While traveling through Israel during the past two weeks, I saw unforgettable sights — pictures of the kidnapped, of course, but also a sign that reads “Beyachad Nenatzeach” (Together we will win). Togetherness may not have been one of the goals of this war, but it is a goal of the Jewish people to cohere. [...]
The dramatic pro-Palestinian demonstration that took place on Nov. 15 gave witness that Columbia University continues to be a battlefield and a tinderbox of Palestinian Protest, colored by a distortion (intentional or not) of the Palestinian cause. Since 2008, I have seen the slow progress of Apartheid Week on the Columbia campus, developing from a [...]
What a difference a Shabbat makes… It’s been three weeks since Israel was attacked and brought into war once again. We gathered at our shul for a special time of prayers, and another time on Shelter Island with 80 people coming to show support. We said the Blessing for Israel and Mi Sheberach for IDF [...]
As a traveler, I have crisscrossed America many times — back and forth, up and down. I’ve climbed mountains and descended into valleys and canyons. This year, at 50 years old, my goal was to visit Alaska and Hawaii, the last two of the 50 states. I planned this trip for many months, interviewed friends who [...]
On the third day of my trip to Alaska, I was on my way to the Arctic Circle with a Jewish Alaskan, one of the so-called “Frozen Chosen.” Looking at earth as a human head, the Arctic Circle would be its Yarmulke (kippa). The land within the Arctic Circle includes eight countries: United States, Russia, [...]
On July 2, I was asked to deliver an invocation at the Village of Orient’s observance of Heritage Day. In planning my remarks to the villagers and guests, I was reminded that only a few years previous, I had the distinct honor to share that spot with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor. This time [...]
ME AND MY SHADOW FROM THE PROFESSOR In a recent conversation with a very close friend, I heard this response to part of our give-and-take, “Stop walking in your own shadow.” It stopped me in my tracks. I trust my friend and thus I knew my response had to be hurtful. I know that [...]
As her three-year term as the president of our beloved CTI closes, I want to thank Judy Weiner, and express my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication throughout the time. Her steadfast commitment to the growth and prosperity of our synagogue have helped propel it into the future, especially [...]
Over the past few decades, a new initiative toward peace has emerged — Jewish-Christian interfaith pilgrimages to the Holy Land. These inclusive visits to sites holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims lay the groundwork for understanding and acceptance among the travelers and, in a way, serve as test cases for peace in a controlled environment. [...]
The Apostles were drunk! Pentecost is about the celebration of unconditional love. Have we ever loved anyone unconditionally? Have we ever experienced being loved unconditionally? If we have, then we can begin to understand/experience what God’s love for us is all about. Let our prayer be a reflection on the truth of our own experience. [...]
