The Show Must Go On
Rabbi Tarfon… used to say: It is not for you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.
-Mishnah, Avot 2:16
When we started the Galilee Circus (Jewish-Arab youth circus) in 2003, I idly googled “youth circus” and discovered that this is a world-wide phenomenon: there are dozens if not hundreds of youth circus programs, in every corner of the globe. The educational values of circus – trust, courage, cooperation, non-verbal communication, balance, hard work, etc., are universal, and appeal across cultures, from Afghanistan to New Zealand, creating an international language, and network. That Google search led to a partnership with the St. Louis Arches youth circus troupe. They joined the Galilee Circus in 2007 and again in 2010 for two-week joint performance tours in Israel – and hosted the Israeli kids for summer programs in 2008 and 2012. This “Peace through Pyramids” partnership was great for the all the participants – and for the many audiences who were both entertained and inspired.
Finding Meaning in the Space Between: Reflections from a Solidarity Mission to Israel
Anyone who has ever planned a trip knows that a great deal of time and effort is involved. This emergency solidarity mission took us across this country over the five days and provided opportunities to hear from a variety of experts including four Members of Knesset. And without exception, every one of these meetings was of great value.
We Must Battle Hatred on All Fronts
Throughout Jewish history, the three weeks before Tishah B’Av have been mournful, even dark. The Babylonian Talmud (Yoma 9b) explains that the Second Temple was destroyed because of “baseless hatred” (sinat chinam).
The IDF's Newest Soldier: My Son
I’ve been staring at my son's recruitment notice on my fridge for a year now,
A Response to the Cries of Anti-Semitism in France
In the past few days I have received numerous messages of concern from friends from all over the world.
The Torah In Haiku: Va-Et'chanan
This week's portion includes Moses's retelling of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-18).
I am Adonai
Who brought you out of Egypt
Out from slavery.
Other gods? Just Me.
Don't worship any idols
It makes Me jealous
Depression, Judaism, and My Two Black Dogs
I have two black dogs. One makes me laugh, and one makes me cry.
Learning to Pray
This year has been an extremely difficult one for me. My 13-year-old son, the love of my life, returned from a summer visit with his father and announced that he wants to go and live with him at the end of the school year. He said this with no anger, no malice, and no hurtfulness.
Family Matters
If you need a hammer, I will be a hammer, if you need a nail, I will be the nail… We are as bars of iron, elastic but iron. Metal that can be forged to whatever is needed for the national machine. A wheel? I am the wheel.