Around the High Holidays, I shared a reading called “I Am Thankful” that puts a thankful spin on the stuff we’re often not that thankful for. The reading…
Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian (1872-1970) is regarded as one of the great teachers of Mussar, a Jewish movement that promotes character development and spiritual growth. Legend has it that…
“Please look heavenward and count the stars, if you are able to count them,” says God to Abraham in this week’s Torah portion, “so will be your seed.”…
As we begin reading the Torah all over again this Shabbat – starting with the creation story – we come across a very timely message. While creating humanity,…
Sukkot is here and with it, as I shared earlier this week, z’man simchateinu – our time of happiness. But, the Las Vegas shooting has filled us with sadness, anger…
Last night, Cheryl talked about radical kindness – the idea that by simply doing what is right, by expressing your generosity, your care and compassion for others, by…
At almost two months old, Abigail had plenty to say and no time for sleep. On this day in particular, she had been awake and screaming since 5…
A couple of weeks ago, before Hurricane Irma hit, I was standing in a tractor trailer, helping load supplies for Hurricane Harvey victims in Houston. It was hot…
Given everything that has gone on in the world, not just this week, but over the past several months, it’s all too easy to focus only on the…
This coming Tuesday, August 1, is Tisha B’Av, a solemn day on the Jewish calendar. I wrote about Tisha B’Av earlier this month. Tuesday also happens to be my 47th birthday. While…