Judaic wisdom

Simple to Remember is a study of Judaism that turned into a Web-based hobby. In the process, the author has amassed a treasury of wisdom.

The site covers some general questions, like "Why do bad things happen to good people?" and "Why don't the Jews believe in Jesus?" -- and interesting paradoxes like "Life is about pleasure, not comfort." It digs into spirituality and philosophy and "The Meaning of Life."

The writer -- who, as far as I can tell, never reveals his name -- stings our conscience with a long discussion of TV, calling it mostly a way to deliver audiences to advertisers. He also shows great concern for anti-Semitism, the cultural assimilation of Jews and the need for Jews to marry one another.

He cleverly alternates cute tricks with serious thoughts. On a page dealing with life and death, a clock made of words and numbers follows your mouse pointer like a spiral spring. But the article itself deals with a literally grave issue: Living a worthwhile life by remembering that one day you'll lose it.

Make sure to click Famous Jewish People, from the Web site of the Orthodox Union. That link actually starts before the people were called Jews, listing Abraham and Moses. It also includes luminaries like Hillel, Maimonides (called RAMBA"M here) and David ben-Gurion.

Many of the links point to the Web site of Aish HaTorah, an Orthodox Jewish educational organization. It's a good choice. Aish is an ace at couching ancient wisdom in modern words and trendy graphics.