Brad Bloom
The Island Packet
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Past articles by Brad:
Whether you’re Jewish or not, Hanukkah can light the way to hope, charity and love
It’s not unusual for visitors outside of Judaism to come by the synagogue to ask if our gift shop sells Hanukkah candles for lighting the special menorah (candelabra) each night for eight days. → Read More
Thanksgiving should be about peace and gratitude, even if you have to bite your tongue
Can we sit down at the dinner table, like the pilgrims of old, and share this Thanksgiving holiday together and still respect whomever sits down with us just like the Indians and the Pilgrims did in 1621? → Read More
In the wake of the Pittsburgh synagogue attack, we must work to cure the disease of hate
In the wake of deadly attacks at schools, churches and synagogues, the latest in Pittsburgh, Pa., Americans must come together to cure the disease of hate and fear so our country becomes all it was meant to be. → Read More
When stroke strikes someone you love, your presence can create the best medicine — hope
When a loved one suffers a stroke, we are sometimes uncomfortable in its aftermath. We worry that their lives will never be the same. But our presence can help create hope, one of the best medicines we can offer. → Read More
As Hilton Head Island’s election season heats up, we should ask ourselves: ‘What is true?’
As the election season on Hilton Head, SC, heats up, we as voters have an obligation to make sure that the things candidates for office are telling us are in fact the truth. That is the bedrock of our system. → Read More
Even God rested on the seventh day. And so should you!
Our time is constantly filled with work and chores. We would all do well to take some time — a sabbatical — to fully appreciate the blessings of life. → Read More
As our national discord grows, all of us should strive to listen "to our better angels."
America is sharply divided along partisan lines. Religion in the Lowcountry, and across the nation, should serve as a bridge to span the differences that separate us. → Read More
As Sessions quotes the Bible on immigration, where are the verses on love, compassion
Attorney General Jeff Session cited Romans 13 to justify the Trump Administration's immigration policies but where are the verses calling for love and compassion? → Read More
Don't let your age limit your spiritual horizons. Six Lowcountry women learned ancient Hebrew to enrich their lives and fulfill a cherished tradition.
As we get older, we sometimes let our age limit our spiritual lives. Six Lowcountry women → Read More
Are partisan politics and bitter political infighting silencing our clergy?
The firing of Patrick J. Conroy, the former chaplain of the U.S. House of Representative in Washington, D.C., may reflect a growing divide between America's political and moral life. → Read More
How a Lowcountry rabbi witnessed a 'miracle' in modern Israel
Lowcountry rabbie Brad Bloom leads trips to Israel as the country celebrates its creation in an initially hostile world. → Read More
How Lowcountry children can conquer 'fake news' and the poisonous hate it creates
When Okatie elementary students dressed as Adolph Hilter as part of a history program, school and community leaders used the moment to teach the truth. → Read More
How Lowcountry student marches can help end gun violence and begin to save our world
A Hilton Head island rabbi remembers the victims of gun violence and sees the young as a key to a safer future for all of us. → Read More
How we can take a meaningful stand against sexual harassment
Parents and religious leaders must work together to teach youth the values that make sexual harassment a thing of the past. → Read More
Religion and music: What’s the best way to make a joyful sound to God?
Music in today’s worship services is often a blend of traditional and contemporary songs and instruments whose goal is to bring congregations closer to God. → Read More
How Donald Trump is putting clergy in a difficult position
The president’s executive order on the Johnson Amendment frees clergy to endorse or oppose political candidates. But does it exact too high a price in terms of its effect on congregations? → Read More
When the torpedoes hit, love rose like a tide on the sinking ship
The selfless actions of four military chaplains aboard the USS Dorchester in 1943 should inspire us today at a time of fear and uncertainty. → Read More
When it comes to religion, expect each generation to question the tenets of faith
If religion is to remain relevant, it must be willing to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of each new generation of worshipers. → Read More
How Israel continues to be a ‘light to the nations’
As Israel prepares to celebrate the 69th anniversary of its founding, the country continues efforts at nation-building and to include non-Jewish residents in its vision for the future. → Read More
In Irma’s wake, now is the time to pray — and act — to help those who are suffering
While Tropical Storm Irma struck the Lowcountry only a glancing blow, we should devote our time and resources to aiding those the storm hit hardest. → Read More