Esther – Don’t Ever Forget Her

So what can we do when a woman like Esther Hurgan is butchered not far from her home? When her children are left to mourn, her husband left to finish alone the job he never imagined he wouldn’t share in the home he and his beloved wife built?

The Menorah as Experienced by Theodore Herzl

When there is but one light, all is still dark, and the solitary light looks melancholy. Soon, it finds one companion, then another, and another. The darkness must retreat. The light comes first to the young and the poor – then others join them who love Justice, Truth, Liberty, Progress, Humanity, and Beauty. When all the candles burn, then we must all stand and rejoice over the achievements. And no office can be more blessed than that of a Servant of the Light.

Seek the Gray; Lose the Black and White

If you believe that you are right and the Republicans are wrong…let the white and black go, and seek the gray. Your rush to condemn Trump’s efforts make others think you are encouraging a crime committed rather than justice sought. No matter where justice can be found, give it enough time, and it will be. 

A Year of Reflection and Thought Comes to Action

Reflection. If ever we needed a year of reflection, I think 2020 would quality as the most extreme example. With lockdowns in so many countries, isolation and social distancing, reflection is something we probably should have mastered by now. And yet. And yet. November 9th is a day that always …

And There Arose a New King: An Open Letter to Joe Biden

“And a new king arose over the land of Egypt, who knew not Joseph.” We are the people of Joseph, Mr. Biden. The descendants of those who left the land of Egypt. Once before, you threatened us and our Prime Minister offered the only answer, the perfect answer. We are not Jews with trembling knees. We are a proud people who have fought for our land; our sons and daughters have died for it.

Lebanon and the Danger of War and Hatred

There is a danger, being at war for so terribly long. If, as the Palestinians have done in the past, they choose to destroy that we would give, it does not negate our good deed. It would only emphasize their stupidity, their hatred. But never mind. I am hopeful, the Lebanese will take our assistance – they need it.

Doing Something Crazy is Sometimes Sane

Long after I’m gone, ad 120, they’ll remember last night. Or maybe, if I’m blessed enough to do this again and again, maybe they’ll just remember how sometimes when you do the most insane crazy thing in the world, it feels like it was the sanest of all decisions.

Kristallnacht Birthday

Yearly, as my birthday approaches, so does the weight of the day. It isn’t an easy birthday to have and sometimes it’s overwhelming to be told that you are your parents’ “answer to Hitler.”  For us, each day, each hour, each breath, each story, shouts our triumph.