Jewish history has been in my cultural DNA since I was a child growing up in post-war London. In the midst of that dark, gray, lamenting monochromatic world of the '50s, I had a sense that both Jewish and English history were full of color and light and animation.

I am passionately invested in the survival of Israel and everything Israel represents. But I am extremely critical of much of its policy. I believe that the occupation must end. And if it doesn't, it will end Israel. I'm not in favor of settlements.

It takes a perverse determination to drain that instinctive curiosity away and make history seem just remote, dead and disconnected from our contemporary reality. Conversely, it just takes skilful storytelling to recharge that connection to make the past come alive in our present.

History gives you insight of the same quality of truth as poetry or philosophy or a novel.

Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence.

People should try to know God and imitate him in their works. Repetitions and ceremonials are of no use.

As we take our places in the General Assembly and at the Council meetings, let us begin all our work in the name of God, for the solution of all our problems is a spiritual one.

Beyond the purposes of self-defense or imminent danger, my Catholic faith teaches me and millions of other Americans that we do not get to decide who lives or who dies; only the good Lord does.