How I Imbued Judaism into My Exercise Routine
I am not from the athletes.
When I was a kid, people didn’t really exercise – or, if they did, I didn’t know about it.
Seeing Tishah B’Av as a Day of Inspiration
Let me start by being very clear: I don’t yearn for a return to sacrificial rites, holy priests, or incense-burning in the Temple. I don’t miss the Temple itself, nor is the Western Wall a particular source of inspiration or empowerment for me.
Tying Myself into Jewish Peoplehood with Tzitzit and Friendship Bracelets
The gates read “Welcome Home,” but I had left my home five hours earlier. As my dad and I approached the table labeled “1,” we met a woman who checked my name off a list and gave me a bracelet.
How Should Reform Jews Observe Tishah B'Av?
I had never even heard of Tishah B’Av until I was 12 years old and participating in the inaugural season of the Camp Institute for Living Judaism (later to renamed URJ Eisner Camp
The Perfect Summer Recipe: Israeli Salad
This simple, Israeli classic was taught to me in Israel by Gilad, the owner of Hess Cafe, which students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion used to frequent for his delicious soups, fresh salads, and amazing
What's Jewish about Getting a Colonoscopy?
Since celebrating my 50th birthday, I have enjoyed attaining many milestones: half a century of life, 25 years of marriage, the graduation of all three of our children, and the publication of my wife’s and my first book.
Putting Down Roots: Why Our Jewish Family Needs a Yard Full of Trees
We celebrated the holiday of Tu BiShvat – the “Jewish Arbor Day” – way back in February, and we won’t celebrate it again until January. But no matter: I need to talk about the trees now.
A Greater Fire: Standing Strong with African-American Churches
Two weeks ago, Charlotte’s Briar Creek Church was a victim of arson. It is less than three and half miles from my home.
Fulfilling Your Passion May Mean Quitting Your Day Job
I always felt passionate about living Judaism in a meaningful way, but following my graduation from the Wexner Heritage Program, something shifted deeply within me. There was more to do, more to discover.