- Brooklyn College of CUNY, Business Management, Faculty MemberBrooklyn College of CUNY, Finance and Business Management, Faculty Memberadd
There has been much scholarship regarding Jewish humor and where it might come from. Of course, Jews are not all the same. There are, or have been, Jews in most countries of the world, so there is no single shared Jewish culture or even... more
There has been much scholarship regarding Jewish humor and where it might come from. Of course, Jews are not all the same. There are, or have been, Jews in most countries of the world, so there is no single shared Jewish culture or even history-at least over the last 2,000 years. If there is something Jews all over the world do share, it is probably the Hebrew Bible and the early Rabbinic literature as well. Those who believe that Jewish humor only dates back to the 17 th century in Eastern Europe, overlook the rich vein of irony, sarcasm, and wit that permeates the foundational texts forming a cornerstone of Jewish cultural expression. Was there a lack of sarcasm in the Torah and Rabbinic literature that you missed 3,000 years of irony, scorn, and derision?
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This study explores the profound descent of Balaam, a figure potentially unrivaled in prophetic ability. It reveals how two critical flaws-hubris and avarice-led to his undoing. Balaam persisted in his misguided path despite divine... more
This study explores the profound descent of Balaam, a figure potentially unrivaled in prophetic ability. It reveals how two critical flaws-hubris and avarice-led to his undoing. Balaam persisted in his misguided path despite divine intervention aimed at course correction, including the humbling experience of his donkey surpassing him in spiritual sight. His ultimate demise, befitting the unrighteous, serves as a cautionary tale. This narrative offers a compelling lesson for all individuals endowed with exceptional gifts or capabilities, highlighting the perils of unchecked ego and material desire. It also demonstrates how organizations with lofty mission statements may be led astray by the same two flaws.
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This paper explores the governance of Israel's first four rulers: Saul, David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. It highlights the tradition of kings consulting the High Priest on pivotal decisions. Prophets were also integral, providing moral... more
This paper explores the governance of Israel's first four rulers: Saul, David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. It highlights the tradition of kings consulting the High Priest on pivotal decisions. Prophets were also integral, providing moral guidance and correction to the king. Today, it's crucial for leaders to have a chief ethics officer to navigate ethical decision-making. The consequences of CEO choices can be dire, with innumerable lives affected by the prioritization of profit over human safety. Just as King David sought advice on significant matters, modern corporate executives should also rely on the counsel of those who understand the ethical implications of their decisions.
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This paper explores the leadership lessons embedded in the story of Moses striking the rock rather than speaking to it. While seemingly a simple act of disobedience, it highlights the crucial need for leaders to adapt their approach based... more
This paper explores the leadership lessons embedded in the story of Moses striking the rock rather than speaking to it. While seemingly a simple act of disobedience, it highlights the crucial need for leaders to adapt their approach based on the situation. Just as Moses faced a new generation with different needs, leaders today must understand the complex interplay of social and psychological factors within their teams. Proactive problem-solving, rather than reactive responses, is critical. Furthermore, fostering a collaborative environment where individuals work towards a shared purpose, independent of a single leader, is essential to avoid dependency and encourage healthy growth within organizations and nations.
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This paper explores how Jewish law views various forms of harmful speech. We will show that Jewish law does not accept truth as a justification for speaking ill of others. The Torah forbids lashon hara, which means any speech that... more
This paper explores how Jewish law views various forms of harmful speech. We will show that Jewish law does not accept truth as a justification for speaking ill of others. The Torah forbids lashon hara, which means any speech that degrades, insults, or hurts another person, even if it is true. Publicly humiliating someone is considered as grave as killing them. In fact, one should rather "throw himself into a fiery furnace than publicly shame another person." The paper also compares the Jewish approach to the popular "Socrates triple filter test," a three-step guide for deciding whether to share new information. It asks: (1) Is it true?; (2) Is it good?; and (3) Is it helpful? If not, then it is better not to say it.
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Shmuel bar Abba (c. 165 CE-c. 257 CE), a distinguished scholar, judge, and head of a major academy in Nehardea, provides profound insights into leadership. His intellectual acumen extended across various disciplines, including astronomy,... more
Shmuel bar Abba (c. 165 CE-c. 257 CE), a distinguished scholar, judge, and head of a major academy in Nehardea, provides profound insights into leadership. His intellectual acumen extended across various disciplines, including astronomy, medicine, and Jewish law, showcasing unexpected talents such as juggling. His dedication to upholding integrity in commerce prompted him to establish equitable pricing regulations for essential commodities. Shmuel's commitment to ethical leadership is evident in his insistence on transparency and avoiding even seemingly minor forms of deception. Rather than promoting austerity, he advocated that genuine service to God comes through serving others. As a judge, Shmuel maintained unwavering honesty, remaining vigilant against any form of undue influence, monetary or otherwise. Despite his vast knowledge, Shmuel remained humble, always willing to learn from others. He was fallible and occasionally made errors.
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This paper examines several popular Chasidic narratives in order to grasp the essence of Chassidus. The stories indicate that it lies in actively pursuing an intimate relationship with God in every moment of life. Rather than asceticism... more
This paper examines several popular Chasidic narratives in order to grasp the essence of Chassidus. The stories indicate that it lies in actively pursuing an intimate relationship with God in every moment of life. Rather than asceticism or spiritual contemplation, it emphasizes love, care for others, and the belief that even the simplest person can reach spiritual heights. The profound bond between God and humanity allows for respectful argument. Above all, hope in others is essential; inherent goodness awaits nurturing and encouragement.
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The question of which is superior, praxis (practical action) or theoria (intellectual contemplation), is addressed by the sages of the Talmud. Their consensus was that theoretical wisdom was useless unless put into practice. Indeed, one... more
The question of which is superior, praxis (practical action) or theoria (intellectual contemplation), is addressed by the sages of the Talmud. Their consensus was that theoretical wisdom was useless unless put into practice. Indeed, one who solely possesses Torah knowledge without actively practicing it is considered disconnected from God and lacking a proper understanding of the Torah. Talmudic narratives further illustrate their perspective on a life centered on contemplation. Interestingly, the sages did not view isolating oneself in remote areas-such as caves, deserts, or mountaintops-as the ideal spiritual path. Instead, they emphasized engaging with God through deeds of lovingkindness and helping others.
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This paper highlights the detrimental effects of certain religious stringencies (chumras) practiced primarily to showcase righteousness to others, known as ostentatious piety or virtue signaling. Such stringencies often stem from a lack... more
This paper highlights the detrimental effects of certain religious stringencies (chumras) practiced primarily to showcase righteousness to others, known as ostentatious piety or virtue signaling. Such stringencies often stem from a lack of humility and a desire to appear superior, rather than a genuine pursuit of spiritual growth. Consequently, they breed discord among groups, foster strife, and divert individuals from unity and the path toward spiritual closeness with God, undermining the very essence of religious practice. There are religious stringencies that make one a better person and are commendable. They are usually not publicized and are used by those who desire to strengthen a personality weakness they might have. Stringencies that demonstrate zeal for safeguarding another person's property or show consideration for someone else's dignity are also laudable.
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This study explores the Talmudic narrative of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, identified as a pivotal event leading to the downfall of Jerusalem and its Temple. It illustrates how a profoundly impactful story from the Talmud retains timeless... more
This study explores the Talmudic narrative of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, identified as a pivotal event leading to the downfall of Jerusalem and its Temple. It illustrates how a profoundly impactful story from the Talmud retains timeless wisdom and remains pertinent in modern society. Within this narrative lie at least seven significant lessons that can be gleaned. It serves as a poignant reminder of the rapid unraveling that can occur in a divided society rife with discord. A mere spark is all it takes for a nation to collapse.
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In this paper, the authors explore poignant passages from the Hebrew Bible, providing readers with glimpses of powerful spiritual and ethical ideas expressed through concise language. Often, the true character of the speaker is revealed... more
In this paper, the authors explore poignant passages from the Hebrew Bible, providing readers with glimpses of powerful spiritual and ethical ideas expressed through concise language. Often, the true character of the speaker is revealed in just a few simple words. Despite their ancient origins, these messages remain relevant, resonating and inspiring millions as deeply in modern times as they did thousands of years ago.
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The Talmud employs stories as a vital tool for imparting wisdom to individuals. Narratives can evoke strong feelings and ignite an audience's passion. This paper examines one intriguing narrative where God is having a dispute with the... more
The Talmud employs stories as a vital tool for imparting wisdom to individuals. Narratives can evoke strong feelings and ignite an audience's passion. This paper examines one intriguing narrative where God is having a dispute with the Heavenly Academy. Interestingly, no one agrees with Him. They decide to consult with the Talmudic sage Rabbah, an authority on the subject under dispute. The story provides numerous insightful lessons on originalism, the hazards of certainty, intellectual humility, and constructive argumentation.
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A tragic event unfolded on the eighth day of the priests' consecration ceremony and the dedication of the Tabernacle. Aaron's two sons, Nadab and Abihu, brought a "strange fire" into the sacred space, and as a consequence, they were... more
A tragic event unfolded on the eighth day of the priests' consecration ceremony and the dedication of the Tabernacle. Aaron's two sons, Nadab and Abihu, brought a "strange fire" into the sacred space, and as a consequence, they were consumed by a heavenly fire. This paper demonstrates that this narrative contains valuable lessons for effective leadership today. Leaders must have humility, seek counsel and not make hasty decisions, avoid getting inebriated or high, be respectful of others (especially their mentors), be calm and even-tempered, and attempt to reason logically without allowing emotions to get in the way.
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Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who passed away on November 7, 2020, was one of the outstanding Jewish intellectuals of the 20th century. Renowned for bridging the religious and secular domains through his groundbreaking work, Rabbi Sacks was a... more
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who passed away on November 7, 2020, was one of the outstanding Jewish intellectuals of the 20th century. Renowned for bridging the religious and secular domains through his groundbreaking work, Rabbi Sacks was a globally recognized spiritual leader, moral philosopher, acclaimed author, and influential ethical authority. This paper discusses his critical insights into ethics, life, and leadership based on the Torah.
Research Interests: Leadership, Hate Speech, Compassion, Forgiveness, Repentance, and 4 moreAbraham, Listening, Moses, and Torah
The Bible conveys a fundamental message: human fallibility is an inherent part of our existence. This paper delves into the imperfections of the Bible's most remarkable figures, including Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joseph,... more
The Bible conveys a fundamental message: human fallibility is an inherent part of our existence. This paper delves into the imperfections of the Bible's most remarkable figures, including Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joseph, David, and Esther. Rather than glossing over their faults and weaknesses, Scripture highlights them. Rather than portraying these heroes as flawless beings, we should appreciate their spiritual accomplishments while acknowledging their humanity and capacity for error. Central to this exploration is the concept of repentance (teshuvah), a core principle in the Bible. When individuals make mistakes, what truly matters is whether they seek forgiveness and strive to rectify their actions. Intertwined with penitence, forgiveness plays a paramount role in maintaining a harmonious society. Recognizing human imperfection and the inevitability of errors, even by the greatest of people, allows for a deeper comprehension of why absolute certainty can be detrimental to humanity. Moreover, condemning individuals for their past transgressions is unjust. Everyone deserves a second chance.
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People often act irrationally, and one example of this is bigotry. For instance, the statement that "obese people are all lazy and have no willpower" is not supported by facts but by prejudice. We should aim to eradicate all kinds of... more
People often act irrationally, and one example of this is bigotry. For instance, the statement that "obese people are all lazy and have no willpower" is not supported by facts but by prejudice. We should aim to eradicate all kinds of bias, which are harmful and rooted in irrationality. It is not enough to focus on one type of discrimination and neglect others. The authors posit that cognitive bias is one possible cause of nonsensical beliefs, including prejudice. People who use logic better understand the foolishness of any form of bias. This paper discusses the main cognitive biases that might lead to bigotry and the ways to overcome them.
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In this paper it is argued that two kinds of capitalism are engaged in a great struggle in the United States. Both approaches are derived from the opinions of Adam Smith, the father of capitalism, who posited in The Wealth of Nations that... more
In this paper it is argued that two kinds of capitalism are engaged in a great struggle in the United States. Both approaches are derived from the opinions of Adam Smith, the father of capitalism, who posited in The Wealth of Nations that universal self-interest and the “invisible hand” of the marketplace allocate scarce resources more efficiently and promotes social welfare better than any other economic system. One type of capitalism could be called “moral capitalism” or “conscious capitalism”; the other kind of capitalism takes a “greed is good” approach this paper condemns. This paper’s authors argue that the only kind of capitalism that is good for a country is based on values and morals. In fact, they say, this is exactly what Adam Smith had in mind, as he was a strong believer in empathy and benevolence. The example of King Leopold II of Belgium is provided as an example of why capitalism based on greed is not desirable because it is widely believed that he was responsible fo...
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There are numerous terms that should be seen as positive values but have been co-opted by today's cultural wars. These terms include "woke," "social justice," "cancel culture," "identity politics," "politically correct," "Black Lives... more
There are numerous terms that should be seen as positive values but have been co-opted by today's cultural wars. These terms include "woke," "social justice," "cancel culture," "identity politics," "politically correct," "Black Lives Matter," and DEI. Surprisingly, the term DEI, which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, has negative connotations today. These are noble values that anyone with a soul should admire. This paper examines what went wrong and how to fix the problem. A biblical approach to DEI is discussed. Leaders need to understand the correct way to advocate for the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that brings people together and does not offend.
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This paper demonstrates that rhetorical questions (RQ) frequently occur in the Hebrew Bible and are used in many ways. In the Bible, RQs are used to initiate a conversation, test people, influence the public, emphasize a point, and even... more
This paper demonstrates that rhetorical questions (RQ) frequently occur in the Hebrew Bible and are used in many ways. In the Bible, RQs are used to initiate a conversation, test people, influence the public, emphasize a point, and even as a humorous device. RQs tend to be posed by a superior individual (or one with exceptional knowledge of the subject) rather than an inferior. In some cases, however, the subordinate party uses an RQ to communicate with the superior one (e.g., Abraham to God). Rhetorical questions in the Bible often serve a multifunctional purpose with the goal to uplift humanity and foster spiritual growth.
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This paper demonstrates that the Torah was a groundbreaking document that reshaped the trajectory of history. It introduced concepts that were unprecedented 3300 years ago, including revolutionary ideals such as empathy toward the... more
This paper demonstrates that the Torah was a groundbreaking document that reshaped the trajectory of history. It introduced concepts that were unprecedented 3300 years ago, including revolutionary ideals such as empathy toward the vulnerable, love of the stranger, consideration for animals, preservation of the environment, the pursuit of social justice, the importance of humility, the power of forgiveness, the ability to change, and the recognition of human dignity. These progressive ideas pushed the boundaries of societal norms and left an indelible impact on the course of human civilization.
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This paper explains how to recognize and steer clear of numerous common logical fallacies, ranging from ad hominem arguments to wishful thinking, that can damage an argument. Critical thinking is essential in the digital age, where we... more
This paper explains how to recognize and steer clear of numerous common logical fallacies, ranging from ad hominem arguments to wishful thinking, that can damage an argument. Critical thinking is essential in the digital age, where we must question false or flawed claims. It helps us base our decisions on facts and evidence, not feelings or fallacious reasoning. Unfortunately, many employers struggle to find workers with this skill. To develop it, one must learn how to understand and evaluate the essence of an argument.
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The phrase "the Constitution is not a suicide pact" affirms that sometimes the need of the nation to survive during times of crisis takes precedence over constitutional rights. Similarly, the sages of the Talmud believed that "Her [the... more
The phrase "the Constitution is not a suicide pact" affirms that sometimes the need of the nation to survive during times of crisis takes precedence over constitutional rights. Similarly, the sages of the Talmud believed that "Her [the Torah's] ways are the ways of pleasantness, and all of her paths are peace," underscores that sometimes laws have to be modified if they can cause strife and dissension. The Talmudic sages used the above-cited verse from Proverbs to establish the principles of darchei shalom (the ways of peace) and darchei noam (the ways of pleasantness) to create a peaceful, harmonious, and pleasant society. In many cases, biblical laws were amended to maintain harmony and peace. Countries and companies must examine their laws and code of ethics to ensure they further the cause of peace. Keywords: Ethics, rule-driven vs. value-driven ethics, spirit of the law, ways of peace, tikkun olam, ways of pleasantness, Dred Scott.
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In the information-flooded digital age, where reasoning with clarity is paramount, many graduates find themselves ill-equipped with the critical thinking skills employers crave. To bridge this gap, one must delve into the treacherous... more
In the information-flooded digital age, where reasoning with clarity is paramount, many graduates find themselves ill-equipped with the critical thinking skills employers crave. To bridge this gap, one must delve into the treacherous terrain of cognitive biases, distortions, and logical fallacies-silent saboteurs of rational thinking. Mastering the art of recognizing and sidestepping these mental roadblocks paves the path to informed decisions and empowers us to navigate the world's complexities with sound judgment. The first step, however, is to be an active listener, appreciate the diversity of opinions, pursue truth, and never ridicule others.
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Terms such as “woke,” “social justice,” “cancel culture,” “identity politics,” “politically correct,” “critical race theory,” and “DEI” have been increasingly misused and politicized by both the left and the right in recent years. This... more
Terms such as “woke,” “social justice,” “cancel culture,” “identity politics,” “politically correct,” “critical race theory,” and “DEI” have been increasingly misused and politicized by both the left and the right in recent years. This paper will examine the Hebrew Bible and explore what it says about social justice, compassion for the indigent, inclusion, and many other terms causing such an uproar. The authors assert that the ancient prophets, the true social justice warriors, would be horrified by the actions of both the left and right.
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Cognitive distortions are irrational and inaccurate ways of thinking that can lead to mental health problems. They can cause one to see the world in a negative light, which can lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance... more
Cognitive distortions are irrational and inaccurate ways of thinking that can lead to mental health problems. They can cause one to see the world in a negative light, which can lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance misuse, and even suicidal ideas. To improve one's mental health, it is essential to be able to identify and challenge cognitive distortions and replace them with more realistic and positive thoughts. Cognitive distortions that are examined include emotional reasoning, catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, dichotomous (also known as dualistic) thinking, mind reading, labeling, discounting positives, and blaming. Mindfulness as a solution is discussed.
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Two Talmudic stories involving Beruriah and Rabbi Zera discuss how to treat wicked people and demonstrate that even criminals should not be canceled. The stories emphasize the importance of giving people a second chance and never giving... more
Two Talmudic stories involving Beruriah and Rabbi Zera discuss how to treat wicked people and demonstrate that even criminals should not be canceled. The stories emphasize the importance of giving people a second chance and never giving up on another human being, as even the most dissolute person may repent. The narrative with the contentious scholar Geniva underscores that the above approaches do not always work.
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Self-mockery is a common form of humor among Jews, who have faced oppression for thousands of years. It can serve various functions, such as showing superiority in wit, dealing with hardship, creating solidarity, and advancing social... more
Self-mockery is a common form of humor among Jews, who have faced oppression for thousands of years. It can serve various functions, such as showing superiority in wit, dealing with hardship, creating solidarity, and advancing social justice. This paper explores the topic of self-deprecating humor mainly from a Jewish perspective and demonstrates its origins. In addition, examples from contemporary comedy are provided.
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This paper explores how Jewish law views various forms of harmful speech. We will show that Jewish law does not accept truth as a justification for speaking ill of others. The Torah forbids lashon hara, which means any speech that... more
This paper explores how Jewish law views various forms of harmful speech. We will show that Jewish law does not accept truth as a justification for speaking ill of others. The Torah forbids lashon hara, which means any speech that degrades, insults, or hurts another person, even if it is true. Publicly humiliating someone is considered as grave as killing them. In fact, one should rather "throw himself into a fiery furnace than publicly shame another person." The paper also compares the Jewish approach to the popular "Socrates triple filter test," which is a three-step guide to decide whether to share new information. It asks: (1) Is it true?; (2) Is it good?; and (3) Is it helpful? If not, then it is better not to say it. The paper suggests that the Jewish quadruple filter would add: (1) Is it lashon hara?; (2) Is it onaat devarim (verbal oppression)?; (3) Does it shame another?; and (4) Will it promote peace and harmony, rather than conflict, in the world?
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In today's world, people often malign and belittle their opponents to win an argument. This is made worse by the fact that we live in a post-truth age where it is difficult to distinguish truth from lies. This paper will demonstrate how... more
In today's world, people often malign and belittle their opponents to win an argument. This is made worse by the fact that we live in a post-truth age where it is difficult to distinguish truth from lies. This paper will demonstrate how to disagree positively and constructively using an approach from the Torah and Talmud. They teach us that it is important to respect diversity of opinion, possess humility and patience, and understand the viewpoint of one's debating partner. Moreover, one must engage in active listening in pursuit of the truth, eliminate the need-to-win strategy, and never resort to slandering or mocking disputants. The Talmud was not only centuries ahead of its time in the use of logical devices but also in how to have a beneficial exchange of opinions.
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People often deviate from rationality when they face too much information or need to decide quickly. They may use heuristics (rules of thumb) to simplify their thinking which can lead to cognitive biases. Researchers have discovered 200... more
People often deviate from rationality when they face too much information or need to decide quickly. They may use heuristics (rules of thumb) to simplify their thinking which can lead to cognitive biases. Researchers have discovered 200 cognitive biases that result in inaccurate or irrational judgments and decisions, ranging from actor-observer to zero risk bias. This paper explores many of these biases and suggests ways to overcome them and improve decision-making.
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The Talmud is a rich and complex text with a wealth of insights on living a meaningful, productive life. One way to learn from the Talmud is to examine its stories. Another way, which this paper will take, is to study the many aphorisms... more
The Talmud is a rich and complex text with a wealth of insights on living a meaningful, productive life. One way to learn from the Talmud is to examine its stories. Another way, which this paper will take, is to study the many aphorisms and maxims found in the Talmud. These sayings offer further guidance on how to achieve a rewarding life. They remind us of the importance of humility, compassion, learning, wisdom, and good character. They also emphasize that the greatest commandment is to love all of humanity and recognize the image of God in all of His creations. No one is perfect, and one must learn to forgive and allow second chances, just as God does.
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People often act irrationally, and one example of this is bigotry. For instance, the claim that "all obese people are lazy" can be easily disproved with facts. We should aim to eradicate all kinds of prejudice, which are harmful and... more
People often act irrationally, and one example of this is bigotry. For instance, the claim that "all obese people are lazy" can be easily disproved with facts. We should aim to eradicate all kinds of prejudice, which are harmful and rooted in irrationality. It is not enough to focus on one type of discrimination and neglect the others. This paper argues that cognitive bias is a key cause of nonsensical beliefs, including prejudice. People who use logic will understand the foolishness of any form of bias. The paper also discusses the main cognitive biases that lead to bigotry and how to overcome them.
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Judaism recognizes two categories of commandments: those between a person and God and those involving interpersonal relations. It is common for individuals and organizations to overemphasize the former while neglecting the latter, a... more
Judaism recognizes two categories of commandments: those between a person and God and those involving interpersonal relations. It is common for individuals and organizations to overemphasize the former while neglecting the latter, a problem shared by many religions. This paper explores how Judaism addresses this issue, demonstrating that by prioritizing laws governing interpersonal relations, one also fulfills the demands of God. This is why the concept of Imago Dei (Tzelem Elohim) is so central to the Abrahamic religions. Keywords: Talmud, commandments concerning people's relationship with God, commandments concerning people's relationship with people, core values of Judaism, going beyond the requirements of the law, religious stringencies.
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Many people in education, from students to elected officials, see a college degree as a way to gain the skills needed for a successful career. To develop these skills, students must choose suitable courses. This paper first identifies the... more
Many people in education, from students to elected officials, see a college degree as a way to gain the skills needed for a successful career. To develop these skills, students must choose suitable courses. This paper first identifies the essential skills for professional and personal success. Then we advise students to avoid classes and majors that do not foster these skills. We argue that students should graduate with the ability to think independently, respect and care for others who are different from them, and value character traits such as conscientiousness, integrity, grit, and persistence. Finally, we emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and the benefits of collective learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
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Many biblical commentators today face censorship from publishers who want to conform to the current trends. This paper will examine the work of Yosef Bechor Shor, a prominent exegete with a unique approach to the Torah based on peshat... more
Many biblical commentators today face censorship from publishers who want to conform to the current trends. This paper will examine the work of Yosef Bechor Shor, a prominent exegete with a unique approach to the Torah based on peshat (the text's literal meaning). He was one of the few commentators who openly challenged the Christian interpretations of the Torah, which was highly risky in medieval times.
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This paper demonstrates what is wrong with the "cancel culture" from a Torah perspective.
Research Interests: Torah and Cancel Culture
The Talmud is a rich and complex text with a wealth of insights on living a meaningful, productive life. One way to learn from the Talmud is to examine its stories. Another way, which this paper will take, is to study the many aphorisms... more
The Talmud is a rich and complex text with a wealth of insights on living a meaningful, productive life. One way to learn from the Talmud is to examine its stories. Another way, which this paper will take, is to study the many aphorisms and maxims found in the Talmud. These sayings offer further guidance on how to achieve a rewarding life. They remind us of the importance of humility, compassion, learning, wisdom, and good character. They also emphasize that the greatest commandment is to love all of humanity and recognize the image of God in all of His creations. No one is perfect, and one must learn to forgive and allow second chances, just as God does.
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Change is coming to higher education, whether colleges and universities like it or not. The institutions of higher education that survive will be the ones that learn how to eliminate bloat and become efficient. This paper highlights four... more
Change is coming to higher education, whether colleges and universities like it or not. The institutions of higher education that survive will be the ones that learn how to eliminate bloat and become efficient. This paper highlights four simple changes that could save colleges millions of dollars. CUNY was used as an example, but this paper's recommended changes would benefit most colleges.
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The Talmud is one of the most influential books of Late Antiquity. Numerous passages in the Talmud promise longevity for various behaviors. Thus, Benjamin the Righteous had 22 years added to his life as a reward for providing a woman with... more
The Talmud is one of the most influential books of Late Antiquity. Numerous passages in the Talmud promise longevity for various behaviors. Thus, Benjamin the Righteous had 22 years added to his life as a reward for providing a woman with charity and thereby saving her life and the lives of her seven children. Rabbi Pereda had an enormous number of years added to his life for a preternatural amount of patience when teaching a student. The author examines these passages and provides an overview of what deeds were considered significant by the sages. The Talmudic recommendations for long life are categorized into five general groupings.
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The ancient sages used Talmudic stories to teach us about ethics and morality. These stories may deal with God, Elijah the Prophet, Biblical figures such as Abraham and Moses, Satan, animals, and nature. This paper examines numerous... more
The ancient sages used Talmudic stories to teach us about ethics and morality. These stories may deal with God, Elijah the Prophet, Biblical figures such as Abraham and Moses, Satan, animals, and nature. This paper examines numerous Talmudic narratives involving God to see what lessons can be learned from them. The stories are organized using four major themes. 1) As a parent and/or teacher – stories which view God in his role as parent, teaching important lessons to mortals. 2) As a compassionate role model – stories that illustrate God's compassion with the objective of teaching us to emulate Him. 3) As a foil. Stories in which God allows mortals to argue, challenge, complain, teach, and sometimes even best Him. 4) What is the Law? – stories that examine halacha (Jewish law) and the legal process from the point of view of the framer of that law, God. What is clear from studying these stories is that they are as relevant today as they were almost 2,000 years ago.
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This paper consisting of more than 300 stories, demonstrates how the Sages used Talmudic narratives as a tool to teach humanity about ethics and morality. The stories are designed to instruct us to hear "the silent cry of the afflicted,... more
This paper consisting of more than 300 stories, demonstrates how the Sages used Talmudic narratives as a tool to teach humanity about ethics and morality. The stories are designed to instruct us to hear "the silent cry of the afflicted, the lonely and marginal, the poor, the sick and the disempowered, and to respond." (Sacks, 2005, p. 83). These stories may deal with God, Elijah the Prophet, Biblical figures such as Abraham and Moses, Satan, animals, and nature.
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Unfortunately, some yeshivas today are removing seforim even by prominent biblical commentators if they contain views not currently in vogue. Some publishers are censoring great works by scholars such as the Rashbam. This paper will... more
Unfortunately, some yeshivas today are removing seforim even by prominent biblical commentators if they contain views not currently in vogue. Some publishers are censoring great works by scholars such as the Rashbam. This paper will examine the commentary of numerous biblical exegetes and demonstrate their explanations' uniqueness and creativity. An important lesson to be learned from the often-clashing interpretations of Scripture is the importance of tolerance and intellectual humility.
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The authors posit that one should not take a binary approach to business ethics because there are gradations. They propose that firms may be classified according to the following metric: Level I: The Totally Unethical Organization; Level... more
The authors posit that one should not take a binary approach to business ethics because there are gradations. They propose that firms may be classified according to the following metric: Level I: The Totally Unethical Organization; Level II: The Legalistic Unethical Organization; Level III: The Superficially Ethical Organization; Level IV: The Ethical Organization; and Level V: The Fully Conscious Ethical Organization. Firms at the lowest level of ethics are only concerned about profits and not getting caught. Firms at the highest level are advocates of conscious capitalism. Conscious business leaders aim to use capitalism to "elevate humanity" by serving all stakeholders and making the world a better place.
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Many scholars believe that conflicts of interest are an ethical issue and the critical impediment to effective management. An organization interested in functioning honestly and efficiently should first do everything possible to reduce or... more
Many scholars believe that conflicts of interest are an ethical issue and the critical impediment to effective management. An organization interested in functioning honestly and efficiently should first do everything possible to reduce or eliminate this problem. The current opioid crisis responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans and the Great Recession of 2008 have been attributed to conflicts of interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the financial sector, respectively. In order to understand these modern problems, this paper examines two relevant and seemingly contradictory Talmudic principles: First, that a person is required to behave in an aboveboard manner and not act in a way that will cause others to suspect that s/he is doing something immoral or unethical. Second, that one should judge others favorably and give them the benefit of the doubt. The problem of persistent rumors about misbehavior is also studied.
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This paper analyzes the rankings of the United States in critical areas so that people can easily evaluate how well the country is doing. Areas discussed include Social Progress Index, Quality of Infrastructure, Income Inequality, Social... more
This paper analyzes the rankings of the United States in critical areas so that people can easily evaluate how well the country is doing. Areas discussed include Social Progress Index, Quality of Infrastructure, Income Inequality, Social Mobility, Global Peace Index, Stability of Nations, Democracy, Median Wealth per Adult, Poverty Rate, Happiness, Perception of Corruption, Education, Life Expectancy, Healthcare System, Top 25 Countries in the World, Reputation of Country, and Prison Population. It is hoped that examining the above statistics will make people aware of what needs to be done if the United States wants to remain a world power.
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The Talmud blamed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple by the Romans on the fact that people insisted on following the strict letter of Torah law and not doing more than the law required. This paper will demonstrate the... more
The Talmud blamed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple by the Romans on the fact that people insisted on following the strict letter of Torah law and not doing more than the law required. This paper will demonstrate the importance of stressing going beyond the requirements of the lawlifnim mishurat hadinif an individual or organization is genuinely concerned about ethical values. Keywords: going beyond the strict letter of the law, lifnim mishurat hadin, rule-driven ethics, value-driven ethics, morality and law, Talmud, justice, moral judgment in law, way of the pious.
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Using the Hebrew Bible, this paper demonstrates that giving charity, as crucial as it is, is not sufficient because it deprives the receiver of dignity. Society has a greater responsibility than simply providing the underprivileged with... more
Using the Hebrew Bible, this paper demonstrates that giving charity, as crucial as it is, is not sufficient because it deprives the receiver of dignity. Society has a greater responsibility than simply providing the underprivileged with donations of money or food to survive. Morality dictates that society find ways to generate jobs and provide employment for the poor so that they can escape their poverty with dignity. The purpose of many biblical laws such as leaving the gleanings, forgotten produce, and the corners of the field for the poor; debt forgiveness; return of land to its original owners during the Jubilee year; the precept of marrying the maidservant; the obligation to lend money to the destitute; was "raising the needy from the dust" (Psalms 113:7) and help empower the indigent. More than offering a safety net, the Bible obligates humankind to break the cycle of abuse and power and provide a ladder for the unfortunates of society to climb out of a cycle of misfortune.
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The Rashbam is undoubtedly among the most innovative (and probably the most censored) of medieval Torah commentators and should be learned alongside others such as Rashi. His commentary is unique in that it focuses on the plain meaning of... more
The Rashbam is undoubtedly among the most innovative (and probably the most censored) of medieval Torah commentators and should be learned alongside others such as Rashi. His commentary is unique in that it focuses on the plain meaning of the text (peshat). Moreover, He often disagreed with the Rabbinic Sages and repeatedly rejected the Midrashic or Talmudic homiletic explanation if he felt that it was not consistent with the peshat. Unfortunately, even today, some are censoring his work.
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We live in a VUCA world with an environment that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. The coronavirus pandemic illuminates what happens to a firm or industry that lacks organizational agility and responds slowly to threats.... more
We live in a VUCA world with an environment that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. The coronavirus pandemic illuminates what happens to a firm or industry that lacks organizational agility and responds slowly to threats. Even before COVID-19, thanks to globalization, the internet, and exponential technological growth, no business was immune from early obsolescence. Organizations need new kinds of leaders, those with vision who can see where technology is going, hire adaptable employees, and can quickly change direction when necessary. This paper provides numerous examples of blunders ranging from missed opportunities to unethical practices.
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A crucial pedagogical tool of the Talmud, one of the most influential books of Late Antiquity, is the use of divine reward and punishment as a way to promote ethical conduct. This paper examines ten behaviors whose reward, according to... more
A crucial pedagogical tool of the Talmud, one of the most influential books of Late Antiquity, is the use of divine reward and punishment as a way to promote ethical conduct. This paper examines ten behaviors whose reward, according to the sages, is wealth. These include being charitable, conducting business in an ethical manner, honoring the Sabbath, respecting one's spouse, acquiring wisdom, being an honest public servant, and leading a simple, humble life.
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Most Americans believe that higher education is heading in the wrong direction. In Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the eponymous heroine’s tumble into a rabbit hole immerses her in a bizarre, surreal, disorienting... more
Most Americans believe that higher education is heading in the wrong direction. In Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the eponymous heroine’s tumble into a rabbit hole immerses her in a bizarre, surreal, disorienting universe. Has higher education fallen down the rabbit hole? This paper will examine the many ways that academe has become a peculiar, illogical, and topsy-turvy world where things are often the opposite of what we call them and of what we expect them to be. To restore the credibility of our education system and make it of value to most students, it must be completely reimagined and, in fact, totally rebuilt from the ground up.
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The medieval biblical commentary of Ibn Ezra has generated a wide array of studies within Jewish scholarship, but scant attention has focused on the originality of his insights and his satirical style. This paper attempts to redress this... more
The medieval biblical commentary of Ibn Ezra has generated a wide array of studies within Jewish scholarship, but scant attention has focused on the originality of his insights and his satirical style. This paper attempts to redress this imbalance. The commentary on the Hebrew Bible of this influential exegete is unique in that it relies on knowledge of astronomy/astrology, philosophy, logic and grammar to explain Scripture.
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The Talmud sees the pious fool as a destructive force and a menace to society, to the point one is supposed to avoid living in a neighborhood in which such a person resides. This paper provides several examples of pious fools in history... more
The Talmud sees the pious fool as a destructive force and a menace to society, to the point one is supposed to avoid living in a neighborhood in which such a person resides. This paper provides several examples of pious fools in history as well as modern times and examines the reasons they are such a serious problem.
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The Talmud is one of the most influential books of Late Antiquity. A crucial pedagogical tool of the Talmud is the use of divine reward and punishment. This paper reveals ten behaviors whose reward, according to the sages, is wealth.... more
The Talmud is one of the most influential books of Late Antiquity. A crucial pedagogical tool of the Talmud is the use of divine reward and punishment. This paper reveals ten behaviors whose reward, according to the sages, is wealth. These include being charitable, conducting business in an ethical manner, honoring the Sabbath, respecting one's spouse, acquiring wisdom. being an honest public servant, and leading a simple, humble life.
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This paper examines the sayings, maxims, stories, and aphorisms of the Talmud and Midrash in order to better understand the philosophy of life of Judaism's ancient sages. More than 800 such recorded insights are examined and categorized.... more
This paper examines the sayings, maxims, stories, and aphorisms of the Talmud and Midrash in order to better understand the philosophy of life of Judaism's ancient sages. More than 800 such recorded insights are examined and categorized. The sages of the Talmud were active from about 10 BCE until 500 CE, a period of more than 500 years, while most Midrash collections were written from the 2 nd-10 th centuries.
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While humor can perpetuate and preserve stereotypes, it also can redress a wide variety of prejudices and preconceptions. This paper offers several examples of positive humor. Humor can serve as a teaching tool to reduce stress and make... more
While humor can perpetuate and preserve stereotypes, it also can redress a wide variety of prejudices and preconceptions. This paper offers several examples of positive humor. Humor can serve as a teaching tool to reduce stress and make people receptive to serious subjects that range from statistical analysis to social justice. It can also tie people together, give psychological strength to victims, and enable them to rise above despair and hopelessness. It can even enhance teamwork in the workplace. Of course, the wrong kind of humor can be a negative, causing irreparable harm to people. In a nutshell, humor is not a laughing matter and should be taken seriously.
Research Interests: Humor and Social Justice
The ancient sages of the Talmud used stories as a method to teach people how to behave ethically. Stories, more so than cases, have the ability to rouse emotions and teach important ethical lessons. This paper examines Talmudic stories to... more
The ancient sages of the Talmud used stories as a method to teach people how to behave ethically. Stories, more so than cases, have the ability to rouse emotions and teach important ethical lessons. This paper examines Talmudic stories to determine which behaviors result in Divine punishment and a shortened lifespan. Five behaviors are found to result in premature death: these include hurting another person's feelings and disrespecting the Torah.
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Some humor, while making us laugh, contains shadows of hostility toward those who cause strife – the racists, the bigots, the unaware and uneducated. Believe it or not, humor does have the ability to educate, to counter stereotypes and,... more
Some humor, while making us laugh, contains shadows of hostility toward those who cause strife – the racists, the bigots, the unaware and uneducated. Believe it or not, humor does have the ability to educate, to counter stereotypes and, if all else fails, to get even. Although humor can perpetuate and preserve stereotypes, it can also redress a wide variety of prejudices and preconceptions. Humor may not have been a powerful enough weapon to overthrow despotic regimes such as, for example, the US during slavery, Nazi Germany, or the former Soviet Union, but it did provide hope to the oppressed. This paper examines humor used by all kinds of oppressed people including African-Americans, Asians, women, Moslems, the disabled, and Jews. The authors conclude that society is better off if people get even with bullies and persecutors using humor rather than violence. Humor can educate the educable. Humor provides victims with psychological strength, and enables them to rise above despair and hopelessness.
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The question as to whether accounting ethics should be rule-driven or value-driven has generated some controversy. We hold the view that ethics should be value-driven. The rabbis of the Talmud similarly recognized the danger of making... more
The question as to whether accounting ethics should be rule-driven or value-driven has generated some controversy. We hold the view that ethics should be value-driven. The rabbis of the Talmud similarly recognized the danger of making religious ethics rule-based and therefore came up with several legal devices to improve the law and make it more ethical. We describe "fixes" (takanot) implemented by the rabbis of the Talmud to make the rules of the Torah conform to its spirit of pleasantness and peace. The use of inspirational stories (aggadah) is a key device used by the Talmud to raise the ethical perspective of its audience.
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No word can adequately describe the extremely nasty, abrasive individuals one is likely to encounter in academe who consider themselves superior to others and feel that the rules of civility do not apply to them. These arrogant,... more
No word can adequately describe the extremely nasty, abrasive individuals one is likely to encounter in academe who consider themselves superior to others and feel that the rules of civility do not apply to them. These arrogant, self-important tormentors tend to emphasize other’s shortcomings and faults. The best term to describe them is “a-hole.” The venomous people described in this paper fall into many categories: the disciplinary elitist, the egotistical narcissist, the (so-called) expert, the academic workplace bully, academic indoctrinators, and the egocentric college leader. All of them can cause huge problems and create dysfunction in individual academic departments and the entire institution. They have damaged the reputation of higher education.
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The Talmud stresses the overarching principle “Her [the Torah’s] ways are the ways of pleasantness and all of her paths are peace,” a verse in Proverbs, to ensure that the laws of Scripture are value-driven rather than mainly rule-driven.... more
The Talmud stresses the overarching principle “Her [the Torah’s] ways are the ways of pleasantness and all of her paths are peace,” a verse in Proverbs, to ensure that the laws of Scripture are value-driven rather than mainly rule-driven. Jewish sages understood that creating a peaceful, harmonious, and pleasant society was the focus of the Torah. In many cases, biblical laws were modified in order to maintain harmony and peace. Companies interested in solidifying their codes of ethics should examine this Talmudic approach, and their codes of ethics should similarly be guided by a core value such as compassion to bring their behavior into compliance with the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law.
Research Interests:
While one is in the process of negotiating for a particular property, another person frequently enters the process with a more attractive bid, snatching the property away from the first party. In the Talmud, this is known as “ani... more
While one is in the process of negotiating for a particular property, another person frequently enters the process with a more attractive bid, snatching the property away from the first party. In the Talmud, this is known as “ani ha’mehapech b’chararah” (literally, "If a poor person is engaging in the acquisition of a cake”), and in the view of Jewish law the second party is considered wicked. This paper will examine the implications of this law in the realm of commerce, dating, and finding employment.
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A schism that dates back to the 18th century divides what is commonly known as ultra-Orthodox Judaism – the Chasidim and the Misnagdim. Chasidic Jews (the term means “the pious one”) base their practices on the teachings of the Baal Shem... more
A schism that dates back to the 18th century divides what is commonly known as ultra-Orthodox Judaism – the Chasidim and the Misnagdim. Chasidic Jews (the term means “the pious one”) base their practices on the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, a mystic who lived in Eastern Europe in the early 1700s, serve God with joy. They believe that even the simplest Jew can achieve spiritual growth by helping others and loving God. The Misnagdim (“the opponents”) ascribed to a more austere philosophy, feeling that one should refrain from levity and excessive joy; they considered the surest way to become close to God was through intense study of the Talmud. They tended to be more ascetic than the Chasidim. This paper will show how the two groups used humor to mock each other, based on mutual stereotypes. The differences between the two groups have narrowed considerably, but they still tell jokes about each other.
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Donald Trump has served as President of the United States for more than two years. His performance in office has provided many valuable lessons about leadership. This paper offers a partial list of leadership principles one can deduce... more
Donald Trump has served as President of the United States for more than two years. His performance in office has provided many valuable lessons about leadership. This paper offers a partial list of leadership principles one can deduce from observing his leadership style. In addition, actual Trump quotations are provided.
Research Interests: Leadership and Humor
The past two decades have been witness to a nascent but compelling body of literature on lessons in leadership for business derived from biblical narratives. Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, rebuilt the Second Temple. When he arrived in... more
The past two decades have been witness to a nascent but compelling body of literature on lessons in leadership for business derived from biblical narratives. Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, rebuilt the Second Temple. When he arrived in Judah from Babylonia, the walls of Jerusalem were breached and the entire country was filled with people hostile to rebuilding the Temple. One of the mysteries of the Bible is the disappearance of Zerubbabel from the biblical record. This paper discusses mistakes made by Zerubbabel as a leader, how Ezra and Nehemiah rectified these errors, and demonstrates what leaders of today can learn from the issues involved in the construction of the Second Temple.
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Is humor an affront to God or a divine gift to humanity? Two Talmudic sages were known as jesters: Bar Kappara and Rabbi Yirmiyah. They both tried to get their teachers -- who felt that one should be morose until Messianic times -- to... more
Is humor an affront to God or a divine gift to humanity? Two Talmudic sages were known as jesters: Bar Kappara and Rabbi Yirmiyah. They both tried to get their teachers -- who felt that one should be morose until Messianic times -- to laugh. This debate over whether one should serve God with joy or be morose is still going on. The chassidic view, based on the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, is that one should serve God with joy. The misnagdim disagree and feel that one should refrain from levity and excessive joy. This paper examines conflicting attitudes towards humor in the Talmud in terms of a forerunner to some of the Jewish cultural conflicts of today.
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This paper uses a powerful story from the Zohar, a foundational text of Jewish mysticism, to demonstrate the importance of forgiveness.
Research Interests: Kabbalah and Forgiveness
The ancient sages of the Talmud used stories as a method to teach people how to behave ethically. Elijah stories remain extremely popular today and he becomes an important figure in Jewish folklore and Chassidic tales. Elijah is supposed... more
The ancient sages of the Talmud used stories as a method to teach people how to behave ethically. Elijah stories remain extremely popular today and he becomes an important figure in Jewish folklore and Chassidic tales. Elijah is supposed to show up at every Jewish circumcision and at the Passover Seder. This paper will examine the Elijah stories that appear in rabbinic literature, principally the Talmud. The diverse roles he plays include: (a) miracle worker, rescuer, and healer; (b) discloser of heavenly secrets; (c) helper and comforter of the poor; (d) promoter of social justice; (e) teacher and scholar; and (f) punisher of the wicked.
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The question as to whether ethics should be rule-driven or value-driven has been addressed by several professional organizations. There is a belief by some organizations that overemphasizing rules can actually result in unethical... more
The question as to whether ethics should be rule-driven or value-driven has been addressed by several professional organizations. There is a belief by some organizations that overemphasizing rules can actually result in unethical behavior. People will do everything to game the rules and not be concerned with ethics. The sages of the Talmud recognized the danger of making religion rule-based and therefore came up with several legal devices to improve the law and make it more ethical. Indeed, the Talmud blamed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple by the Romans on the fact that people insisted on following the strict letter of Torah law and not doing more than the law required. The major device used to enhance the law and make it more value based was the use of aggadah, the non-legal side of the Talmud that includes narratives and maxims.
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Talmudic stories are a method used by the ancient sages to teach us about ethics and morality. The stories in this paper deal with baalei teshuva, penitents, who returned to God. It is clear from these stories that it is vital for people... more
Talmudic stories are a method used by the ancient sages to teach us about ethics and morality. The stories in this paper deal with baalei teshuva, penitents, who returned to God. It is clear from these stories that it is vital for people to help others repent. One great sage even offered his daughter in marriage to someone if he would give up his life as a sybarite. Moreover, penitence works even shortly before a person dies.
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This paper examines several different Talmudic principles that confirm the seriousness of the spoken word. The sages of the Talmud felt that saying something nasty that might happen in the future could actually cause it to happen. Thus,... more
This paper examines several different Talmudic principles that confirm the seriousness of the spoken word. The sages of the Talmud felt that saying something nasty that might happen in the future could actually cause it to happen. Thus, those following the advice of the Talmud, will avoid saying something unpleasant that might happen in the future. This may be the reason for saying " Heaven forbid " (chas v'shalom or chalila vachas in Hebrew) when talking about something unpleasant that could happen. Moreover, cursing others or even oneself is not a wise move since curses may boomerang back to the curser.
Research Interests: Talmud and Jewish Ethics
In the Talmud, the colleague one argued with most in legal matters in the Talmud was known as " bar plugta " who was typically one's best friend. This was seen as the ideal study partnership since it involved constructive arguing; one... more
In the Talmud, the colleague one argued with most in legal matters in the Talmud was known as " bar plugta " who was typically one's best friend. This was seen as the ideal study partnership since it involved constructive arguing; one might see it as form of adversarial collaboration. Unfortunately, arguing often results in insults being hurled and there is always the risk that an insult can be seen as harsh rather than playful or part of the disputation process. One example of an insult used fairly frequently is the term terada which either means scatterbrain or lunatic. The following insult was said about Rabbah bar bar Chanah [bar means son]: " Every Abba is as stupid as a donkey; and every bar bar Chanah is a fool. " This paper examines and discusses many different insults, reprimand, rebukes and even curses used by the sages.
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A key principle of financial reporting is that substance matters, not form. This is how auditors ensure that a firm will be viable in the future. The authors provide a checklist of goals that an organization should examine in order to... more
A key principle of financial reporting is that substance matters, not form. This is how auditors ensure that a firm will be viable in the future. The authors provide a checklist of goals that an organization should examine in order to determine whether it is investing in the long-run rather than being concerned with short-term goals that only provide the appearance of health. Goals that are crucial for long-term viability include: increasing customer satisfaction; retention of key employees; providing meaningful work; ensuring employee engagement; creation of an ethical tone at the top; and building a strong, positive reputation.
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The ancient sages of the Talmud used stories as a method to teach people how to behave ethically. Talmudic stories are especially fascinating since they may involve God, Satan, Elijah, or other biblical personalities. Stories, more than... more
The ancient sages of the Talmud used stories as a method to teach people how to behave ethically. Talmudic stories are especially fascinating since they may involve God, Satan, Elijah, or other biblical personalities. Stories, more than cases, have the ability to arouse passion and teach important ethical lessons. This paper examines numerous Talmudic stories in order to see what lessons can be learned from them about living a virtuous life.
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One researcher asserts that half of the 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States will be bankrupt within the next few decades. Change is coming whether colleges and universities like it or not. Think of what is happening to... more
One researcher asserts that half of the 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States will be bankrupt within the next few decades. Change is coming whether colleges and universities like it or not. Think of what is happening to the newspapers and retailers. Unfortunately, most institutions of higher learning have a mindset that might have made sense in the industrial age but is dangerous in the knowledge economy. The institutions of higher education that survive will be the ones that learn how to eliminate waste and be efficient. This paper highlights several simple changes that have the potential of saving colleges millions of dollars. CUNY is used an example but most colleges will benefit from implementing these changes
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Talmudic stories are a method used by the ancient sages to teach us about ethics and morality. This paper examines the life of Rabbi Elazar, son of Rabbi Shimon b. Yochai. The most important and famous work of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism),... more
Talmudic stories are a method used by the ancient sages to teach us about ethics and morality. This paper examines the life of Rabbi Elazar, son of Rabbi Shimon b. Yochai. The most important and famous work of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), the Zohar, is attributed to Rabbi Shimon (with some assistance from his son) when living in a cave for 13 years. The Talmudic stories demonstrate Rabbi Elazar's transformation from a misanthropic ascetic to a humanitarian willing to suffer for others.
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One college president remarked: "Colleges are very good at adding. They're not good at subtracting." This is not only true when it comes to creating academic departments but is also true with respect to hiring administrators. This paper... more
One college president remarked: "Colleges are very good at adding. They're not good at subtracting." This is not only true when it comes to creating academic departments but is also true with respect to hiring administrators. This paper demonstrates that reducing the number of departments via mergers may benefit a college or university in many ways. It can help reduce wasteful administrative bloat, eliminate the silo mentality, encourage interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programs and research, and improve organizational agility. Moreover, merged departments have the ability to provide students with a broader outlook than those whose major departments are too narrow. Procedures for determining which departments to merge are also discussed. Colleges and universities have no choice but to become more efficient. One researcher asserts that half of the 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States will be bankrupt within the next few decades.
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The Talmud asserts that one who prohibits that which is permitted, will eventually permit that which is prohibited. Clearly, a chumra (religious stringency exceeding the normal requirements of the law) can have negative consequences and... more
The Talmud asserts that one who prohibits that which is permitted, will eventually permit that which is prohibited. Clearly, a chumra (religious stringency exceeding the normal requirements of the law) can have negative consequences and one should therefore be very careful before imposing it on the community. This paper provides numerous sources and examples to assist one who wishes to examine the issues involving chumras. Stringencies are not always appropriate and may boomerang and cause more problems than they solve. Indeed, there are chumras that (1) make one appear arrogant; (2) result in one being called a boor; (3) result in one being called a sinner; (4) cast aspersions on previous generations that did not require this behavior; (5) border on heresy and might even warrant excommunication; and (6) result in one being called " the fool who walks in darkness. "
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This paper examines anti-Semitic humor, which, like most bigoted humor, is not very witty and often relies on ridiculous stereotypes. This is not unexpected from people whose family tree does not fork. Those who tell bigoted jokes should,... more
This paper examines anti-Semitic humor, which, like most bigoted humor, is not very witty and often relies on ridiculous stereotypes. This is not unexpected from people whose family tree does not fork. Those who tell bigoted jokes should, at the very least, attempt to ensure that their humor is funny and contains a kernel of truth. A primer, containing four simple steps, is offered for bigots who clearly are not intelligent enough to tell a good joke without assistance. Hopefully, they will benefit from this paper and the world will be spared from any more of this pathetic so-called humor.
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This paper examines what colleges and universities have to do if they wish to remain relevant. Many students graduating college today lack critical thinking skills. One reason for this is that academics themselves lack some important... more
This paper examines what colleges and universities have to do if they wish to remain relevant. Many students graduating college today lack critical thinking skills. One reason for this is that academics themselves lack some important skills that include: (1) an appreciation of uncertainty; (2) respect for other disciplines; and (3) an understanding of what true diversity is all about. All of these require humility which is not valued enough in academe.
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A major threat to the success of a society or organization is the feeling of certainty. It is clear that people overestimate how much they actually know. This paper will examine the dangers of certainty. People who have too much... more
A major threat to the success of a society or organization is the feeling of certainty. It is clear that people overestimate how much they actually know. This paper will examine the dangers of certainty. People who have too much confidence in their opinions may actually have a mental flaw that can be dangerous. Moreover, much of the research in areas such as medicine and management cannot be replicated and turns out to be untrue. In fact, doctors only make about 15% of decisions using scientifically valid studies.
Research Interests:
The rebellion of the Jews against Rome started in 66 C.E. and ended with the destruction of the Second Temple and Jerusalem in 70 C.E. The author provides several classic stories describing what the situation was like back then. One thing... more
The rebellion of the Jews against Rome started in 66 C.E. and ended with the destruction of the Second Temple and Jerusalem in 70 C.E. The author provides several classic stories describing what the situation was like back then. One thing is apparent: the atmosphere that existed in ancient Judea, then a Roman province, was marked by discord, divisiveness, and corruption. Religious extremism destroyed the core values of Judaism. What enabled Judaism to survive was the ascendancy of the Hillel School which stressed peace, justice, and human dignity.
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Meaningful work that gives one a sense of purpose is of great importance to young people who are entering the workforce, especially women. They are even willing to earn less money, provided that they work at a meaningful job. Only 17.9%... more
Meaningful work that gives one a sense of purpose is of great importance to young people who are entering the workforce, especially women. They are even willing to earn less money, provided that they work at a meaningful job. Only 17.9% of computer science graduates are female. More women might enter this field if they recognized the meaningful nature of the work. Computer science is an ideal major for students who want to improve the world and make it a better place. The authors demonstrate how numerous areas including health care, education, the military, environmental studies, and crime prevention are being transformed by technology.
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The trait of " Hakaras HaTov " which means recognizing the good is discussed often in many Jewish sources. It actually relates to three different but related ideas: (1) the obligation to recognize the good that is being done whether by an... more
The trait of " Hakaras HaTov " which means recognizing the good is discussed often in many Jewish sources. It actually relates to three different but related ideas: (1) the obligation to recognize the good that is being done whether by an inanimate object, person, or God; (2) the importance of being optimistic; and (3) the importance of showing gratitude. The Talmud asserts that the punishment for being an ingrate is described in the verse (Proverbs 17:13): " He who repays evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. " This paper will explore why this middah (trait) is so important to Judaism. It also examines what modern scholarship has to say about gratitude and thankfulness.
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America is in crisis and appears to have lost its moral compass. People have little confidence in its institutions ranging from Congress to the Presidency. This paper examines the Book of Ruth and shows that there are many powerful... more
America is in crisis and appears to have lost its moral compass. People have little confidence in its institutions ranging from Congress to the Presidency. This paper examines the Book of Ruth and shows that there are many powerful lessons for our society contained in it. One key lesson is the importance of selfless, altruistic kindness, especially on the part of leaders. It also has a powerful message about xenophobia. Other lessons that can be derived from this story are discussed.
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Practice sets are provided to teach students how to solve problems involving confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Topics covered include: One-sample Z, One-sample t, One sample Z test for proportion, Two independent sample Z-test,... more
Practice sets are provided to teach students how to solve problems involving confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Topics covered include: One-sample Z, One-sample t, One sample Z test for proportion, Two independent sample Z-test, Two independent sample t-test, Two-sample test for proportions. The author also provides websites where students may check their answers.
Research Interests:
Accountants and auditors are no longer number crunchers that are primarily concerned with examining historical data. They are being used by most firms to provide advice and as such are often the power behind the throne. As advisors, they... more
Accountants and auditors are no longer number crunchers that are primarily concerned with examining historical data. They are being used by most firms to provide advice and as such are often the power behind the throne. As advisors, they need to understand that they play an important role in how a firm is run. The authors feel that accountants and auditors should be at the forefront of those trying to inculcate values into a company. One way to do this requires that they see their role as that of a servant leader. As servant leaders, they will understand that for firms to thrive they must be run in a manner in which caring about employees, customers, and the community are core values of the firm.
Research Interests:
Want to learn how to use MS Excel to solve simple statistics problems? This will be of great value if you take an Intro to Stats course. Those of you who simply want to become more proficient in MS Excel will also benefit. We've got what... more
Want to learn how to use MS Excel to solve simple statistics problems? This will be of great value if you take an Intro to Stats course. Those of you who simply want to become more proficient in MS Excel will also benefit. We've got what you need! Here are some video lectures to study.