On Yesterday's Grief and Today's Rejoicing
What a rollercoaster of a week. Yesterday the Supreme Court of the United States handed down a ruling that gutted the Voting Rights Act.
Shimon Peres on the Futility of War
After the recent passing of Israeli President Shimon Peres, z"l, I'm remembering the time I sat down with him in a Manhattan midtown hotel in 1994 at the beginning of the Oslo process to discuss the peace process.
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
All Aboard the Peace Train!
Now I’ve been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come,
And I believe it could be, something good has begun.