It was probably 20 years ago that I first heard the cliche, “An act of kindness is a good investment.” Even then, the concept didn’t resonate. I thought, and still think, an act of kindness is an act of kindness. It’s merit isn’t some potential future return, but the act itself. There can never be […]
People
Better than Change
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 belief. Recently I had a conversation with a friend who is admittedly afraid of change. […]
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 what I love most about being a rabbi, it isn’t the brilliant words that I’ve […]
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 being we want, we yearn, we need to and can’t avoid engaging with our creativity. […]
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 a child in my daughter’s preschool class. It’s a Jewish preschool and all of the […]
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. On Sunday night I had the honor of being the musical guest at the school’s […]