I Have a Voice: A Cantor at the World Zionist Congress
Despite being “only” an alternate delegate in the World Zionist Congress, I realized I still had a part to play. Going forward, each of us has a seat to take at the table and a choice to make about our Jewish future.
A Letter of Gratitude to My Local Synagogue: "I Was Filled with Hope"
I told them, "As someone who is in the process of return to Temple Israel, I wanted to briefly share what a meaningful experience I had for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services."
The Sanctity of Voting: A Jewish Analogy for “Secrecy Sleeves”
Just as the Torah is at the center of Judaism, the ballot is at the core of our democracy. We would not dream of returning the Torah to the Ark without first dressing it. It helps, then, to think of the outer envelope as the ark and the inner security envelope as our ballot’s Torah cover.
Looking for a Virtual Dove: My Experience as a Delegate in the 38th World Zionist Congress
I suppose I’ll have to wait another five years to attend the WZC in real life, but most importantly, I hope that all Jews will continue to have a seat at the table. May this week of deliberations bring unity and, like Noah’s dove, a sign of hope, tikvah, that is enduring.
Perfect Weather for a NFTY T-Shirt: Chance Encounters and Shared Humanity
“I was in NFTY!” a stranger told me, spotting my years-old T-shirt. This feeling of knowing all of us, that we truly did meet at Sinai, or at least a camp, provides comfort during uncomfortable times.
Déjà vu in the Old City: Finding Ourselves in the Journey
As our students take their steps in the Old City and then head out to Masada where Herod built his getaway and where zealous Jews built a hideaway, I am deeply moved by their reaction to it all.
Mendel Hirt’s Diary: A Canadian Jewish Tale
My wife says the Yiddish-to-English translation of her great-grandfather's diary gave her “a rare opportunity to bring a family legend into the realm of reality.”
Homelessness and Voting Rights: A Jewish Call to Action in 2020
The Reform Movement supports a COVID-19 relief bill that will alleviate economic hardship, which puts tens of millions of Americans at risk of eviction and homelessness.
A Year Like No Other: Voting in Pennsylvania and Beyond
Typically, Jews have an extraordinarily high voter turnout, said to be the highest of any ethnic group, in a nation in which only an estimated 1 in 2 eligible voters actually vote. But this is a year like no other.
This Year, Bring Torah into the Voting Booth
Taking Torah into the voting booth also means that pikuach nefesh, saving human life, is Judaism’s highest mitzvah, so consider your voting options carefully.