The Day After Kristallnacht/The Day After the Election

Does anyone remember the book "Blue Highways: A Journey into America?" It was written by William Least Heat-Moon. As I recall, he was a divorced Native American English professor who converted an old panel van into a makeshift home, then traveled the small back road "blue highways" of America.

The Election Issue: Prayers for Our Country

It is my fervent hope that all who are able to vote do so, in every corner of this country. May the votes be cast fairly, and may we suffer no more than the normal margin of error as the votes are counted. Most importantly, may we all find ways to heal the divisiveness that defines our country by seeking justice and equity for all, yes, and by working on how we respond to those who have very different perspectives.

Just Another Day in the Life

It's 10:40 p.m. on Thursday, and I'm reflecting on another typical day. I had an early morning meeting with a congregant, then headed over to Federation at 9:00 to meet with Israel's Consul General to the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Andy David. Dr. David is an impressive man of intelligence and candor.

Joy and Terror and a Walk in the Woods

Have you caught your breath yet? Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and regular life. There's something so exhilarating--and exhausting--about the Jewish autumn holiday cycle. As the end approaches, with Shimini Atzeret and Simchat Torah just around the corner, I want to alert you to a few upcoming events.

A Monarchy of Maybes

The King of Thailand died. King Bhumibol Adulyadej had been the world's longest reigning monarchy, a distinction that now goes to Queen Elizabeth II. That's the sort of piece of news I would have quickly noted, then turned my attention elsewhere. Except that on Wednesday, Laura was in a networking group for her life coaching services.

The Song That Keeps Playing

Ismar Schorsch was the previous Chancellor of JTS. He was a learned rabbi, and while he lived, I'm embarrassed to say that sometimes I found his teachings too academic or too source driven. At the time, his Torah left me dry. But you know, people improve over time--primarily as we do; and as we do, we can see them more clearly.