and its priesthood. People in crisis don’t have time to dream about a distant end of the world. 

3) I share cultural Jewish practices as verified through books of Jewish ceremonial tradition. These same books share Jewish conversation of the first century. I quote them so the reader can understand John’s thoughts and reasoning.

4) I offer a storyline that fits history. The story can be verified, and I share eye-witness accounts. Because the story really happened, it is easier to follow. Each person mentioned is real and appears in history. Revelation is not fiction.

5) I found the book to be very consistent. There are 8 parts that mirror each other. I can compare and find meaning where it might not be apparent because the mirror verses fill in the gaps. Each of the 8 major parts contains 2 sets of 7 (patterned after the seven days of the week) and a summary poem (or song). Consistency and John clarifying his own story to add reliability. The entire book is well-footnoted.

6) The message and history were written by a Jew about Jewish things ... not by a Jew about Gentile Roman things. John writes about current events, which he knows and understands, not about future technology or people who would not exist for thousands of years.

7) The book actually fits the genre of the rest of the Bible, not some type of unrelated fantasy prediction. When you read “John’s Apocalypse: A Jewish Idea” it will make sense. Click here to buy

Why would you write a commentary to sell in an already crowded book market?

I wrote the book to bring sensibility back to the Book of Revelation. People will attempt to fit “John’s Apocalypse: A Jewish Idea” into some existing pattern of theology ... but it will not fit. The message found in my book is historical and filled with profound truths (like the rest of the Bible) rather than being futuristically eschatological. Read the first part of te book online, you will see the difference. 

 A New Book - John's Apocalypse

A new commentary on the book of Revelation, like none other, became a reality two weeks ago. The manuscript, ten years in the making, is available in both electronic and print formats.

Why do we need another study on the John’s Apocalypse, you might ask. The answer is simple: many discoveries await us, and the reader will not find them elsewhere. John’s Apocalypse is fresh and new and contains several new ideas never previously presented and concepts to help the reader make sense of what many call a very confusing book.

The new book, "John's Apocalypse: A Jewish Idea," ten years in the making, treats the Revelation of Jesus Christ in a new light. This book captures the reality of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Scholars tell us John wrote the Book of Revelation in 90-95 CE, which means the destruction of the Temple was in the past tense. When John wrote the book of Revelation, the end of the world was past tense, not future tense.

The Apocalypse opens with these words: “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” (first verse of the book). John tells us the book of Revelation is not about a far-distant future, but, like every other book of the Bible, deals with the current reality John is facing in his personal life.

John lived most of his life in Galilee and Jerusalem. The First Jewish War (66-73 CE) destroyed both Galilee and Jerusalem. Although John moved to Ephesus before the war, he heard news about the disaster in his homeland and grieved. He asked why the God of the universe would destroy the city and the Temple that represent Him? Why would God destroy the city He loves? John’s Apocalypse answers these questions.

Pick up a copy today …. you will not be disappointed!

A Job at Macy's

    It started as a retiree's attempt to do someting different ... and a goal of accomplishing a buck-list item: marching in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

   I have watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every year for my whole life. In addition I have watched "Miracle on 34th Street" ... I do not know how many times. From these two habits (which I blame on my parents), I developed the idea of marching in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

   I went on-line to find out what it would take. The website said, "Parade participants are primarily employees or associates of Macy’s or its affiliated companies." I applied (note: seasonal positions open in September). Because the labor market is so tight, Macy's responded (they probably would have anyway), and hired me for a seasonal positon (November - January) in Holiday Sales. That requires I live in New York City ... because I wanted to work at Herald Square. (a person could work at a Macy's closer to home ... I just wanted the "real" experience).

   The job has been rewarding. Although I did not get in the parade this year, I did find a path to participate next year. (I will probably write a blog on that when it happens). In the Macy's Holiday Decorations Department, the amazing thing (I should not have been surprised) is that I have met people from all over the world.

   I should mention (because I would like to sell some copies of my book Advent Journeys) that I gave a copy to my manager to read. Did you know the R.H. Macy's father ran a bookstore on Nantucket?? This was his first retail experience.

   While working in the job, I found I am not the only one with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on my bucket-list. I talked to one customer from South Dakota who told me it was one of his dreams. Please look for me in the Parade next year.

Prepare the Turkey

      Preparing the Turkey, I used to be charged with this task when I worked in a church. I needed to make all the arrangements to feed 150-200 people (and later more). For me, this was less a task about cooking than about organization. And because I was good about organization, it was done on time and without worries.

     The first year I was charged with this task, I was told to enlist six people who would each cook one turkey. YES, I signed myself up as one of them, and I cooked and sliced the turkey. The turkey I prepared and the other five came ready for table service. It was great, and I could enjoy my time with people ... yes, a part of the season is about people.

Turkey Float in the Macys Parade

     I discovered over the years, as the congregation grew, when I plan to purchase turkeys, I need a pound for every person I expected. For Turkey that gives a half pound serving of meat and a half pound of waste (bone and skin). That is about what people serve themselves. If the crowd is older or eats lighter, cut the amount in half (or adjust)

     I came to the point where I could bypass reservations by using the previous year's attendance as a basis and factor in growth of the church. This worked well, and eliminated the hastle of people not making reservations.

     The other part of the church plan was covered dish ... in the first church. In some later churches, a standard fare was prepared ... sometimes with hired cooks, sometimes with volunteers.  

     Finally, I prepare soemthing else ... entertainment for the people. This can be a devotion, a conversation prompt, or something else, like pictures.

     If you want to do something extra special, order this book, and give one to each family. This keeps the holiday spirit continuing through Christmas.

A Christmas Journey

      Christmas is a time of travel: physically, mentally, spiritually and spiritually. Because of this fact, I have seen great personal anxiety occur in people who do not prepare a plan ahead of this highly charged season.

     What is your Christmas like? Do you look forward to these days with active anticipation, or do you dread what is coming and just hope to hang on and survive. Is the season enjoyable or fearsome? Do you enjoy getting out, or would you prefer all the hubub go away so you can relax, drink a cup of hot choclate, and escape the reindeer race?

     Christmas occurs when the sun is the lowest in the sky and days are shorter than any time of the year. Because of this people put out lights, wich bring a spark of energy to neighborhoods. Also, because of the early sunset, gettin out can be dangerous or avoided due to depresion. This should not happen.

     Christmas is meant to be a time of contact and interactions, starting at the Thanksgiving season. It is a time when life should slow down, and energy should be spent on strengthening family and friendship relationships. Therfore, travel is a necessity. Sometimes the travel is across country (plan this in advance for less stress and cost savings). Travel can be on an airplane, by car, or on a train (have you tried that one?) Planning ahead is of great help.

     December is also a time of functions, work parties, and social gatherings. These should be planned and calendared well in advance also. Are you throwing a party? Buy the goods early, perhaps at Thanksgiving food sales. Then the event becomes more hastle free, one thing off the list.

     And also automate invitations and house cleaning. If a day is set, and a plan made, all things become easier. And The easier an event is to host, the more enjoyable it becomes for you. If everything is done in advance, there will be no last minute rush to do the things that should have occurred earlier.

     Travel, functions (which we journey to attend - even if it is across town) take time and draw energy. That is why I put "mentally' on the list. We need to make mental preparation ... physically for the events is good mentally for us, because there is less worry. Also we can place the plan on the calendar, so we can know where we should be in advance.

     And finally, we should prepare spiritually. Christmas should be a time to draw closer to God, to become more spiritual ... that is what the holiday (holy day) is about. How do you prepare for that? I would recomment the book: Advent Journeys. You can order it on Amazon.com. It has short daily readings guaranteed to put spiritual meaning in the holiday.

     With correct preparation, the season can be wonderful, and full of enjoyment. Are you prepared?

 

The Christmas Hikes

   Have you ever thought deeply about what life must have been like for the people we read about in the Bible? I mean, what was it really: like when Joseph found out Mary was pregnant ... and then when he was told he must pay his taxes in Bethlehem. Have you ever thought about how difficult the trip must have been as Joseph traveled with Mary, who was nearing her time of delivery? How did they traverse the mountains, what did they eat, and where did they sleep? These real people, who were forced into a difficult situation. Would you travel with them if you could? 

   You can! Through a guide entitled Advent Journeys, available on Amazon.com. 

   You can also meet and travel with the Magi, on their way from Parthia to Bethlehem. (And you will be in the room when they meet King Herod!)

Sheep eating leaves of an Olive Tree in Israel

   This guide will allow you to listen in on the voices of the Shepherds as they watched their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem.

   The book  Advent Journeys is designed to lead you into Christmas through short daily readings, beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Please order the book today, so you can read it this season and begin to experience the journeys described in the Bible.

Time for Thanksgiving

    Rush, rush, rush ... that is all some people do! Life is lived by going from place to place, from one task to another, and always on the job ... or eating, or sleeping. These rushing people are the ones that make us curse on the road (because they cut us off), are impatient, and issue rude comments and complaints. (Ephesians 4:32)

   God's antedote to all this wild activity is "Thanksgiving." The giving of Thanks is encouraged throughout the Bible. Thanksgiving is an activitiy that requires us to sloooow doooownnn and to observe the world around us. 

Turkeys spotted on the side of the road in Sleepy Hollow, NY

   What can you give thanks for?  

   At this time of year, the color in the trees! And you can also give thanks for the variety of trees, and plants, and turf to walk on. Give thanks for Gardeners ... and if it is a natural area, to the God of Creation who placed each object in its place: which means giving thanks for the terrain, including the rocks and streams. And don't forget the animals.  ... take time to smell the roses!

Take time to smell the roses!

     And now that you have taken time to enjoy the things the eye beholds, take time to Thank God (Yes, we do this one often ... although sometimes not in the detail that we should) for the tastes provided in the foods we eat. And not just the obvious (What meats, vegetables and fruits did you eat today ... that includes pies, and the dairy product known as Ice Cream), but also the small. Have you ever noticed how a touch of this spice or that enhances the flavor. And, while you are at it, remember the cook, the server, the grocer, and the farmer.  And God who provides the rain.

A Jazz Musician playing his tune

   And we need to thank God for the things we hear, like music, other people (and that other people can hear us), the leaves rustling, animals and activities nearby, and even our own breating (life is a miracle), heart beat,and noises made when we move. Pray for people who are losing their hearing (and be patient with them ... because most people, including you, will have hearing loss in old age). 

Israel's largest waterfall at Banias, which flows into the Jordan

   And we should give thanks for the things we can feel, like the water trickling under our feet in a cool mountain streem, over our heads from a waterfall or the rain, or on our bodies like the waves of the ocean, water from our morning shower, or the stream from the faucet over our hands. we can give thanks for different textures and surfaces. And we can also give thanks for the love we recieve and can give. Let us always recognize the feelings that come not just from our surroundings and other people, but the feelings that come from reieving God's care.

   Make sure to give thanks every day this season.

The Journey

   "The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7) 

   The beginning of life ... and the beginning of the Journey. We don't think much about the journey at the beginning: everything is new! Bright lights, a new room, new faces, and what is that thing that just passed by my face .... there it is again ... oh, its my hand! What else do I have? 

   The journey begins with freshness, exploration and discovery. We meet our family, discover our spaces, and meet new friends. In the first five years, learning increases and our journey is enriched. Then comes school. How good are our teachers ... and our parents: do they encourage learning, or are they stand-offish? 

   At this point, is our life placed into a routine and are our parent's expectations input into us, or are we allowed to explore and discover ourselves and our world. God endows each person with special gifts and abilities. Our young lives and teenage years are to be times of discovery with encouragement to explore ... that is an important part of the journey!

The world has many places to explore

   As we age, there are more and more places to explore. I have watched some families cling so tight to children that they never sightsee, but stay close to home their entire lives. (I know people who have never traveled more than 50 miles from the place where they were born! Sad ... they have missed so much!)
   This world is a beautiful place. Ever year when visiting family, I traveled from the eastern seaboard, to the planes of Kansas, and also to the Rocky Mountains. Each place is so different, and each has unique beauty. God created these places to explore.

Tall Mountains have a unique beauty

   "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) In life there is a time when we are young and full of vitality. Journeys from childhood to youth to young adulthood give us experiences with which to build life. Of course there are work years (There is a time for everything), and vacations. And then retirement. If we have our health (Yes, proper diet and exercise, as well as fresh experiences help), we can extend the journey.

   Personally, I have traveled, and taken on a variety of bucketlist jobs in my early retirement. I have dug at archaelogical sites, served as tour guide, led classes as a specialist, worked as a gardener, helped in disaster relief, explored national parks, written books, participated as an election worker, driven limos as a chaffuer, and even worked the Christmas season at Macys. All are fulfilling in their own way and add variety to life.

   The journey from birth to old age ... there is but one life to live ... and so much to fit in. 

Rembering the Other Side

 In the immediate past, I feel like i have been forced into a tunnel. This tunnel is a dark, isolated, insulated, cut off zone that can be navigated with a lantern (headlights or a flashlight) if you have one. But all too often individuals are forced into the tunnel with few resources and must grope their way ahead through the dark, hoping there is a way out ... and life will become like normal on the other side.

Autumn colors accent a tunnel on the Blue Ridge Parkway

 So, what has forced us into the tunnel? The three things that come to mind immediately are Covid, Politics, and the economy. Take a minute to honestly think: How has your personal life changed since 1) the political upheavel which has become more and more pronounced during the approach to 2016, 2) during and after the Covid lockdown, 3) during this time of high inflation?

Crop protecting Scarecrow at the Cradle of Forestry

 In the past, I remember a time when political officials of both parties spoke to each other, and to us as the people sensibly. Now that only happens behind the scenes. Our officals have allowed themselves to become a seethig mess of protective platforming to stay in the good graces of their political party ... Can you remember the time when our elected officials used their brains to think through issues, along with their ears (we have 2 of them) and mouth (our one mouth should be used less, and only when the opposition has been heard and the brain has been shifted into gear) in order to come to the best solution to each problem.

 Do you remember when politicians spoke to real issues (instead of side issues or smoke screens)? Ads and articles brought out ideas and dwelt on solutions 'if elected,' rather than blatent attacks based on lies or myths about the other candadate. Members of congress are supposed to work together, which cannot happen if there is political baggage. We need to get away from attacking the dummy scarecrow (or effigy), and treat people like souls created in the image of God. (Mt 22:37-40)

A deer resting in the quietness at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

 Over the past three years, the Covid Pandemic has greatly impacted our lives. can you remember life before the lockdown? Attendance at public events has plumited, and we have yet to find normalcy again. 

 Our society was infused with lies and misinformation during the pandemic, which many believed was fake ... and the stricken will testify is truth. With a bit of masking, a time of distancing, and total vaccination, much harm could have been avoided. But it was not. And the consequences continue.

 In the time of our greatest need leadership (public and private) chose to fight ... rather than find solutions. It was almost as if our nation was forced to take on the character of Rip Van Winkle ... is it safe to wake up? (Psalm 28)

Like the Washington Irving's character, many have lost their heads

 Over the past 10 years, it seems, many people have lost their heads. Deep fissues have developed between individuals who were formerly friends. Our society lives in anger and fear. A veil of darkness has descended upon us stirred by an explosion of inflation. Can we ever be normal?

 God thinks so ... in the Bible there are many words of comfort, strength, direction and peace. (When is the last time you really read the Bible ... for the Bible itself, rather than a manipulative sermon ... and prayed for God's truth?) The Bible uses history to display God's presence in the most horific of times, and the Almighty's desire for true believers to find stability amidst society's seismic jolts. 

 Jesus, in the days leading up to his death and as a prelude to the time period that led up to the devistation of Jerusalem and the loss of the Temple itself said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (Jn 14:27) Take these words to heart ... and find your footing.

The view from above teaches that after every valley there is a beautiful mountaintop!

 It will be ok ... life will continue ... what will your life be like on this side of the tunnel? 

The Star

I watched the heavens in amazement over most of the past year as Jupiter and Saturn appeared and traveled the sky together. Tonight, it was more. The two planets combined to make a show that reminded us of the first Christmas, over 2000 years ago.

Jupiter & Saturn from Brooklyn, NYC

In today’s world, especially in the cities, we miss most of the spectacular beauty God has set in the heavens (Psalm 8:1) God tells us to consider the heavens, the moon and the stars, that are the work of His fingers (Psalm 8:3), but in civilized countries, (it is sad to say) it is more convenient to stay inside.
But long ago, people did not stay inside so much. The homes were smaller (or tents), and lacked the modern diversions that rob so many of God’s beauty. In early Babylon, most people made a practice of stepping outside to observe the heavens. Religious leaders, who were the first scientists, built ziggurats in strategic locations to see the moon and the stars. Observers in Mesopotamia discovered the first seven planets, including Jupiter and Saturn, and marked their movements on a nightly basis.

In early Persia, Magi observed the heavens regularly so they could inform the king of changes in the stars that might give clues to major world events. It is evident that they shared information with others, for these early astronomers clearly understood a prediction written by Balaam who worked for King Balak of Moab. This astronomer / astrologer / prophet / priest / magician prognosticated in the days of Moses, “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth. … A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”

In my book Advent Journeys, I explain how the Magi saw the star, visited their king, and made a journey to the land of Israel to find the new king the star was predicting. The Eastern scholars experienced amazing things as they traveled from Persia to Palestine. They saw a wonder and visions upon their arrival in Bethlehem, which would not be forgotten during their lifetime … and in fact, is remembered even until today.

     

This Christmas, what is your practice? Is it sitting inside? Following status quo traditions? Giving and receiving gifts? Is it more? This year, make it more! Begin with a sight in the heavens that has not been seen for 800 years! Then take a look at the story from a different vantage point, through the eyes of the Magi, so you can really understand why the heavens came together to make an amazing display, which was seen by the Wise Men, and still talked about today.

An Easter Stay at Home idea

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing the way we do things this year. Whether you are sick or not, churches are closed, families that live apart will shelter in place, and people who celebrate together with an Easter dinner will be eating alone. We have been told to stay home. The holiday weekend that so many people celebrate will be different this year.

But does that mean you can’t celebrate Easter? By all means, no! Easter is a matter of the heart, and we can still pray, and read the events surrounding the resurrection in our Bibles. We can also watch multiple church services, and find inspiration for this season.

But is that enough? For adults the answer might be yes … but for families with children, it is not enough.

Of course families can still give Easter baskets, candy, and celebrate with a small Easter Egg hunt in the back yard, but do these things really teach the message of the Bible.

I must stop and confess at this point that Easter Egg hunts have always confused me. I have looked in my Bible, performed concordance searches, read commentaries, and have never found where the Easter bunny appears in scripture. I have looked at biology texts and even read Ripley’s Believe it or not, and have not found one case where a rabbit laid an egg that produced a chicken! Honestly, is this the message we are supposed to share at Easter?

I would like to suggest a different plan for families: act out the story. Several years ago we did a “live nativity” with parts for our church. The play was nine scenes long (Pilate’s throne room, the Upper Room, Disciples in hiding, women at the gate, the donkey farmer, soldiers at the cross, Nicodemus, Angels at the Tomb, and Jesus in the Garden). The scenes require 3 or 4 actors per scene, and tell the real story of Easter.

During a “stay at home” Easter, this would be a fantastic way to share the story as a family. It would teach children about the events in the Bible, and could start a new family tradition.

In my Jewish family, Biblical stories were told dynamically. Like, at Passover, the story is told with food, an afikomen hunt, and a visit by Elijah. This happens every year, and the story has stuck with me.

As an educator, I know children learn more when they are involved. The more senses used during a lesson, the longer it will be remembered. So … if you want your children to really remember the Easter message, dress them up, give them props and parts, and act out the scenes of the story of Easter with them.

Do you need a great resource? My book, The Case of the Missing Body” contains the story as a play. It has clear parts, and can be acted out. One copy of this book can be passed around, and the whole family can enjoy the fun this Easter. The book is only 99￠, and because it is an e-book, you can order it from Amazon.com and get it today! Click the link here: LINK. This is what the book looks like.

The Resurrection Drama for Churches and Families

This Easter, while you are home, do something different! Do something your family will remember FOREVER, put on a play and tell the real story of what happened at Easter.

DIY Easter

What are you doing for Easter this year. For many families this season is heartily anticipated. There is a 40 day period of preparation called Lent; then comes Palm Sunday when people begin to remember Jesus’ last week on earth; and finally there is the weekend with Maundy Thursday (Passover), Good Friday, and Resurrection Day. Churches prepare huge celebrations, dramas, cantatas, and special services (which will be remote this year). People purchase Sunday clothing, plan Easter Egg Hunts, and large family gatherings. BUT ...

This is the year that everything External will be different. There will be no large community gatherings because of the COVID-19 epidemic. We must stay home. So what will Easter be like? Perhaps, in its own way, for one year, better, because, if we will, we can focus on the internal meaning rather than the external events.

So, what is Easter? Is it the clothing, the chocolates, the choir specials, or the crowds? Not really! Easter celebrates the atoning death and the surprising resurrection of Jesus. Easter celebrates LIFE (not life with gusto, which only distracts us from real life - but LIFE that connects with God and goodness). So, what will you be doing this Easter?

It is time for a do it yourself Easter.

How can you do that? Plan! If you have children, here is a recommendation. Purchase a Kindle version of the book “The Case of the Missing Body.” (It is 99￠, hope that does not break the bank!) It contains a nine act play, and some added stories and facts. Most of the acts only require 2-4 actors, and are written so children can understand. Pass the book around, and read the parts. Then talk about how each scene fits into the larger Easter story.

Order this book today on Amazon.com

Children learn by doing … not by sitting in a church service. This play is doing! Your family will greatly benefit if you will spend the hour you normally spend in church, reading through this play. Don’t fight the system, don’t mourn the loss of normal … just do something different, and you will be glad you did! (And talk about it for years!)

The book is on Amazon.com - click here!

This Easter is a great time for something different! A great time for DIY, with help, of course. So try it out.

And please pass this idea on, so others can enjoy Easter, wrapped in its full meaning also.

Passover across the Miles

As we close in on Passover eve, I hope everything is falling in place for your virtual Seder. Yes, this year will be different than all others, and we might end with the phrase בשנה הבאה בנורמליות (Next year with normalcy), instead of בשנה הבאה בירושלים (Next year in Jerusalem). The big thing is that our family gathers at Pesach must go on!

If you have followed this blog, I would like to know how it went! Did the virtual Passover work for you. If you used (or even looked at) my new Psalmatic Seder, what did you think. I will make a few edits for next year, so, comments will help.

A new Haggadah from the book of Psalms

In today’s blog, we will consider the final two questions from the list of questions that appeared in my April 1 blog:

5. On all other Passovers we converse around the room and share the Haggadah together … Why on this Passover will we converse from house to house?

Of course, the answer to this is social distancing due to Coronavirus prevents us from gathering together, as normal, in the same house. In this age of technology, we can still virtually gather, stringing multiple houses together electronically. I have shared ideas on how to do this in the last several blogs (beginning April 1).

This week I also watched a training video about using Zoom for a video platform. It is an hour long, visit the Centralsynagogue facebook page, and click on the video link. It is called: DIY Zoom Seder Tutorial. There are many great hints on how to do this, and other things to include in the Seder. Time of the video is about an hour.

The goal for this Passover is to see and talk to many others at the same time, while we stay in the safety of our virus free home environment. The idea is to graduate from individual cell phones to a central computer that captures everyone, and can be used in leading a family Seder, along with individual phones for message and pictures, connecting multiple homes and creating an experience which will almost mimic being in the same room.

8. On all other Passovers either bubbe does all the cooking, or we each bring our favorite dishes … Why on this Passover do we share recipes, each cook our own and share the tastes?

No, dinner won’t be the same! But we can try. There can be three approaches to this: a) Everyone cooks the same traditional foods; b) One person does the cooking, and the food is carted in individual containers to each house; 3) Everyone does their own thing, and compares their food with pictures and descriptions to see who’s is the best. {With option 3, a new tradition could be established!}

This year, of all years, is a good time to create a virtual cookbook. What are the traditional recipes of your Passover … and not just Pesach eve, but also the next seven mornings as we use Matzoh instead of bread. How do we make Matzo brei, macarons and other special foods. It might be time to get the next generation involved in cooking … since they are home from school.

In past blogs, you have seen, the table should be set with table cloth, cloth napkins silverware, fine china and our best glasses. Also candles, seder plate and matzo tash. We should spare nothing at making this a great Seder, although separated physically, we must celebrate together. And remember, there is coming a day when the CDC and WHO will let our people go, and we can eat together under the same roof once again.

Creatively Socially Distancing

Passover Seders are supposed to be relational and fun! We raise our glasses for prayers, then clink and say L’Chaim together. During the Seder a child is instructed to ask four questions (then to sit back on a cushioned chair … but not fall asleep). We watch for reactions to the maror, and laugh and sing a song about a little goat. Without planning our self quarantined Seders will be somber and lonely.

With creativity and forethought we can create interaction throughout the evening. One suggestion already given is to use a computer (with good Bluetooth speakers) for the main Seder. We can also text and hold side conversations on the cell phone during the evening. Pictures can also be made and sent back and forth.

But there are other things we can do. These are from a list of questions that appear in my April 1 blog:
     9. On all other Passovers after the Matzoh is broken, a piece goes missing and must be found by the children … Why must the children search in multiple houses on this night?

My challenge for Passover is to think out of the box, literally. Normally, during the Passover Seder the Afikoman is snatched and hidden. But what if the grandkids are not in your house - How can they search for the hidden Matzoh? It could be that the leader of the Seder would respond to the children’s instructions of “turn right” or “go straight” along with the “Hot” or “Cold” remarks, but why not think out of the house? This year, the Afikomen could be snatched virtually. This takes coordination. What is important for proof that the Matzoh is actually the same is the wrapping … it must be in the same covering.

Here is what you must do: The leader and one of the attendees will coordinate the hiding of the Matzoh. When the Matzoh is “snatched,” it disappears out of the house. The search can begin within the house, but when all leads are exhausted, the leader should hint at, “Did someone reach in through the computer and move the Afikomen to their house?” A series of questions, and a continued search can ensue … with denials, and cell phone texts and calls as grandchildren look in their own homes for the Afikomen. Make it challenging and fun!

This is a chance to show off things within each person’s homes, that might not be noticed in a normal visit. Allow the search time to be completed.

10. On all other Passovers we open one door to welcome Elijah … why on this night do we open many doors for the great prophet?

Normally at our Seder, all the children open the door together in order to greet Elijah. But this year is different! There will be children at every house served by our virtual Seder. What can you do? Send them each to their own doors, along with the computer or cell phone video. But can we do more?

Think about how you would greet a special visitor at your home. With song, with signs, confetti, in your pajamas, in a tuxedo? You get the idea. We are to think outside the box, and make a show virtually. Let the door openers use props, songs, or drama at the door. Plan a virtual award for the most creative welcome for Elijah. This should make the Passover Seder lots of fun!

Thinking outside of what we normally do, that is what my newest book, Psalmatic Seder is about. Many of my readings said, “the Passover Seder is not really that old … it came into the form we use in the Middle Ages.” As I thought about these articles I was reading, I thought about the Book of Psalms, possibly dating to the time of the first Temple, definitely written before 200 BC. Psalm 78 and 105 are actually Passover Haggadahs. THese formed the basis for this Haggadah. The Seder follows the normal 15 steps (and unsurprisingly, so does the Book of Psalms) so I followed this format, but used some different verses. This presentation will produce a familiar, but refreshing Passover Celebration. Please look up the Psalmatic Seder on Amazon.com

Pesach from Psalms, a new idea!

A Virtual Reality Passover Seder

Before Passover we remove the chomaytz, clean the house, change out the dishes, plan and cook the perfect menu, dress up the table with a table cloth, cloth napkins, silver, our finest china, best glasses, and sometimes even name placards (even though everyone knows each other). We are not happy until everything is perfectly in place. BUT This Pesach is different!

Each family will set their own table, plan their own menu, and take charge of things in their homes, which will be displayed on the computer screen. Which says, what I have mentioned before - put the effort into the Seder event, and it will be great! But it will not be perfect … The first time we attempt something new, it never is. There is a lot to be learned.

I want to look at how it can become more real, and a place where the room real will not carry across (and can even be controlled).

4. On all other Passovers we clink the wine glass and share l’chaims four times during the Seder, and multiple times before and after … Why on this night are the glasses not from the same set?  (for full list of questions, see blog for April 1)

On Passover (and at other times) we make a big deal about saying the kiddish and drinking the wine. We often lift glasses after the prayer with a l’chaim and a clink. We should still do that! The computer screen is glass. To properly clink wine glasses, even across 2,000 miles or more, a) notice where the little camera is on your computer; b) bring the glass to the camera window and the screen; and c) clink. You can even pause for a moment (a short, fraction of a second) when the wine glass approaches the camera (starting about ½ inch from the lens). This gives a nice effect. The clink is real (whether the computer is made of plastic or steel, it will clink, and so will the screen), just be sure you don’t clink too hard … you don’t want to break the wine glass or the computer. Remember, even though some of our families are miles away, the joy and festivity should be real. If we practice that real from the first glass of wine all the way through to the fourth glass, the enthusiasm will build, and we might not even realize how many miles separate us from the ones we love.

7. On all other Passovers we sing the Dayenu loudly and off key until we run out of words (which is more than enuff), and it sounds horrible … Why on this night do we have volume control?

OK … the singing might not be like real. Computers miss out on the room effect of music, because or voices fill the space naturally, rather than making electronic static on a computer. IF good speakers are connected to the computer (by Bluetooth … you can even do stereo or surround sound - something to plan early), the quality will be much better, even though it is not the same.

And then there is the matter of losing control to someone else. If your voice is not good, and you enjoy booming out the tune so loudly it covers up your sister’s voice … well, it is not the same. Your sister will turn down the volume on her computer (or even mute you! Oy vey), which is not Kosher (although my sister says it is, which is natural and right, for some of these arguments happen on Passover night).

On this Passover night we will just have to put up with losing control on the other person’s computer. But … we can call (see questions 1 & 3, blogged about on April 2) in order to kvetch.

Speaking of music, I developed a Haggadah from Psalms (a New Haggadah in an older format than what we use today). It contains 17 traditional songs with music notation from the Passover Haggadah. I would appreciate if you take a look in the preview mode on Amazon, and maybe even buy a copy, just to see what it is. Please look up the Psalmatic Seder on Amazon.com

  

A new Musical Haggadah for Passover

A Passover in forced Diaspora

There is no doubt about it, this Pesach will be different than any other. The joyous festivity that comes from interaction as a family, following of traditions, the telling of the story, and a great dinner will not be the same this year. The family will be separated and the fantastic feast will be downsized. BUT it can be more that what we think, just different.

As an educator and a participant of many Seders, I want to bring us as close to normal as possible. I think many of us are already understand that one solution is a video app on social media. I want to lay out some ideas on how to use this tool to bring a degree of normalcy to our Passover eve.

Two days ago, I made a list of questions to help us in re-creating a quality Seder in the midst of troubling times. In the answers of these questions, I hope to pull out usable ideas to bring togetherness even when we are separated from extended family. If you have other ideas, please use comment section to share with others, and help us all do a better job this year at our Seders. Also, read the ten questions from April 1, and five following days for answers (two per day).

2. On all other Passovers we light one candle or two … why on this night of Passover do we light many candles, and who says the blessing?

One of the important things that needs to happen this year at our Seders is duplication. Don’t try to take shortcuts … it will lead to loss. When you use Social Media to guide Passover Seders in multiple homes, each home needs to have all the accompanying props. This begins with the candles.

As the Seder gets underway, one person (the person who normally does this) should say the blessing and light the candle. That is, on the main computer for Passover eve (see yesterday’s blog).

Each home represented during the evening also needs candles, as close as possible to what is normally used. Virtual candles are … virtual. There is something about the presence of an actual flame that fascinates us. The flame wavers with the environment of the room, and we are fascinated by its dance. Each clandle burns on its own time table. One of the games we played at a Shabbos dinner was to notice when each person’s candle went out, and watched the smoke. Don’t shortchange the props. Every house needs to have them.

The candles can be lighted with one blessing (given on the main computer), and lighted simultaneously.

6. On all other Passovers we each take a nosh from a big fancy Seder plate set by the big fluffy matzoh tosh … Why on this night must we set our specialty foods on a dainty side dish?

The thought on the candle needs to continue with the Seder plate and Matzoh. Each prop and item needs to be duplicated. Although the Seder can be led from across the street, or from thousands of miles away, the food must be tasted by our tongues. Each home should have a Seder plate with all the elements. If there is a family recipe (for the Charosis), it should be shared. Each family needs its own shank bone and Matzoh, also. Wine should be available on all tables, and refilled at appropriate times.

The tastes and sounds of the Seder creates the proper environment. The secret for today is, don’t take shortcuts.

While each family should use its normal Haggadah (and have a copy for each person, like normal), I developed a Haggadah from Psalms (a New Haggadah in an older format than what we use today). I would appreciate you taking a look in the preview mode on Amazon, and maybe even buing a copy, just to see what it is. Please look up the Psalmatic Seder on Amazon.com

The Virtual Passover

Why is this night different than all other nights? On all past Passover nights we gathered as a family and friends in someone’s home to enjoy the festivity, the food and to participate in the Pesach Haggadah together. This year is different! We are like slaves in bondage, confined in our homes and practicing social distancing for fear of the Coronavirus. But it does not have to be this way!

In the past we might have been forced to do the Seder alone, or as a small group … but this year we have technology! There are multiple platforms available so we can do the Passover together. We have never celebrated Passover in this way before … But as an educator, I have led other events, and want to use my experience to maintain the greatness and quality of this festival.

In the spirit of the four questions and Ten things that plague us in the midst of the pandemic this year, I created a list of questions to be answered over the next five days (two per day). The information shared in the answers will help us to have a decent Seder, although not all we dreamed of. The list of questions can be found in yesterday’s blog.

Today’s theme is how to maintain closeness and relationships, even when we are apart.

On all other Passovers we greet each other with hugs and kisses (including those from bubble which are always slobbery) in person or through the cell phone … why on this night only through the cell phone?

In former times, when I was young my family used to gather at my uncle’s home, where my father, his brother,their wives, six children and my grandmother used to spend the afternoon with each other, before sitting down for the teachings of the Seder and a grand meal. As a child, I came to know and appreciate my cousins during this time together.

So what about bubble's slobbery kiss? Well, it can still happen. How so, you ask, when we are required to keep our social distancing. The answer is by cell phone. Using our cell phones, with video on, we can show our faces, and Grandma, on her end can kiss the screen of the phone (make sure she has wipes available). The end result here might be better than what is normal, for the children’s cheeks stay dry, and no infection is passed.

Actually the cell phone or tablet can be used for a variety of socialization activities. There can be games, conversations, and created events as the cousins, and others invited to the Seder socialize and plot together. This year, like all other years can be a time of conversation and relationship building. And in the years to come will be a matter of conversations and story telling due to our creativity in orchestrating a memorable event.


On all other Passovers we sit across the table and fill the room with great conversation, sometimes with increasing volume just to hear and be heard … Why on this night do we need a computer and a cell phone?

Continuing from the thought shared above, we need to realize that our time around the table is not spent strictly focused on the teachings of the Haggadah or what the Seder leader has to say. We carry on side conversations, tell jokes and make comments on the teacher. We should not lose that feature of our evening.

So how can we capture the normal goings on of the evening?

First, there should be a set teacher for the evening. A social media platform should be used on a computer (not a cell phone) because the screen is larger and because the cell phone needs to be available for other purposes. A laptop computer should be made available at each home, on the table, with a view of as many people as possible. This gives visual cues, like members of the family are sitting across the table from each other.

Everything official needs to occur through this media, one the central computer. The reading of the Haggadah should be done as normally as possible. The leader should respond to the story with jokes, stories and anecdotes as usual. This makes for consistency, and the quality of the teaching.

BUT it should be remembered that the teaching is not all that goes on.

Each participant also needs a cell phone. They can call family members at other houses to make side comments, tell jokes, and maintain all manner of banter as normal. This can be by text or talk. It must be done quietly, as an undercurrent, as is normal at the table. If it is too loud, it can be called down. The leader just needs to remember, not every phone call or text needs to be commented on … in fact most should be overlooked, and the story will go on.

The more years we celebrate the Passover, the more familiar we are, so participants will not lose their places. They will continue relationship building. And in an unusual time, some elements of normalcy can continue.

More tomorrow.

Before I go, I need to promote a different Haggadah, one from the book of Psalms. It is a research project of mine, to see what Passover eve looked like in the time of the first Temple. Not surprisingly, it was much the same. That means the kisses of bubble, the banter of the cousins, and the high level discussions of the parents occurred back then, just as it does today. And the Haggadah … well, it was memorized, and told in poetic form, like what is found in the book of Psalms. Look up the Psalmatic Seder on Amazon.com

A New Haggadah with Music from Psalms

Virtual Seder

How can this night of Passover be the same as all other Passovers … but Different!

1. On all other Passovers we greet each other with hugs and kisses (including those from bubbe which are always slobbery) in person or through the cell phone … why on this night only through the cell phone?

2. On all other Passovers we light one candle or two … why on this night of Passover do we light many candles, and who says the blessing?

3. On all other Passovers we sit across the table and fill the room with great conversation, sometimes with increasing volume just to hear and be heard … Why on this night do we need a computer and a cell phone?

4. On all other Passovers we clink the wine glass and share l’chaims four times during the Seder, and multiple times before and after … Why on this night are the glasses not from the same set?

5. On all other Passovers we converse around the room and share the Haggadah together … Why on this Passover will we converse from house to house?

6. On all other Passovers we each take a nosh from a big fancy Seder plate set by the big fluffy matzoh tosh … Why on this night must we set our specialty foods on a dainty side dish?

7. On all other Passovers we sing the Dayenu loudly and off key until we run out of words (which is more than enuff), and it sounds horrible … Why on this night do we have volume control?

8. On all other Passovers either bubbe does all the cooking, or we each bring our favorite dishes … Why on this Passover do we share recipes, each cook our own and share the tastes?

9. On all other Passovers after the Matzoh is broken, a piece goes missing and must be found by the children … Why must the children search in multiple houses on this night?

10. On all other Passovers we open one door to welcome Elijah … why on this night do we open many doors for the great prophet.

A new Passover Haggadah for the Musically inclined

With the dangers of Coronavirus invading our lives this Passover Season, the evening will be different. Although we can not be physically present with our family, we can be with them virtually. I will do that with my family, and also some friends. I thought about this … because I do not want the evening to flop, so over the next few days, I will answer the questions above, and a few more. Planning ahead will prevent the dull spots and the failures of this evening, and help us do it right. If you have suggestions, or ideas, please write them in the comment section. Through sharing together this can be a great Passover evening.

Plagued by the Plagues

Are you a creature of habit, or do you have a desire to learn. I have found that in order to learn, we must leave the familiar and normal in order to experience and examine something new. Take the Passover Seder. Is your evening Seder the same every year? Can you recite it from memory? Perhaps it is time to try something new.

A new Haggadah looks at Pesach through a different lens
 published in 2020

What can you learn? Have you ever really looked at the progression of ‘miracles’ God sent to visit the land of Egypt? The order in the book of Exodus, and the Passover Haggadah is pretty straight forward: blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and the killing of firstborn children.

During the evening of Passover, as we go through the story of the Exodus according to the Haggadah, we recite the ten plagues in order, doling out a drop of wine on our plates for each of the ten plagues. (Our cups can not be full and the joy in our hearts can not be complete during this part of the seder because of the suffering visited upon the Egyptians through the ten plagues). Through repetition, I have committed the ten plagues to memory in order because we recite them every year.

Until I began to compare the standard Haggadah with the Seder as found in Psalms, I thought the order was straightforward and standard. I discovered it was not. Compare three lists of plagues:

Exodus                 Psalm 78               Psalm 105

Blood                   Blood                    Darkness
Frogs                    Flies                     Blood
Lice                     Frogs                     Fish
Flies                    Grasshopper           Frogs
Cattle                  Locust                    Flies
Boils                   Hail                       Gnats
Hail                     Sleet                      Hail
Locusts                Cattle                    Fruit
Darkness              Lightning              Locusts
Death                  Death                    Death

Why the difference? It could be poetic license. It could be that the order was not standard. It could be what was important in the mind of the author. It could be influenced by historical crises at the time of writing. It could be there were different lists. It is worth wondering about and studying. The three lists show that the authors did not collaborate, and that each portion of scripture was composed independently.

The important thing is that God did use His strength to display miracles which brought about our freedom. The actions of God were direct assaults on the gods of Egypt. Perhaps this is the reason some of the plagues are different. Curiosity causes learning.

In the Psalmatic Haggadah, I have chosen to follow the standard format of the traditional Passover. Verses are listed next to each Plague, because they are not in order. But they are all there, nothing is left out. And we are left at the end celebrating the miracles of God.

I invite you to join me for a different look at Passover this year. The difference will bring learning by looking at the Seder through a different lens. Consider how the Psalmist thought about Pesach long ago, possibly as early as the days the descendants of King David reigned in Jerusalem.