From Jewish Camp Counselor to Professional Success
"My Gay Identity and My Jewish Identity Work Together"
Two weeks before Boston Pride last year, having recently broken up with my girlfriend of several months, I texted my friend Jamie: “I need to see everyone. There’s more to this story.”
Galilee Diary: Out of Zion Shall Go Forth Torah
Rabbi Abba said in the name of Samuel: For three years the Schools of Hillel and Shammai were in conflict, each saying, “the law is according to our view.” A heavenly voice announced: “Both are the words of the living God – but the law is according to the School of Hillel.” But if bo
Pride and Prejudice
During June, designated as LGBT Pride Month, we often read Parashah Balak. It is a curious tale, replete with a talking donkey and the roundabout air of prophecy; a story of attempted curses that ultimately lead to blessings.
A Blessing Over a Middle Eastern Apéritif
I'm not sure when I first tasted arak. Wikipedia tells me it's the traditional alcoholic beverage across Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq.
Summertime Slowdown for Shabbat
A Jewish Response to the President's State of the Union Address
As the new director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, I watched President Obama’s State of the Union speech with fresh eyes, looking for areas where we can work with the president and Congress in the coming year to advance our Reform Movement's soc
Bread and Jam: A Story of Two Families for Holocaust Remembrance Day
During World War II in Lithuania, the penalty for hiding Jews was death. Nonetheless, Jura’s family extended a helping hand to mine.
Why I'm Running in the World Zionist Congress Elections
When the ARZA slate for the World Zionist Congress elections was officially announced earlier this month with my name on it, I was humbled.
All of Our Voices, Singing a New Song
I’ve always loved music. I’ve never been one for performing, but raising my voice in joyful song – to build solidarity for a cause, to pray to God, or to join spiritually with a holy community – has always been one of my favorite things.