Chevre, I had several topics on my list to write about, including the second part of my reflection last week regarding where we are at this moment in America and a deeper explanation of the thinking of the program team about our learning theme for this year. (I plan...

Chevre, Many of us feel tired. Tired from the election. Tired from the last four years. Tired from the hostility. Tired from congressional stalemates and an unwillingness to work together, to compromise. Tired from feeling like we have enemies in our neighbors,...

Chevre, I’m writing this on Monday afternoon, with Election Day just ahead. I voted a little while back, so all that’s ahead is the wait. And my wishes for our future. There are many ways in which I would like to see American society change. For some, there are...

Chevre, I’m on my way to my 62nd birthday. When my father was 62, he was an old man . . . or so I thought. I don’t think of myself as old nor do I think of myself as a 62-year-old. I perceive myself to be the same person I’ve always been although, admittedly, my body...

Chevre, I'm happy, with this week's post, to make available to you many of the special pieces that were shared during our recent High Holiday services. I've had a number of requests recently, and I always like to make available the creativity that abounds in our...

Chevre, The High Holidays have passed us now, but they will remain with us in ways that are only beginning to become clear. We - those who created and attended High Holiday services this year - have witnessed a revolution. More than that: we've participated in one....

Chevre, There is a Chassidic tale told of the student watching his great rebbe tie his shoes. When asked why he was focused on this meaningless occurrence instead of studying his Talmud lessons, the student responded: “My rebbe lives his Torah. So, his Torah can be...

Chevre, Rosh Hashana is almost upon us. Friday night, we will gather within our own community and, additionally, with Jews around the world. Likewise, we join ourselves to the generations of Jews that have come before us. And we take our place as a transition to the...

Chevre, In past weeks I’ve written about the importance of knowing our selves as well as the God – however we understand that – before Whom we stand; about freedom and authenticity coming through intentional choice; and creating a fertile environment in which an...

Chevre, In my last two blogs, I wrote more globally, or theoretically, about living life with intention. With this post, I want to focus on what I think are three first, good steps in that direction: making the decision; opening up; engaging in self-reflection. These...