A Historic Night for Equality and Fairness
Last night was a historic moment in the long struggle for LGBT rights and equality in the United States.
Prayers for Peace in the Middle East
We do not hear the warning sirens here in Jerusalem, but the city sounds different, as if suddenly this town began holding its breath. We are, like the rest of the nation. Like Jews all over the world.
Prayer for the Children of Abraham / Ibrahim
As a mother, as a human being, as a Jew, and as a rabbi, this prayer/poem is the best articulation I can offer of what my heart and soul are feeling right now.
How to Teach Your Kids About Gratitude
An episode of The Simpsons inspired this article. The entire Simpson family is seated around the dinner table. Bart is asked to say grace. He offers the following words: “Dear God, we paid for all this stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing.”
A Few Thoughts on Jews, Sports, and Tebowing
What image comes to mind when you hear the name Tim Tebow? Heisman trophy winner, maybe? Second-rate back-up quarterback for the New York Jets? Most likely, you get the mental image of someone on one knee, a la The Thinker, which has become Tebow’s signature “thank-you, Jesus” pose.
Tradition! Tradition?
At a recent meeting to discuss worship services at Temple Beit HaYam, several congregants requested a "traditional" service on some Friday nights. When I said that I was not sure what they meant and asked for a definition of "traditional," some people seemed surprised.
In Toledo, Asleep in the Room of the Moneylenders
We took advantage of our empty nest status to take a week-long trip to Spain this month, the first time in almost 20 years that we could travel at a time when schools weren’t on vacation.
Chance Encounters on Shabbat
Shabbat is a special time for me. It begins around 4:00 on a Friday afternoon, when I retreat to a Starbucks for an hour or two of study and Jewish writing. And then it’s off to temple for the Friday night service, and Shabbat dinner at home.