A recent conversation I had with my son as we drove to his day's activity comes to mind in regards to this week's Torah portion of Matot-Masei. The drive took us through the much of the West San Fernando Valley and along several of its main arteries. As we passed a row of thrift shops, a wet suit that hung in the window caught his attention. Read more...

I am always in awe of people who can learn and speak multiple languages. As a high school student I spent four years learning Spanish. And, despite how it might seem today, I was really quite proficient. The problem was that when I entered college and returned to learning the Hebrew I had begun in elementary school, my words kept coming out in Spanish. Over time, I found myself blocking more and more of the Spanish to the degree that while I can still understand some basic conversations, it is far more difficult to formulate full sentences to have a meaningful conversation. Read more...

Each morning, wrapped in talit and tefilin, I stand in prayer. And, as I pray, I do so hoping that my prayer will lead to new understandings of the words of prayer, unlocking new dimensions in my relationship with myself, God and community. Read more...

Every four years, with each new presidential election, Americans come face-to-face with the unpleasant reality that we don't trust each other.  Read more...

Every four years, with each new presidential election, Americans come face-to-face with the unpleasant reality that we don't trust each other.  Read more...