L’Shanah Tova!
The High Holidays are upon us once again as we arrive at the end of 5780, and let me tell you, it’s been a tough year.
Here We Are – My Chuppah Pledge
Today my wife and I will veil, walk, and circle under a Chuppah as we recite our Jewish vows following our completed conversion to Orthodox Judaism. We’ll also break glass, have kiddush, and dance after the yichud room.
Levels of Authority
Everyone has a hierarchy that they report to, in one way or another. For some, this is identified through religious structure. Others, political. Still others, the list goes on. Everyone has this systematic structure of authority in their lives.
Change, Here and Now
The United States is in a perilous time. Semiotically, it’s easy to see not only the painfully obvious signs of distress and fracture, but it’s also clear that we are in an unprecedented time. It can seem like a scary time to be an American. In fact, it’s scary just to be in the world…
A Pandemic for Our Age
COVID-19 began in Wuhan, China, with little worldwide attention. Initially viewed in America as a distant, small problem, it was quickly evident that the novel coronavirus was more than the common flu.
Emunah in the Face of Uncertainty
Faith.Trust.Belief.Religion.
America & Civil Religion
Everybody has a religion. For some, this religion is theological. For others, it is the religion of science. In fact, most have a religion of nationality. Religion is the belief in and worship in a superhuman controlling power. Google Dictionary, February 2020 To fully appreciate this conversation, some history may be of benefit for the…
Environmentalism & Tu B’Shevat
What is Tu B’Shevat? Some call it the new year for trees. Other call it the birthday for trees. Our mesora, however, teaches us that it’s celebrated as the new year for trees but actually marks the birthday of the tree – Aytz Chaim – the tree of life.
On Rubber Bands, Nuclear Threats, and Inner Calm
The higher the tension in a situation, the more likely things will go sideways. It isn’t just about nuclear treaties or missile threats – the same applies in basic physics and daily life. This is where we can take a clear lesson using a far more dangerous approach – rubber bands.
Equality & Equity
Contemporary society clamors for equality. Society wants equal rights in: Marriage Citizenship Job Opportunities Food And So Much More
White Space & Dark Mode
The world today has a fascination with the dark. It used to be that the fascination was with the light – and that was only a mere year ago. But again, as Koheles writes, there is nothing new under the sun.
Beyond Our Reach
Space. The final frontier. Or is it? Life is addictive. Every day we are offered more and more that we want to grab ahold of. We want it all and panic if we can’t have something. This panic is actually a diagnosis on social media: FOMO, or fear of missing out.