Blog

Separate conversations with three psychologists have confirmed my undocumented observations that people are less happy these days. I see less smiling and joking, and greater concern for the future. Certainly October 7 continues to impact the Jewish community in particular, as antisemitism expands its daily presence, coupled with yet another rejection of a ceasefire by Hamas. Where is the...Read more...

I hope that you have found opportunities to watch the Paris Olympics either through the television or various livestreaming platforms. The agility, speed, strength, endurance and artistry of the athletes is beyond compare. While I certainly root for the American team, I also just marvel at every athlete’s performance. The Israeli team has won a record six medals, one of them gold. To witness the playing of...Read more...

I’ve remarked before about the staggeringly high level of uncivil discourse in our country coming from both elected officials and those seeking office. Just when you think it has reached its nadir, they go even lower. Is it the inability to recognize that words have consequences, or the utter disregard for any impact? Television ads speaking ill of one’s primary opponent have now morphed into attacks upon...Read more...

Most sermons only reach the ears of the proverbial choir, as those not in the choir either don’t attend or don’t want to hear it. I’ve been privileged to serve as honorary national co-chair of Black Women for Positive Change. We held a program a few years ago entitled “It Starts at the Kitchen Table”, the essence being that the attitudes that we have as adults are formed by our...Read more...

Our sages of old teach us in Pirkei Avot 4:1: “Ben Zoma taught: Who is rich? Those who are happy with their portion.” The word for happy might be familiar to most of you – Sameach – from which we derive the word Simcha, a joyous event. On first reading, the answer is certainly not what we might expect. When we speak of someone who is rich, our first thoughts turn to the individual’s net worth. But then,...Read more...