Rabbi Brad Bloom
The Boy Scouts should be open to all
On Thursday local chapters voted on a policy resolution to admit openly gay youth into the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America.
Rabbi Brad Bloom
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
When "sorry" isn't enough: Public figures must back up apologies with action
What does repentance mean when public leaders commit immoral acts?
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Boston Marathon bombings shouldn't allow us to slip into feelings of never being safe again
The April 15 bombings at the time-honored Boston Marathon once again ignited media commentary reminding us we can never be entirely safe again. Commentators make statements about these kinds of horrific events as if this latest tragedy is the ultimate turning point. They say it is "taking away America...
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Faith in Action: Parsonage tax exemption must be used with integrity
The tax deadline triggers an annual migraine. For others, April 15 represents a secular Day of Judgment. Yes, Americans are completing their federal income tax responsibilities. Accountants, tax attorneys and bookkeepers are scurrying around making final preparations and submitting documents on ...
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Faith in Action: Imagine breaking matzah with a special seder guest, Pope Francis
With the election of Pope Francis, the world's Catholics have good reason to hope he addresses long-standing issues within the Catholic church. But other religions have a vested interest, too: the hope that he extends his hand in friendship and demonstrates respect for their faith teachings. Pope...
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Faith in Action: Amid ever-changing technology and abundant social media, are we failing to connect?
I recently returned from Long Beach, Calif., where I attended the annual convention of my rabbinical association.
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Matters of Faith: Interfaith prayer in times of trouble should not be discouraged by religious leaders
The ultimate irony after the Sandy Hook Elementary School slayings in Newtown, Conn., occurred recently when Pastor Rob Morris of the Missouri Synod Branch of the Lutheran Church was reprimanded by his national leadership for participating in the interfaith service held immediately after the shootings...
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Rabbi Brad Bloom: Let's be on right side of history
Nearly two weeks ago, the nation listened to President Barack Obama deliver his inaugural address. I wasn't sure whether the speech was a sermon cloaked in political language or a political speech veiled in religious clothing.
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Rabbi Bloom: Time to start National Nonviolence Day
I am going to present an idea, and you might think I am out of my mind.
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Rabbi Bloom: It's time to take a stance on gun control
I dropped off my daughter at middle school and drove to work -- just like any other day. At about 1 p.m. a staff member told me to turn on the radio when to my horror I listened to a report of a seventh-grade student sitting in a class at my daughter's school, brandishing his father's .22-caliber...
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RABBI BRAD BLOOM
Rabbi Bloom: Changing how the public views the clergy
A recent Gallup poll surveyed the public's opinion regarding professions that Americans believed to have the best and worst rating for ethics and honest behavior. The poll showed an appreciation for medical professions, rating nurses, pharmacists, physicians and dentists in the top 10. The clergy...


