Blessed is the G-d of our ancestors --- the Moabite women who just like their ancestors before them were made out to be the monsters, villains and evil doers of their time --- who reminds us that in our effort to sanctify ourselves there is no need to demonize others who are different from us. Blessed are you G-d, source of wisdom and loving-kindness that moves us toward holiness. Blessed is the G-d of our ancestor --- Pinchas, son of El'azar, son of Aharon the priest, who in a moment of zealotry killed two people he believed were idolaters and thereafter received a covenant of peace --- who at times appears to encourage and reward violence, confusing zealotry with righteousness yet gives us the free will to make better decisions because we know better. Blessed are you G-d, source of compassion and discernment leading to less violence and more wholeness. Blessed is the G-d of our ancestors ---Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, the daughters of Zelophehad, who were ...