Jewish tradition teaches, “Who is worthy of honor? One who honors all creation.” How and what we honor says a lot about who we are. We live in a world that undervalues honor and that makes a caricature of honor. We undervalue honor by dishonoring almost everything: our selves, our communal institutions, our leaders– political […]
How we remember
How we remember says a lot about who we are– as individuals, as communities, as societies. This week marked Israel’s 67th Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day). The exact number of fallen soldiers and victims of terrorist attacks is read. Traditional prayers are recited and bereaved mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers share their stories. We cry. All […]
Self reliance
I’m all about the “Lean on Me” approach to life. I sincerely believe that we are here to help one another in matters great and small. But recently I’ve come to a renewed appreciation for self reliance. We need to be able to look within– within ourselves, within our homes, within our workplaces, to find […]
A grief that cannot be spoken
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) […]