Suffering in Silence: Jews, Therapy, and the Stigma of Mental Illness
I was 20 when I learned that my first love had committed suicide. His death shattered me, both mentally and emotionally – but it also saved my life. You see, in the months leading up to his suicide, I had been planning my own.
Slaughter Does Not Honor Anyone: Remembering that Fateful Day in Pittsburgh
As I was leading Torah study at our synagogue nearly a year ago, an evil man murdered my friends and co-religionists because to him, Jews are strangers and dangerous.
Why I'm Wishing My Fellow Jews a "Happy Yom Kippur"
Given that Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, it makes sense that it can, and should, be joyful.
Palestinian Doctors, Israeli Hospitals, and Bridge-Building for Peace
Project Rozana trains Palestinian health professionals in Israeli hospitals to enhance their capacity to deliver needed health care in the Palestinian territories.
What Do We Really Mean When We Apologize?
Although we learn to say “I’m sorry” as young children, as we age, these words take on more meaning, perhaps reflecting true regret about our behavior or its impact.
What a Mock Knesset Program Taught Us About Israeli Politics
I thought our Mock Knesset was very successful. We learned so much and had fun learning all about Israel’s government
An American Reflects on Independence Day from Israel
July 4th in Israel is a day sandwiched between July 3rd and July 5th. Nonetheless, after work we’ll heat the grill and invite other Americans to celebrate with us.
How to "Restring Your Beads" When Your Narrative Changes
When I first learned about stringing and restringing our beads based on life experiences, I began to see my relationship with Torah as an ongoing, nonlinear process.
What Moses Could’ve Learned from Starbucks
Knowing when to let go is a most difficult decisions many of us will face as we age. If we hold on to people or things too long, we risk harm to them and to ourselves.
Why Did You Deceive Me, Distant Lights?
Visiting Kuchinate, I experienced overwhelming kindness from the women, Sudanese and Eritrean asylum seekers who had escaped horrible torture and persecution in Africa.