Great Dudes of History: Rabbi Rami

Within Dudeism—a religion inspired by the beloved film The Big Lebowski—a “Dude” is more than just a carefree person. A Dude is a representation of a more profound philosophy—one that emphasizes sincerity, ease of living, and a genuine appreciation of the dualistic beauty and absurdity of life. Despite having a strong spiritual foundation and a strong background in organized religion, Rabbi Rami Shapiro epitomizes everything that makes a Great Dude: a unique combination of humor, knowledge, and an unshakeable devotion to living a life filled with grace and compassion. This essay examines the reasons why Rabbi Rami ought to be considered one of the Great Dudes of History.

In The Beginning Was Fear

In the beginning was fear—the fear that everything that has a body experiences once it realizes we live in a predatory universe; a universe in which absolutely everything gets to be eaten… if not by the sharp fangs of a predator, then by time itself. And Fear became our God. And it began to rule over our lives, shrink our willingness to dare, and rob us of the beauty of it all.

Christian Nationalism United the Right to Violence for the Jan 6th Insurrection

A new report has detailed the role Christian Nationalism played in bolstering, justifying, and intensifying the January 6th attack of 2021 on the U.S. Capitol.  Drawing on reporting, videos, statements, and images from the attack and its precursor events; the most comprehensive account to date of Christian Nationalism’s role in the January 6th Insurrection has…

War, Rinse, Repeat

This week we have watched the complete “undoing” of all that had been done by US troops in Afghanistan over the last twenty years. Within three days of our starting the withdrawal process (from a region some would argue that we never should have been in to begin with), the Taliban have quickly seized back…

President Trump, Get Well Soon

I don’t revel in the prospect that Donald J. Trump could potentially die from complications related to his now-confirmed infection. And even if you see him as an evil political enemy deserving of whatever he gets, I think it more prudent that you don’t rub the salt in our fellow American’s wounds either. Like it or not, Trump is currently beloved by a large number of Americans; and they will be deeply grieved if their dear leader dies. For Trump’s opponents to celebrate in such a grave event, should his death take place; it would forever embitter Trump’s followers and potentially elevate him to a martyr in their eyes.

Confessions of a Karen in Recovery

At this point, unless you live under a rock, I am sure you have heard the term “Karen” used to describe a certain type of white woman. But just in case… “Karen is a pejorative term used in the US and other English speaking countries for a woman perceived to be entitled or demanding beyond the scope of…

Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride

With the arrival of Covid-19, our lives, as we once knew them, have abruptly ceased to exist. Homes have been turned into schools and offices (for those of us lucky enough to still have jobs), simple nights out on the town to grab a bite to eat are now a distant memory, and the vast…