Thank You! (Final Sermon @ WCT, Jun 25, 2021)
This past Friday, I said goodbye to my congregation of twenty-six years. It’s been a wonderful adventure. These are my words before departing. * * * In 1986, when I was Woodlands’ rabbinic…
Father’s Day: Contemplating American & Immigrant Dads
As I wrap up a perfectly lovely and loving Father’s Day, my children are nowhere nearby but I have had wonderful phone conversations and know that they are well. Before I can put this day to bed, I feel compelled…
Celebrating Purim in the #MeToo and Post-Parkland Era
It’s the season of Jonah in our home – his birthday is February 14, his yahrzeit is March 5, and his Concert is March 10. Since he’s on my mind, no reason he shouldn’t be on yours as well. So here’s…
Mentors
The big news for me this week was the resignation of Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It appears that not only did her personal investments present a conflict of interest – not cool…
Holding On or Letting Go
In 1963, the front door – meaning, the screen door – of my home rarely closed completely. We never had to use the handle because a push anywhere would cause the door to open. In colder months, the screen was…
Jewish Learning Might Save Israel and the World!
London has a new mayor. He’s a husband and a father, the son of a bus driver, and a Muslim. His name is Sadiq Khan. I’m pretty sure that “Sadiq” is related to “tzedek,” the Hebrew word for “justice.” Before becoming…
On LGBT Pride Month
I was invited to write this piece of ReformJudaism.org where it was published on June 19, 2015. I hope you find it worthwhile reading. Billy I did not know that June is LGBT Pride Month. I’m not gay, which may…
When “That Moment” Arrives
Courage: the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous. Hero: a person who is admired for courageous action. The fire in a small warehouse had been burning for hours. The little community had no means of…
Of Rockets and Screaming Children
Note: I wrote this as the violence began escalating between Israel and Gaza. While events in the Middle East are dominating the news cycle, I didn’t want to abandon my excitement for speaking about camp and science and Jewish life. Nevertheless,…
Jewish and American … Couldn’t Be More Honored
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I was six years old at the time of his death and while, unlike many Americans, I do not remember where I was when I learned about…
