Judaism Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Was Moses Black? Why People Disagree on His Appearance to This Day

April 1st, 2024

A prophet in the Abrahamic faiths, Moses is one of the most famous figures in history. But what did he look like? Historians have often debated his appearance, from clothes to skin tone. What did Moses look like?

Christian 43 Comments

Busting Myths About Breaking Bread: Everything You Think You Know About the Last Supper is Wrong

March 25th, 2024

Was Mary Magdalene at the Last Supper? Was it a Passover Seder? In honor of the upcoming Easter Sunday - and the accompanying dinner - we're busting some of the biggest myths about the most famous supper of all time.

Christian 29 Comments

Rabbi Fined For Hosting Religious Gatherings at Home Fights Back

February 19th, 2024

When does a house turn into a house of worship? A rabbi in Hawaii is suing the county after they fined him for hosting religious services in his home, arguing it was not zoned properly for worship services.

Political & Religious Controversy 124 Comments

As Hanukkah Begins, Some Jews Call for a Ceasefire

December 8th, 2023

Hundreds of Jewish people gathered at Columbus Circle in Manhattan for a traditional holiday candle lighting – but also to advocate for peace in Gaza. They lit a nine-foot tall menorah that read “ceasefire”.

Political & Religious Controversy 50 Comments

How Religious Groups Are Responding to the Conflict in Gaza

October 23rd, 2023

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has come to violence in the Middle East, capturing the world's attention. As the conflict descends into frightening and uncertain times, how are the world's faithful reacting?

Political & Religious Controversy 82 Comments

Bradley Cooper Accused of "Jewface" For Using Prosthetic Nose in New Film

August 21st, 2023

Actor Bradley Cooper is being criticized for the prosthetic nose he's donning in his new film "Maestro". Cooper is portraying legendary Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein, and not everyone likes his likeness.

Political & Religious Controversy 87 Comments

Ancient Judaism Recognized Wide Variety of Genders, Scholars Say

March 22nd, 2023

Did Jews in the second century have a more nuanced and complex understanding than we do now? Religious scholars say that ancient Judaism recognized eight different genders, far more than the binary view we have today.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 151 Comments

Are the Holidays Going “Woke” or Getting More Inclusive?

December 19th, 2022

From a Black Santa Claus to a commercialized Target version of Hanukkah, the holidays look a bit different this year. Are these efforts to boost representation “woke” pandering, or simply a step toward inclusivity?

Political & Religious Controversy 79 Comments

Kanye West Sparks Outrage With Antisemitic Tweet

October 13th, 2022

Musician Kanye West prompted widespread outrage earlier this month following a controversial antisemitic tweet in which he claimed he was going to go "death con 3" on the Jewish people. Here are some notable reactions.

Political & Religious Controversy 44 Comments

Is Abortion a Religious Right? Jewish Congregation Suing Florida to Find Out

June 17th, 2022

A Jewish congregation in Florida is challenging that state's new abortion law on religious freedom grounds. They say that in Judaism, women not only have the right to an abortion, sometimes it is required.

Political & Religious Controversy 265 Comments

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