Pursuit for Equality in a Democracy

The moment I saw your smile. As you walked towards me.   While I stood in front of the Cheesecake Factory.   With flowers in my hands.   I knew you were different.    I knew you were the one.   The one for me.    You make me feel relaxed.   That I can let my guard down.    And be me.     A few weeks later.    We went and watched the sunset at the beach.    Looking up at the stars.   And then into your blue eyes.    We kissed.   And that kiss was like a blanket.   That warmed my lonely heart.    I knew then that I loved you.    A love that has only grown and grown.     Not only have you shown me what true love feels like.    You have opened your kind and caring heart to my children.   And grandchildren.    Laurie, I love you like I have never loved another.   We laugh together, we cry together, and our love has grown tog...

  The rain batters the window in my hotel room.     The wind is howling through the night.    I have only been gone a day.    But it feels like forever.   Since we were lying in bed.   Staring into each other’s eyes.      My heart is breaking.   As I see my beloved sister.   Struggle with her emotions.   The stresses of a decade.   Weighs on her shoulders.    Knowing there is little I can do.    Living a thousand miles away.      I remain steady and supportive.   Even though I am trembling inside.    My mother is frail.    A year and a half of chemo and radiation.   Will do that to a person.   Fighting a battle.   Which will never be won.      It’s time to stop the poison.   And let Adonai give Mom the strength.  To find peace.    And to bask in the love and comfort.   Of family and friends....

It is Sunday evening.    Erev Yom Kippur in the year 5787.   2026 in the secular calendar.   Back from Kol Nidre services.   Reminded how special this night is.    The sorrow notes from the cello filled the sanctuary.   The operettic voice of the Cantor and choir.    Pulled at my mind and heart strings.      Acknowledging that I am not perfect.   Nor have always acted in the best way.   As much as I have tried to live a righteous life.   In these trying times.   Of hate and antisemitism.      Striving every day.   To be a loving partner, father, and grandfather.   A good friend and a good person.    I constantly think about the decades away from synagogue.    Am I doing enough to live a life Adonai would want me to live?     Avinu Malkeinu!   The Hebrew words from that beautiful prayer.   Are sung from my heart.    Like a breath ...

  Wishing everyone. A happy and blessed New Year!   Cherish your loved ones and friends.    And take a moment to reflect.    On those we lost.   On this tragic day.    Twenty-five years ago.     May peace, love, and acceptance.    Take the place of war, hatred, and fear mongering.    Smile or wave to a stranger.   Or ask a colleague if they are okay.     Giving a compliment.   Triumphs an insult.    Putting down your phone.   To give your little ones a hug.   Makes them feel seen.    Kindness only takes a moment.   And it doesn’t cost a thing.      Now is the time.   When we reflect.   Asking G-d for forgiveness.     It is the time to decide.   The person we want to be.   The person who Adonai will include.   In the Book of Life.       

  Without You.   My Life would have no color.   Each day would go by.   As one big blur.    For the loneliness.   That for years.   Swallowed my heart.   Would’ve eventually.   Swallowed my whole being.      Luckily, fate bought us together.   For G-d has shined.   The light of love upon us both.   Bringing us together.   Out of the wilderness.   Of our darkness.      For it is you.   And you, alone.   Who has added color.   Back to my world.   Which it so desperately needed.      And I am forever grateful.   For every moment with you.   Is filled with love.     I cherish you, Laurie.   I cherish your smile.   When you look at me.    I cherish the compassion.   You have shown my children.   I cherish how you play with Claire.   And the sparkle in your eyes.   When you hold Noah in your arms...

  Dear Dad,   It has been three years since you went to heaven.    This week has been hard for me. I still find myself reaching for my phone to call you just to chat or get your advice about fatherhood or life in general. I give myself this week to miss you, then the rest of the year I celebrate you and all the truly wonderful memories and gifts of life that you have given me. I wouldn’t be the man, dad and grandfather that I am today if it wasn’t for you.    I know you always worried about my chronic health issues, and I love you for that. Despite the challenges I face daily, I am enjoying life. I am in a loving and healthy relationship with the most beautiful person. Her name is Laurie, and she has a 17-year-old daughter named Lexie. Laurie is a first-grade teacher and has been a teacher for over 30 years and Lexie is a senior in high school, heavily involved in musical theater. You would absolutely love them both. Lexie is a wonderful singer, actress, an...