At our core we don’t simply want to be successful. We don’t even want to be happy. Sure, we’ll settle for success and happiness, but when we’re really honest with ourselves, we know there’s an even deeper state of being. We, all of us, want to flourish. I’ve long felt that my professional life, working […]
People
The art of conversation
I recently had a conversation that felt like pulling teeth. And I would know– both my father and brother are dentists. It was one of the most awkward conversations I’ve had in a long time. Analyzing why the conversation was awkward and even painful has reminded me of something I (and millions of other people) […]
First impressions
There’s always more than meets the eye, there’s always another layer, another facet, another dimension to the people in our lives, even those we know best. But at the same time it’s undeniable that sometimes we’re able to understand a person’s essence, their core commitments, their truest self, on the basis of a first impression. […]
Gratitude list
For today… 1. I didn’t have to bring a coat of any kind to work because it’s finally warming up outside. 2. I got an email from a college friend that led to a back and forth of reconnecting. 3. 2nd graders leading the first model seder of the year and sharing their ideas for […]
13 things I hope people will be able to say about me after I die
13 things I hope people will say about me after I die (and may it be many years from now): I didn’t use templates or conform to genre expectations or worry about what things were supposed to mean. I believed in myself because I believed in others, I believed in others because I believed in […]
I want to be able to say God’s name
I was checking my email when the front desk called. There was a young man who wanted to speak with me. Of course, send him back. A 5th grade boy walked into my office, clearly stirred. What’s up? After a moment… He asked, How can I become holy enough to say God’s real name? This […]