This week's Torah portion begins by describing a situation that most of us, thankfully, will find far removed from our personal experience. Deuteronomy 21:10 starts: "When you take the field against your enemies (כִּי־תֵצֵא [...]

For me, the best part of running is the feeling you experience when you’re done. There are moments in the "going" that are beautiful and satisfying to be sure, but finishing—being done, knowing that [...]

We’ve reached cruising altitude. I'm above the clouds, looking down on earth from 30,000 feet. My daughter is sitting beside me, her head on my shoulder as she sleeps. She was up late packing [...]

This Shabbat includes a special blessing announcing the new moon: the Hebrew month of Elul begins next week. We will be including special messages relating to our preparation for the Days of Awe throughout the month [...]

Today is Tu B'av (the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av), also known as the "Jewish Valentine's Day." According to the Talmud, Tu B'av celebrates love and the unity of the Jewish People because it [...]

Last week, Jacqueline and I met our friends Marc and Orley—the wonderful couple who had been our daughter's host family in Tel Aviv when she was a sophomore in high school—for drinks and dinner. [...]

​​​​​​​My last visit to Israel was in July of 2019. I am fortunate that in my adult life, this represents the longest period I've ever experienced without being in this extraordinary place. As much [...]