By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – January 7, 2012

When searching for happiness, joy or meaning in life, we sometimes look too far in the distance, rather than within or around us.

I’m reminded of a story told by the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, about … More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – December 17, 2011

The festival of Hanukkah takes place this year from December 20 to December 28, and celebrates the struggle for national and religious freedom fought by our ancestors 22 centuries ago.

At that time, the land of … More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – October 29, 2011

Sometimes we throw words around without considering the effect they may have on others. But once words are spoken, it is impossible to take them back. Who hasn’t been affected by the power of words? How … More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – October 1, 2011

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is a joyful day when we wish one another a good year, but it is also an occasion of solemn reflection.

It is amazing, everything that can happen in just … More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – August 13, 2011

How often do we say, “If only I had that (whatever it is), I would be happy.” “If only the situation was like that, I would be happy.” “If only that happened, I would be happy”?… More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – April 9, 2011

The commandment to honor parents is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12): “Honor your father and mother.” To honor parents does not mean that we have to obey everything they say. For instance, even if … More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – February 19, 2011

Thanks to YouTube, I recently was able to watch and listen to Jewish psychiatrist and neurologist Victor Frankl, founder of the school of existential psychotherapy known as logotherapy. His first and most famous book — which … More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – September 1, 2012

Our celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins on September 16. This holiday marks the beginning of a ten-day period known as the “Days of Awe” or the “Ten Days of Repentance, which culminates … More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – November 17, 2012

Thanksgiving is the holiday that people of different faiths, ethnic and cultural origins can share and appreciate, because we all have collective and personal reasons to give thanks.

The Hebrew Bible reminds us to be grateful … More

By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – December 8, 2012

Hanukkah is the festival which celebrates the restoration of Jewish religious and political independence in the land of Israel about 2,200 years ago. During this holiday, we commemorate the triumph of our ancestors over the Greek … More