The Jew in the Lotus : Buddhism & Judaism

I recently read a book called “The Jew in the Lotus,” which chronicles the visit of a group of Jews to have a dialogue with the Dalai Lama in India. I was both intrigued and troubled by the continual attempt to show common threads between Judaism and Buddhism. What I’m most troubled by is that I don’t have the knowledge to know if the modes of meditation in Buddhism and Judaism are truly similar, and I was hoping you are familiar with the book and can offer some insight.

Why Do We Bless the Children on Friday Night?

The blessing is known as the “birchas hayelidim” or the blessing of the children. It is based upon the blessing Jacob recited upon his grandchildren, Ephraim and Menashe, before he passed away. At the end of his blessing to Ephraim and Menashe the Torah says; “So he blessed them that day, saying, ‘By you shall […]