I wrote this poem, Love Fiercely, when I turned 50. I'm reminded of it today when it is clear that while much may not be in my control, how I live my life, IS. What we pay attention to matters. Love fiercely, Do not be afraid of giving your all, Find friends who bring out the best in you, who make you laugh, even at yourself… Accept your Continue Reading
A Prayer For One Who Enters A Synagogue
I wrote this prayer after the massacre of Jews at prayer at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. A gunman, stoked by the anti-immigrant rhetoric and desiring to do harm to the synagogue which was connected to Jewish efforts to support immigrants and asylum seekers, stormed into the synagogue on Shabbat, spraying bullets everywhere. Unfortunately, Continue Reading
Truth: “We” Is The Only Way
These times require us to acknowledge the truth that WE are all connected. It is the only way. It has always been the truth, but we have failed to accept this reality and live into it. The poet Adrienne Rich writes, "we have lost track of the meaning of “we..." Our world and our country and our relationships demand that we re-orient ourselves. The Continue Reading
Messengers of the Most High: A 9/11 miracle
What Happened First It is bedtime on this second day of Rosh Hashanah - 9/11/2019, but I can't go to sleep before putting this story to paper. What happened today will forever be a reminder of grace, miracles and the unexplained mystery that weaves throughout our lives, that sometimes I’m lucky enough to catch a glimpse. As one of the rabbis leading, I had Continue Reading
Prayers Alone Are Not Enough
2018. We are an entire nation in shock by the senseless death of 17 in Parkland, Florida by a lone gunman with an assault weapon. An increasing number of us don't want to hear "our thoughts and prayers are with the victims" from our elected officials. No, that doesn't cut it anymore. In Jewish tradition, prayers must be accompanied by action. We are partners Continue Reading
