Blog

First permit me to begin with a definition. I do not think that defining Judaism as a religion is sufficient, as it is too limiting. We have a language (more than one if you include Yiddish and Ladino), a culture, arts, literature, music, foods and a country. To borrow from Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan, we are a religious civilization, and one of the longest, constant ones in the history of...Read more...

As a child, my summers were spent at the Jersey Shore (natives never call it the beach). You learned how to swim, navigate waves, handle rip tides, and body surf. I’ll never forget the day my parents bought me a boogie board. I was in heaven! I was thinking of that as the Groundbreaking approached. As people asked me what I expected from the day, I opened myself to my childhood boogie...Read more...

We’ve been homeless for nearly six years, and I know that it has not been easy. Despite how warm and welcoming both Rodef Shalom and Calvary Episcopal Church have been, these are temporary quarters. Yes, we know our way around the buildings; the clergy, staff and congregants have been so kind, and we have collaborated many times, but we are not in our home, and to some that might be...Read more...

Professional development is a crucial component of being a good professional. You certainly would want your accountant to be knowledgeable in the current IRS regulations as opposed to
an audit and sizable fine. You would want your doctor to be familiar with the newest techniques and practices as well as medicines. You would want your attorney familiar with the newest changes to the law. How does that apply to Cantors?

First you...Read more...

Is the old adage of the three R’s sufficient for a good education to properly provide a child with the tools to be successful: Reading, Writing and ‘Rithmetic? We continue to read about schools that cut back or eliminate arts education to save money, suggesting that the arts are unnecessary for a good education. On the contrary, I have seen much research over the years that demonstrates that the best students...Read more...