Want to be Happy? Take a Lesson From Jewish Tradition
Before we left the house as kids, my dad always asked, “Is everybody happy?” Learn what Jewish tradition has to say about happiness.
A Letter to My Campers After Parkland
My hope for you is that your schools will feel as safe as your camp cabins. I want you to be able to run, laugh, play, learn, and grow as freely as you could at camp, where your biggest fear is falling and skinning your knee. I want you to not have to question whether or not the next time you talk to your friends will be the last time you’re able to. I want you to be active and engaged citizens, like we teach you to be at camp, but I want you to do this out of a desire for good, not out of trauma and necessity. Most importantly, I want you to just be kids. I want you to not have to worry. I want you to have a childhood that lasts as long as possible, free from fear, free from pain, and free to always be as happy as you are at 201 Camp Coleman Drive.
Social Media Doesn't Detect Breast Cancer, Mammograms Do
I am reminded about breast cancer prevention every single day – 365 days a year – each time I look in the mirror after a shower, but I'm not seeking pity or sympathy.
On Valentine’s Day, Let's Uncomplicate Consent
The inability of society to talk openly and honestly about consensual sex makes it difficult to talk about nonconsensual sex, isolating us in our experiences.
The Torah of Flu
It is a mitzvah to keep our bodies safe. It is a mitzvah to protect the bodies of others.
Biennial Resolutions: How Your Congregation Can Shape the Reform Movement’s Future
Biennial resolutions inform what it means to be part of the Union for Reform Judaism. Learn how your congregation can be part of the process.
A Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World
When the world is changing quickly, unpredictably, in new and confusing ways, it seems to be human nature for us to look for ways to try and slow down that change or control it. Or, failing that, we look for someone to blame.
Some in our great nation, in this "VUCA" world, are falling back on the oldest scapegoat in the world, in a desperate move to try to slow the rate of confusing change. They want us to blame 200,000 El Salvadorians who fled earthquakes and gang violence 16 years ago. They want us to blame the 800,000 "DREAMers"-- young people who were brought to this country as children by their parents. They want us to blame the 11 million undocumented residents of this nation who live in the shadows, all while working hard, raising American children, contributing greatly to our nation and, oh, by the way, committing crimes at a much lower rate than native-born American citizens.
Including transgender and gender non-conforming students in schools: Commemorating LGBTQ History Month
October is LGBTQ History Month, when Americans across the country remember and celebrate individuals who have fought for the inclusion of all members of the LGBTQ community.
Chatting With Jesus in the Sukkah
During Sukkot, we customarily invite famous people from the past to be guests in the sukkah. This year, I would like to invite Jesus as my guest.
Finding Wholeheartedness in Your Life
In Parashat Noach, Noah is called an, ish tzaddik tamim, a “blameless” or “wholehearted person in his age.” But biblical commentators criticize his conduct, saying he lacked compassion for his fellow man and that he committed incest. What, then, is the meaning of the word tamim?