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Dear Dad

  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...
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Antisemitism In 21st Century America

Antisemitism is at a high level not only in the United States but around the world. It is quite scary and at times unsettling to be a practicing reconstructionist middle aged Jewish man in this climate. What really bothers me is how different groups and individuals are misusing the words “antisemitic” and “antisemitism” to fit their own narrative, which turns out to be antisemitic. It is out of control and people need to stop and take time to think because their actions are diluting a problem that is very serious.   Jewish people have been the scape goat for the leaders of countries and empires for several thousand years from the Americas, Europe, to near Asia and the Middle East.  What is occurring today is not surprising with the rise of Trump driven fascism and white supremacy. The use of social media and encoded words in their posts, reels, and speeches has spread fascist messages at a quicker rate to a wider audience.  This is uber effective in a socie...
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Independence Day

A cool breeze blows onto the beach. As the sun sets on the ocean’s horizon.    The sky turns into a wonderful canvas of colors.   Orange, blue, yellow, and purple.    Fireworks begin to shoot off into the air.      It is July 4.   But not just any July 4 th .    It’s been 250 years,   Since the Declaration’s signing.    For someone who lives, eats, and breaths American History,   You’d think this would be the reason for my happiness.   Why my heart is light as I smile ear to ear.      For look how far our nation has evolved and developed in that time.   Despite one egocentric man and his cult trying to undo,   Two and a half centuries of progress in just ten years.   None of that crosses my mind on this Independence Day.      For there is the most wonderful person sitting beside me.    She is not only wonderful, but also so beautiful.    I can’...
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The Bracha of Noah Peter

A late June rain,   Was falling in the afternoon.   My granddaughter giggles as she and my girlfriend   Play on the floor.    My son lays on the couch,   As he’s lost in his phone.      My daughter is less than five miles away.   As a blessing,   Is about to be bestowed on our family.    I’m impatiently waiting for news. Any news.      My phone dings.    It’s three thirty.    “Caitlin is in a lot of pain.”   Was the only news from her mother.      My mind loses focus,   On what’s happening around me.    Is she okay?    Caitlin texted me two hours prior.   “I’m taking the epidural Dad.”     I worry.    She had a tough time with Claire.   Two and a half years ago   Almost to the day.      The clouds slowly start to part,   As the rain ends.    I go over,   To where Laurie and C...
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Laurie

  Life has its ups and downs.   Lefts and Rights.   And bringing us surprises of joy.   Laurie is my joy.   She’s brightened my world.   Like the north star.   Lighting up the night sky.      Her love warms my heart.   Like a winter fire.   On a snowy night.    Her smile.   Oh! Her smile is the morning sun.   Shining through my window.    Showing the pathway to my soul.      Laurie’s beauty.   Emanates for all to see.   For she is beautiful.   Both inside and out.    And through and through.     Her kiss makes me melt.   As it is as soft as a rain drop.   On a pedal of a rose.    Taking my breath away.   While lifting my entire being.   To a higher place.     Luck happens once in a lifetime.   Maybe twice.   As we are lucky to have found each other.      Hand in Hand we stroll.   ...
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Sunset

  The sun sets beyond the ocean’s horizon.   The sky is a beautiful shade of blue.   As the cirrus clouds roll in.    Two lovers sit on a blanket.   Snuggled up against each other.   Fingers intertwined.    Rotating between staring at the sea.   And in each other’s eyes.    Their smiles show the depth of their love.    The sand and ocean erase their footprints.   As they walk hand in hand along the shore.    Looking down an empty beach.   It feels like they’re all alone.    Talking about the future.   Happiness overwhelms them both.    Night falls    The two lovers embrace while laying on their blanket.    Light flashes in the distance.   It is only heat lightning.   Or so, they think.    Just then, lightning strikes above their heads.    As they kiss.   Both whisper in each other’s ear.    “I love you!” ...
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Inner Strength

Inner strength kicks in.    During times of distress.   Your mind spurs your body.   To overcome the impossible.   Challenging, heartbreaking situations.   Most of your brain wants to acquiesce.   Then there is that small voice.   That tells you to keep going!   Don’t give up!     My mother’s inner strength.   Is awe inspiring.    It has touched my heart.   And the hearts of many.   Who love and cherish her.      She brings out the biggest smiles.   From all who’s path she crosses.    The students she taught for two decades.    Her lifelong friends.    And her family.      For a half century.   At one point or another in our lives.   We have been beneficiaries.    Of the light that emanates.   From her strength.      Time has a way of changing life.   Our light needs to brighten her day.   Our l...
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