In January the space in this picture will open as a fully function Jewish prayer space. Looking at this picture I can’t help but wonder what other sacred spaces, places, moments, and capacities are being cultivated and constructed in this
In Praise of Donkeys, Asses, and Mules
Recently, a rabbinic colleague shared a post that brought my attention to the following political cartoon: Clearly the cartoonist is taking a derogatory posture toward Reform Jews (as well as The Supreme Court of Israel). To be honest,
10 MORE Hosting Hacks for Shabbat Dinner
I’m up early today and just had a chance to read a piece on Kveller by Nina Badzin entitled, “10 Hosting Hacks to Make Shabbat Dinner Easier.” It’s a nice piece and I encourage others to read it. I agree with
Spirituality and Religion
So I’ve got a doctorate in adolescent spirituality. Which basically means two things: I’m very curious about the topic I know at least some of what I don’t know Here are some ideas that my research has led me
What’s in a Meme?
Today I made my first foray into the world of memes. I’m sharing them here because, while they took little time and effort, I feel a strange sense of pride and ownership of them!
Two Hours with NFTY-SAR
This Shabbat I had a chance to spend two hours at a NFTY-SAR Kallah here in Atlanta. I left feeling really inspired. I think that’s because I had a chance to connect with some “old souls”– the NFTY-SAR song leaders.
Thank God for the Psalms
There are 150 Psalms in the Hebrew Bible. And I thank God for the psalms on what feels like a daily basis. Why? Because I am so glad that the faith tradition that I practice, teach, and represent has
In praise of the regular
Pictured above are my kids, walking arm in arm, on our way to the park. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The park is just close enough for a walk. It’s not the first time and it’s not the last
Living Waters
Sometimes Torah is referred to as Mayim Chayim or “living waters.” That’s because Torah nourishes and sustains. That’s because Torah is ever flowing. That’s because it’s possible to get swept up in a current of learning and living, of receiving life from
#Search– #BlogElul Day 3
When push comes to shove to search is really to inquire. To search is to seek to discover, to understand, to make meaning. Which brings me to Midrash. In Hebrew, Midrash is both a specific literary genre and an ongoing