Episode 165

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Published on:

2nd Jun 2025

Make America Good Again Step 7

The impulse towards acts of kindness and compassion is a universal language of the human heart. Our tradition elevates chesed as a cornerstone of our faith. Christian love (agape) is defined by selfless care. Islamic Rahmah, divine compassion, inspires acts of mercy. Hindu teachings overflow with the importance of Daya and Karuna. And Buddhist practice centers on the cultivation of Metta and Karuna for all.

The understanding of Tzedakah as justice-based giving finds resonance in other traditions. While the mechanisms may differ, the underlying principle of ensuring the well-being of the community and addressing systemic inequalities is present. Christian teachings on social justice, Islamic Zakat as a right of the poor, Hindu Dana aimed at social balance, and Buddhist Dana as a means of reducing suffering all point to this shared concern.



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About the Podcast

The Rabbi and I
The Rabbi & The Cartoonist Give Answers
When people ask Rabbi Block a question they frequently preface the question by telling him not to answer with a question! And he can’t agree more. When People ask a question they are looking for an answer and not to be asked a question. “The Rabbi and I” podcasts are exactly that, answers to questions that Joe and Rabbi Block have been asked.

The podcasts begin with Joe asking for Rabbi Block’s opinion, thoughts, views, etc. on questions that have caught his attention. He is looking for moral, spiritual, and religious guidance. And that is what Rabbi Block provides, understandable and common sense answers from nor only the Jewish tradition, but from the wisdom of other traditions as well.

Rabbi Ken Block, aka “Rabbi On the Go” offers wit and wisdom on a variety of topics to Joe, the “not a Jew.” Rabbi Block is “Rabbi Emeritus” for a Reform, interfaith congregation in Chantilly, Virginia. Rabbi Block relies on his experience as a behavioral therapist and teacher to give spontaneous wisdom on any topic. Joe, like the Rabbi, was taught by Jesuits and together they explore the commonalities and contrasts in modern religion, events and experiences. Feel free to make requests or volunteer to be a guest with the topic of your choice.

About your host

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Keneth Block

Rabbi Kenneth Block graduated from Boston College in 1968 and was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1974, and is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
Rabbi Block retired after 40 years as an addiction Chaplain for the Veterans Administration Maryland Health Care Systems, as the Chaplain for the Bel Air, Maryland Volunteer Fire Company, as Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine , and Chaplain for the Maryland State Firemen's Association. He was a volunteer for the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington was is a volunteer Chaplain for Capital Caring Hospice.