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You look like a movie
I felt special, privileged, and honored, to meet someone whose life story was noted by Hollywood. I met a man named Takele Mekonen whose life story is worthy of a feature film. Takele is a slim, energetic man. His sharp facial features frame electric eyes powered by a passionate soul. He was born in Ethiopia.…
May 18, 2022Unraveling
Today’s goal was to unravel the knotty mess that is Israel. That goal is utterly unrealistic. In Jamaica, they say “Ya Mon”. In Costa Rica, they say “Pura Vida.” In Israel, they say “it’s complicated.” We began our day exploring the Israeli response to the Russian war against Ukraine. To keep abreast of the needs…
May 17, 2022
I’m here, I’m home
Where else can I be six thousand miles from my house and yet be home? Stepping out of Ben Gurion Airport in Israel feels like coming home. The feeling lasts through the tedious arrival process and traffic to Jerusalem. Here I’m both happy and guilt-ridden . . . just like home. Traveling with eight rabbis,…
May 17, 2022
A Nation of Caring
Jews are voracious judges of other Jews. We critique each other’s foods and fashion. Sometimes we discriminate and denigrate each other. But if any other person, group, or nation endangers a Jew, we are united in purpose. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Israel had the opportunity to demonstrate unequivocally that all of Israel cares one for…
May 14, 2022Getting the most out of muffins
I was about to write a thoughtful essay about finding spiritual strength in troubling times. And then I went to the kitchen to grab a snack. I split an English muffin and place it in the toaster. Just then I had an insight. My search for transcendence began in my kitchen. I had been reading Parshat…
May 8, 2022The Jewish American Express Card
Back in the 'Nineties, the slogan of American Express was "membership has its privileges." Just pay your dues to join a community of card-carrying consumers. To emphasize your participation in a relationship with Amex, your card (in green or gold or the most precious black) states the year you became a member. Today, Amex does…
April 30, 2022
Silence is Deadly
Television news is disturbing. The reports from war zones make me particularly uncomfortable. I’m not worried about the sensationalist style of reporting. While the newscasters are breaking headlines, my response is what I find most troubling. Too often, my response is silence. Silence is a critical part of the stories we share this week. In…
April 24, 2022
Is it Dayenu (Enough Passover for Us)?
The Jewish world typically divides on the final day of Passover. On the seventh day of Passover, Israelis say “dayenu”, it is enough for us. At the same time, American Jews are still munching matza on the eighth day. This year the calendar worlds coincide as all Jews continue the foods of freedom for eight…
April 17, 2022
Seder 2022
Many Jews feel compelled to update their Passover seder each year. You might make your seder more entertaining with a new au courant theme. Other seder updates take on the issue of freedom where people are in danger. Topical seders can make Passover more relevant to our modern lives. That is why I'll be talking…
April 9, 2022
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