Today I had the honor of hearing someone speak about a grief that cannot be spoken. A grief so profound, so enduring, so heavy, that words cannot do it justice. So how did I hear her speak about this grief? Through poetry. Jewish tradition teaches that words that come from the heart enter the heart. […]
Life doesn’t always make sense
This week my synagogue community laid to rest a beloved member of our congregation– Marcia. The last time I saw Marcia wasn’t at Temple, but at Trader Joe’s. I was on my way out with the kids and she was on her way in. A true lover of children, Marcia immediately struck up a conversation […]
Things I learned in Arkansas
I just got home from a wonderful weekend serving as an artist and scholar in residence at Congregation B’nai Israel in Little Rock, Arkansas. Here are some things I learned and/or was reminded about myself, Arkansas, and life in general. 1) It’s good to meet new people. 2) It’s good to see new places. 3) […]
Let folks surprise you
People are surprising. Sometimes bad, usually good. We like to put people in boxes (including ourselves). We like known quantities, predictably, and stability in all areas of our lives (even if we think we don’t). But letting people surprise us isn’t only delightful for us. It can be delightful for them. Through us, other people […]
Passover questions 2015
How is it we can eat all we want of meat and vegetables but no bread? I don’t think the Jewish people had lots of food in the desert. What is your favorite part about Passover? What does it mean to be enlightened? What are traditional Passover sweets? What makes a home a Jewish home? […]
Passover questions 2014
What non- tourist places should we see in Israel this summer? In light of the conflict in the Ukraine, what do you think the US role should be as it relates to world conflicts? Best advice about raising kids in an interfaith marriage? What is the difference between regular wine and kosher for Passover wine? […]