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Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) was a Dutch Jew born in Amsterdam. He is more commonly referred to by the Latin version of his name: Benedict de Spinoza.
Early in life he acquired a deep interest in the philosophy of Rene Descartes and other ideas that conflicted with Judaism.

He was formally excommunicated from his Synagogue at the age of 24. He became leader of a small circle of philosophers and he supported himself with a “day job” grinding and polishing lenses.

In perhaps his most famous writing, Tractatus Theologica Politicus (published in 1670) he made the fundamental error that is characteristic of modernism. This error was to divide faith from reason. Spinoza thus broke with the leading authority of medieval Jewish thought, the famous rabbi, Maimonides (1135-1204).

Maimonides correctly asserted that faith and reason are compatible. Spinoza’s rejection of the compatibility of faith and reason set the stage for the rejection of faith by the Jewish intellectuals and philosophers who would follow him.

This division of faith from reason is a false dichotomy. It has led to the modernist error that claims that science and philosophy are rational but divine revelation is mere superstition. The Bible, however, is a book of faith based on rational proof. The Bible is the record of God speaking to humanity.

God backed His words with signs, wonders, miracles and predictive prophecy. The Bible is a record of real miraculous events that occurred among real people in real history. It is not a mere list of commands and philosophical statements to be apprehended only by faith.

Miracles occurred in ancient times in the lives of Abraham, Moses, Elijah and others. We have their written testimony. One major category of miracle that we can rationally apprehend in our own time is predictive prophecy. The Bible contains over two thousand predictive prophecies.

Some of these prophecies were fulfilled in ancient times and their fulfillments are recorded in history. Other prophecies were fulfilled in postbiblical times and some Bible prophecies are being fulfilled in current events in our own time.

One example of prophetic fulfillment is the restoration of the Jews to the land of Israel which is the fulfillment of a number of Bible prophecies. Predictive prophecy is like God’s signature on the Bible.

Christians claim that over three hundred Bible prophecies were fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth whom Christians believe to be the promised Messiah.

No other holy book of any other faith has any thing like the Bible’s record of predictive prophecy. The Bible stands alone in its accuracy of predictive prophecy.

Predictive prophecies and other signs and wonders give powerful reasonable, rational proof that God is indeed speaking through the pages of the Bible. It is on this solid rational foundation that the heart can respond by faith to believe and obey God. Faith and reason are not contradictory.

By contradicting Maimonides, Spinoza did the same damage to Judaism that Gentile modernist philosophers did to Christianity. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) contradicted the synthesis of faith and reason espoused by Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) with the same devastating results.

The denial of the rational basis for Judaism and Christianity led to the abandonment of these faiths by the intellectual classes. The abandonment of the faith ultimately led to the abandonment of morality. The mass murder of millions under communism and fascism is the legacy of modern secularism.

Interestingly, Spinoza, in his final work Ethica (1677), details a complex philosophy with strong monistic (pantheistic) overtones similar to Hinduism. His life therefore is a picture of the progression from Torah Judaism to modernist reason to eastern pantheism. Many Jews in recent times have made that same tragic journey.

So towering a figure is Spinoza that much of Jewish religious thought and philosophy since can be understood as a series of responses to his writings. Spinoza’s influence on Abraham Geiger and Reform Judaism is undeniable.

Other Jewish thinkers such as Samson Raphael Hirsch, Zecharias Frankel, Hermann Cohen, Leo Baeck, Jewish existentialist philosopher Martin Buber, Franz Rosenzweig, Mordecai Kaplan and Abraham Heschel all felt Spinoza’s influence.

(A major source for this article is Prof. David B. Ruderman’s lecture series Jewish Intellectual History 16th to 20th Century.)

Bill Nugent has written many articles on Christianity, philosophy and science. He has also written books that give Bible based teaching on sanctification and that caution against the error of legalism. His books are available at his website www.gracelawandsonship.com.

The following information regards the first half (first 2 hours) of a Bar or bat Mitzvah Reception:

There’s no university I know of offering a Mobile DJ major. We learn by watching, listening and doing. What works for me will be handled differently by my peers.

What’s the right way? Did you hear about the woman who rushed into the train station at 9:30 and asked at the ticket counter, “Where do I catch the 9:40 train to New York?” The agent responded by pointing: “Make a left, and you’ll be right!” “Don’t get smart with me, young man.” “OK lady, make a right, and you’ll be left!”

Huh?

Aoccdrnig to rscheearch, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

By not hiring the “right” DJ, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be stuck with a “left” DJ or a “wrong” DJ…but you may be booking one who plays with 51 in the deck. So what? He could be great, lots of fun and completely innovative! He’s a DJ, not a neurosurgeon. He may be inclined to view your function from an entirely innovative and fresh perspective. He wants to do things his way, so loosen the leash and allow him to do what he does best. If you’re comfortable with him, to paraphrase The Beatles: Let Him Be.

Once at a Bat Mitzvah, the mother actually carried a clipboard! Do I have to detail this? The caterer and I were ready to commit hara-kiri after 4 hours.

Please…tranquility and flexibility. The following typical reception is only a guide:

HOUR ONE (Scenario A): During cocktails/hors d’oeuvres, the music is indicative of what’s going on. Nothing! Guests don’t all arrive at once. They filter in, blend and mingle. They won’t filter in and hit the dance floor, so the music is audible, but not overt. No one’s ears will bleed. Expect a pleasant meld of Gershwin, Sinatra, big band, modern jazz, soft vocals or light classics.

Don’t expect the DJ to be on the mic cajoling your guests to dance. It’s just as important knowing when to speak as when to zip it. Years ago, I stopped booking myself as THE JOE SHOW, which was my “nom de plume” on-the-air. After all, it wasn’t me who was the center of attention. It was the child. A DJ should appreciate the benefit of a subdued approach when it’s appropriate.

HOUR ONE (Scenario B): Give the kids to the DJ for games and “their” music in the main room while adults enjoy hors d’oeuvres without music in the foyer.

HOUR ONE (Scenario C): Hors d’oeuvres are served in the foyer to all guests. After hors d’oeuvres, the doors all swing open and the party begins “cooking” with up-tempo, high energy music (NRG in DJ shorthand). You lead the way onto the dance floor with your child and then, after a rousing introduction, Grand Entrance and applause, have a few spins with your guests before the meal is served and/or between courses.

(At a Saturday evening affair, be sure to advise your DJ if you choose to have a Havdalah service. And hope he doesn’t say: “A what?”)

HOUR TWO: Preceding the meal, have the Motzi and a little “…bo-ray, p’ri hagoffen.” (Your child will be looking forward to that Manischewitz!) True story: Once at an afternoon party, we couldn’t find the Bar Mitzvah boy at game time. Everyone became quite concerned (some frantic) when we still couldn’t locate him to lift him in the chair during the Hora. It seems his cousins were sneaking him a few sips (gulps?) of the fruit-of-the-vine. He was outside. Loosing his lunch. Once he found his way back in, he couldn’t even read his Candlelighting poems! Have you ever seen parents who wanted to kill their kid at his own Bar Mitzvah?!

Prior to your arrival, the caterer and DJ will discuss the affair and review a printed agenda (yours or theirs). Hot food should be served hot, so timing is essential.

It’s the DJ’s responsibility to insure that the party flows. Let your caterers serve a delicious meal. DON’T allow them to program your function. Never, ever with a capital NEVER. Occasionally, they can be heavy handed about it, but event coordination is not their expertise. They do it occasionally because they have to deal with all caliber of DJs. But if you trust your DJ, then TRUST YOUR DJ!

Regardless of whether your meal is sit-down, stations or buffet, your child and his friends will finish eating in fifteen minutes. (Twenty, if you s-t-r-e-t-c-h it.) So have the kids served first. After they’ve finished eating it’s the ideal time, and gives the DJ more time, for games and contests and to work with the kids.

Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ in Baltimore since 1974 and authored “DJ’s Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ” c 2001, 2007 EMI. It’s loaded with constructive, organized and valuable tip$ for Parents. He’s performed at well over 1000 Mitzvahs, so take advantage of his experience. (And experiences!) You’ll find loads of info and goodies at http://djs-secrets.com/

Regarding a Disc Jockey’s full color mail-out brochure, does High Gloss = High Cost? Not necessarily. And very often, the opposite is true.

It’s not a certainty about the one you may receive, but national printers sell professionally designed, glossy brochures to DJs by exclusive territory and classification (Wedding, Corporate, etc.) and simply plug in each local DJ’s logo and phone number. The descriptions and photographs are usually generic! Those same partygoers sure get around.

You can tell by noting if specific DJ information is found on the front and back covers ONLY. Is it sneaky? Is it credible? Does it matter? Should you care? You decide. It’s not the end of the world, it’s just another DJ sales technique, or it may indicate an agency.

If you choose to speak with an agency and bypass discussion with the DJ who will perform at your party, you’re walking on eggshells. So watch your step!

Agencies subcontract a crew of DJs (keeping a liberal amount of the fee for booking them). A benefit agencies promote is that they’re able to provide a replacement in the event of an emergency. OK, so? Although they stress the fear factor to favor themselves over an individual, an emergency isn’t probable. You’re not booking an insurance policy. Besides, all decent single operators network too, and can offer the same assurance.

So is it money well spent? Remember the old Wendy’s commercials: “Where’s The Beef?”

What else do they offer? If you’re hiring a “name” who works exclusively for the agent, that’s fine. But if you’re getting a guy from their stable, find out who’s been assigned to your party. Does he favor a tuxedo or a backwards baseball cap? Even if the agency has been around for years, he may be newly trained or hired last week. You’re spending big $$$…buy experience!

If the agency won’t allow you and your assigned Disc Jockey to speak together without the agency as an intermediary, assume the worst and walk away. Quickly. The DJ will be more frank and/or you’ll be able to judge his experience (or lack of experience) without Big Brother watching (or listening).

At a large catering hall which divides into four separate banquet rooms, I recently ran into a local booking agency’s DJ as we were both unloading our equipment for different affairs. He came in to check out my set-up and did everything but drool. I walked into the adjoining room and saw his “gear.” It looked like a DJ starter kit from Circuit City. Actually that’s unfair to Circuit City. Make that Toys-R-Us. (You know something? It’s almost unfair to Toys-R-Us, too!)

He volunteered to me that the agency was paying him a $35 per hour fee. Here’s a fellow who was content to go home with $140 in his wallet that night (before taxes). Is it any wonder that he couldn’t afford a professional system?

Anyone who’s been around for a while wouldn’t pack up his vehicle for $140. The key is that the agency booked the job for $400 (”Return Your Contract Within Ten Days And Receive A Special Discount From Our Regular $500 Fee”). Of course, what the customer ultimately received was an $140 Disc Jockey, not a $400 (or $500) DJ. Please note: This one example may not be typical and it’s certainly not meant to impugn respectable and reputable agencies, of which there are plenty. But, it is not extreme.

What do you think would have happened if this DJ received a last minute phone call from Agency “B” for a job that would pay him $250 cash that evening? It’s obvious. He’s a mercenary and a likely no-show nightmare for you. Re-read that last sentence.

And if Agency “A” subsequently fired him, so what? What’s Agency “A” going to do? Take him to court for $140? He’s a subcontractor out for himself with no vested interest in the agency. Nor is he indebted to you. He’s never even spoken to you! He doesn’t have a conscience. What he would have is an extra $110 in his pocket for the same amount of work. But where would that leave YOU?

Be aware, not wary hiring through a booker. Do they have office space or handle everything over the phone? Can they offer advice regarding invitations, photographers, light shows, dancers, sign-in boards, prizes and party favors? They’re a bargain and worth the extra expenditure if they assume the full burden. I want to be clear: many agencies are conscientious and exemplary. If you’ve gotten personal referrals–perfect! Dump it all in their lap. If not, PLEASE request professional references. Not glossy brochures.

Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ in Baltimore since 1974 and authored “DJ’s Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ” c 2001, 2007 EMI. It’s loaded with constructive, organized and valuable tip$ for Parents. He’s performed at well over 1000 Mitzvahs, so take advantage of his experience. (And experiences!) You’ll find loads of info and goodies at http://djs-secrets.com/

A tallit (also known as a prayer shawl, especially by Christians) is a rectangle or square cloth with tzitzit (fringes) on each of the four corners and an atarah along the collar. It is worn in obedience to the biblical commandment to wear tzitzit found in Numbers 15:37-41. The passage reads:

“The L-RD also spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the L-RD, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your G-d. I am the L-RD your G-d who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your G-d; I am the L-RD your G-d.’”

Historically, the tallit is a Jewish garment, with black stripes, worn by Jewish men only. However, the tradition has developed and more and more Jewish women also wear tallits now. In addition, tallits are no longer limited to plain black stripes. An interesting development recently has been the number of churches and Christians who have begun using tallits and prayer shawls in their services, prayer meetings, or in their personal devotional times. Read on to learn more!

A tallit can be made in a variety of fabrics, including wool, cotton, silk, polyester, rayon, dacron, and more, although that worn by a “cohen” or “levite” cannot be made of a mixed fabric. Some have a blue thread in the tzitzit called techelet, in accordance with the original biblical commandment, but even those that do not have the techelet can have it added by special request.

The traditional style to wear the tallit is to put it over the shoulders and draped down the back, then pull the two front corners up over the shoulders & down the front. Often tallit clips are used in the front to hold the traditional tallit in place. Contemporary tallits are often smaller, resembling shawls, and these just hang around the neck or across your shoulders and upper part of your back. Both types of tallit often now have contemporary designs rather than the traditional stripes, ranging from the Etz Chaim (tree of life), to multi-colored stripes, from a bold red background to Chagall’s windows, from the Jerusalem skyline to a flowers design, and more; the possibilities & options are almost endless.

When the tallit is put on it is customary to say a traditional blessing, known as a b’racha. This blessing, either in full or just the last part of it, is sometimes stitched or painted on the atarah (collar) of the tallit, but it does not have to be there in order for the tallit to be kosher. The b’racha for putting on the tallit is as follows:

“Baruch ata adonai, eloheynu melech ha-olam, asher kidd’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hitatef b’tzitzit.”

“Blessed art thou, O L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by thy commandments and has commanded us to put on the tzitzit.”

Tallits are worn during the morning prayer on weekdays, including Shabbat and other holy days, but are not normally worn during the afternoon or evening prayers. One exception to this is on Erev Yom Kippur at the Neilah service where it is customary to wear your tallit. The tallit can be worn by both men and women, although in Orthodoxy women do not generally wear one. While it is a commandment for an adult Jewish man to “don the tzitzit,” it is only “permissible” for an adult Jewish woman to do so, not commanded. It is, however, encouraged that a woman who wears a tallit would use a woman’s one rather than a man’s, and there are many many beautiful designs and fabrics now available specifically for women. In addition, it is not traditionally encouraged for someone who is not Jewish to wear a tallit, even though it is becoming more common for some Christians to wear the tallit, or prayer shawl, during their prayer or worship times. Whatever the case, it should be stressed that this is a holy garment and must be treated with respect and honor to the biblical commandments and the Jewish tradition of which it is an integral part.

If you are looking for a tallit or prayer shawl, you can find discount tallit warehouses online and shop from your armchair! A good online tallit shop will offer tallits and prayer shawls in a range of sizes, both traditional and contemporary styles for men, women, and bar/bat mitzvah children, in a variety of fabrics & designs. They will even include the techelet as a custom order if requested, and will work with you as an individual to find the perfect tallit for you!

Adam Barnett works for Studio Shofar Judaica & Gifts, and hopes to help educate the judaica market to better understand judaica products in general. To browse through a huge selection of tallits & prayer shawls, visit the tallit warehouse at Studio Shofar Judaica & Gifts.

Guidance follows, not the law. The DJ you hire may take umbrage at being told how to conduct his performance. I would! But choosing the proper Disc Jockey is perhaps the most important decision you can make to ensure the success of your event. Everything else can be perfect, but if the music presentation isn’t a bulls-eye, the party will fizzle.

Selecting a DJ can be tough. There are dozens in most communities, all promising a great job. So, how do you pick the right one? I’ll ease the chore. Relax. You can’t be rushed or hasty or jump at the first offer. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap!

The best way to find a DJ you’ll like is obvious: hire one you’ve seen in action. If you attended a function where the DJ was noteworthy, find out who he was. If you didn’t get his business card at the party, ask the host, caterer or hall manager. Maybe your friends have been to an affair you missed. Tell them you’re looking. Request that they keep their eyes (and ears) open for you. After that, your job gets tougher.

I’m not going to list “Find-A-DJ” web sites here. Selecting by state, only a handful of DJ companies will show up, while hundreds are actually available. Besides, most specifically list Wedding DJs, not Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJs. Better bets:

1. Ask your caterer. Which DJs impress them? Which don’t? They’ve seen ‘em all!

2. Look for staged events such as a B’nai or Simcha Showcase. They’re usually sponsored by Jewish publications, local Synagogues, hotels, the JCC or caterers, and held at their halls. Not only DJs, but vendors representing every aspect of your party needs will be represented…from your invitations to the last dance!

3. Call local radio stations. Many have excellent DJs who “moonlight.”

4. Check out the display and classified ads in your newspaper or phone book. Look under the “Disc Jockey,” “Music” or “Entertainment” headings. Note the ads in which the DJ actually mentions “Bar Mitzvahs.” He’ll obviously be comfortable with the format. But remember, well established and proficient DJs should be able to handle any occasion, so seek out one who has performed many times, hundreds of times, at every type of party or function. Experience breeds professionalism.

Mobile DJing is most often a part-time vocation. If you’re not calling an agency, the vast majority of single-unit operators (other than radio jocks) will have different weekday employment. It should not prejudice your choice, but your DJ is likely a “weekend warrior.” Expect an answering machine from 9 to 5. But a PROMPT response.

Do we throw this party of buy a new car? You won’t be asking yourself that question if you allocate wisely. We all know that this will not be an inexpensive day. But expense is relative.

The worst way to choose a DJ is on the bottom line, as your SOLE consideration. It’s tempting to seek the cheapest alternative, but consider the law of supply and demand. A higher priced DJ may be worth the extra expenditure since he’s not going to be a rookie, he enjoys his reputation and he tends to work constantly. You’ll find that DJs at the bottom end of the price scale are likely relatively new to the business, trying to get established with tempting fees. But be cautious before opening the Yellow Pages and calling the DJ who offers the “best” price. He may be worth a shot if your party is on the informal side, but you must acknowledge a risk regarding presentation and reliability.

So many responsibilities go along with being a crowd pleaser. Hire low end, receive low end. How can he afford equipment and music upkeep and still earn a living? While DJ shopping, have you given any thought to an inferior music library, shoddy people skills or, hold still…a no-show? I’d bet that wouldn’t have even entered your mind! It should.

Or:
– He often steps outside for a smoke
– “Imbibes” because you (wrongly) offered
– Has the gall to put a “Tip Jar” on his table (be sure your Bartender doesn’t show one, either!)
– Makes occasional inappropriate remarks
– Has friends in attendance and doesn’t concentrate on the event
– Makes your guests shout, playing too loud during dinner
– Plays what he enjoys rather than what motivates a crowd, and then blends that music improperly
– Or he shows up but simply does not shut up!

When you speak to a prospective DJ, sense whether or not Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are his niche. Several DJs I know will book a Mitzvah because it’s a job. But they dread the date. Obviously they’d never admit that to you, but they experience trepidation. I network and I run into guys like this. They’re fine with weddings, but dealing with the games and the Candlelighting and the Motzi and the Hora and the KIDS puts them in a cold sweat.

A “bargain” DJ may turn out to be anything but.

Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ in Baltimore since 1974 and authored “DJ’s Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ” c 2001, 2007 EMI. It’s loaded with constructive, organized and valuable tip$ for Parents. He’s performed at well over 1000 Mitzvahs, so take advantage of his experience. (And experiences!) You’ll find loads of info and goodies at http://djs-secrets.com/