Ten years ago this weekend, I converted to Judaism. When I started the year-long series of conversion classes back in 2000, I realized that what the religion taught was what I'd believed my entire life. Among the highlights for me: there is not concept of original sin (that came from the Greeks), and for forgiveness,… Continue reading Jewish Conversion Story
Category: Life’s Meaning
Looking for the significance behind life’s day to day challenges.
Maple and Vine
When the 2014 opera season was announced, I was disappointed: there wasn't a single performance I wanted to see. Part of that was a lingering feeling from last last season, which wasn't that good either. Ever since then, I've been looking for a theatrical package. Groupon to the rescue! I found a two-for-one deal for… Continue reading Maple and Vine
Possibility
This time of year always reminds me of when I was in the dating scene. The beginning of each new year is like that brief period before a first date: All the possibility in the world was still there, and no one had done anything to mess anything up! In front of us awaits 2014.… Continue reading Possibility
Remembrance Day
Twelve years ago today I was living in England and decided to take a study break do my weekly grocery trip. I was pushing my shopping trolley around Tescos when a voice came over the intercom announcing that all customers should stop shopping and observe the two minutes of silence to remember the members of their… Continue reading Remembrance Day
Granting Wishes
Thanks to the magic of Hulu, I've discovered some great new-to-me shows. My favorite one to date was Jeremiah. It is cool to see Dylan from 90210, Theo from the Cosby Show and Mikey from The Goonies in very different roles. Recently we watched an episode in which the three main characters are presented with… Continue reading Granting Wishes
Where You Get Friends
I always carry a notepad around with me, so whenever I'm struck by inspiration I will have someplace to write it down. Often complete blog posts are composed within the pages, with random ideas for other posts inserted here and there. Occasionally when I'm stumped for topics I go through these handmade notebooks and look for… Continue reading Where You Get Friends
Imbalance
When I was in college, I had the privilege to attend an Associated Students leadership retreat. I had helped to found a community service organization, which earned me that seat at that learning opportunity. [Author's Note: Thinking about it now, why did I not exploit this fact to its fullest? I don't think I ever… Continue reading Imbalance
Word Police
Recently the senior rabbi of my synagogue recounted a “discussion” with his wife. Out of frustration at being corrected for something she had said, she countered with, “Why do you have to take words so literally?” His response must have added to the marital discord: “Because words have meaning.” As much as I could see… Continue reading Word Police
15,000 Days
I've already mentioned how I enjoy listing to Dave Ramsey. Last week I was listening to his EntreLeadership podcast that had Robert Smith as a guest. The interview was about Mr. Smith's recently published book inspired by the author's discovery of an app that allowed him to calculate the number of days he'd been alive.… Continue reading 15,000 Days
Lessons Learned
Another year has passed. Is it just me, or is time speeding up? Although I do all my new year's resolutions at the Jewish New Year, I still like using the putting up of a new calendar as a trigger to think through what has been important in the year that has just passed. There… Continue reading Lessons Learned
Grown Up, Now What? 