The idea of “change” is one of the most powerful ideas out there. At the most basic level the idea of “change” speaks to the potential for transformation. That individuals, communities, organizations, and societies can change is an important and widely held
The best thing about being a rabbi
Well, there are many “best things” when it comes to walking on the rabbinic path, but here’s one of them: Giving voice. There’s an old joke (grounded in some truth) that rabbis like to talk. But when I reflect on
Two affirmations of humanity
This week I had two separate series of experiences that reaffirmed two aspects of our shared humanity that I think are of great value. The first affirmation was an affirmation of the creativity capacity within each person. As human
talking to my 4 year old daughter about death
Last night I had one of those life defining experiences that no parent looks forward to: talking to my 4 year old about death. A tragedy has struck our community. A young father lost his battle with cancer. He has
Life Lessons- NOLA
I’ve just come back from two very special days in New Orleans. I was invited to NOLA by a dear colleague that I’ve known for many years and who is head of the Jewish Community Day School of New Orleans.
#Hear– #BlogElul8
My beloved teacher and friend, Rabbi Jim Ponet, once told me, “Everything is either an expression of love or a cry for love.” I agreed then. I agree now. Since then I’ve tried to retrain my ear to hear the
Choosing Reform Judaism
Are you in the process of converting to Reform Judaism? Are you thinking about it? If so, I’d love to connect with you and hear your thoughts about this post. My wife, Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus, and I love to
My NPR Debut
Yesterday my blog, The Rabbi’s Pen, was quoted on NPR’s fabulous program, On Being with Krista Tippett. How this came to pass is kind of a nice story. Here it is… On April 14, 2012 my good friend, Matt Coffman,
All I have to offer
A few years ago my colleagues and I wrote an opening prayer for t’fila at The Davis Academy middle school. It starts with the line, “All I have to offer in prayer is myself.” We recite it every time our
Do you have a Torah to teach?
Between undergrad and rabbinical school I spent two years working at the Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale. I thought it wise to spend some time working in the Jewish community after college and before embarking on the path