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Should American Jews Support Trump's Iranian War?

  My long-time therapist asked me during our last session this week what I thought of Trump and Netanyahu initiating the war with Iran the weekend prior. I have had the same therapist for the last six and a half years. She told me that I am one of the few people whom she values opinions on political and world issues. My therapist was a little surprised at my response assuming that I would be supportive being that Iran has been the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah’s terror attacks against Israel. This led me to the question of should American Jews, especially liberal ones, support this war?   As with anything that involves President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, nothing is cut and dry. No one is upset that the Ayatollah and his top lieutenants and advisors are deceased, but the question must be asked, “Why Now?” According to our own intelligence agencies and others, Iran was nowhere near to having a functional nuclear weapon, despite the claims of Trump and Netanyahu. Videos...
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Growing Up

The morning sun shines through the window.   Lighting up the side of my son’s face.    He sleeps peacefully.    Still making out his baby face.    Eleven years has come and gone.    Memories flash in my mind.   Suddenly bring a tear to my eye.    What does his future hold?   For this boy with a big imagination.   And a heart of gold.    Wishing I could visit the worlds his mind creates.    Universes filled with heroes, villains, gods and goblins.   A never-ending battle for good to survive over evil.    My deep thought is broken.    As Evan wakes.   Sitting Up.   He gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.   And says, “Good morning, Dad. I love you.”   Giving him a hug, I reply,   “I love you too.”    “For now, ever, and always.”   
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The America I Know

  The America I know would not have elected a convicted criminal as President.   The America I know would have leaders who put the Constitution first.    The America I know would have leaders who condemn white supremacy and all hate speech.   The America I know would not turn its back on longtime allies.    The America I know would not turn its back on her own people.    The America I know would happily tout her “melting pot” reputation.    The America I know wouldn’t forget that “All Men and Women Are Created Equal.”   The America I know would not have a leader kowtow to authoritarians.    The America I know would not deploy masked police into her cities.    The America I know would not kidnap her own citizens and residents no matter their color.    The America I know would remember due process.    The America I know would not rip a five-year-old from his home.    The America I...
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Innocent Soul Over Minneapolis

The snow lightly falls on the icy streets.   Citizens out braving the cold.   Anger grows.   Their bravery even more.    Brown and Black neighbors snatched.   In broad daylight.   And the thick of night.      Car windows smashed.   Bodies bruised and battered.    While smoke fills the winter air,    Children cry from tear gassed in their eyes.    “Papers! Papers! Where are your papers!”   Ring throughout Minnesota’s streets!   ICE hearts are frozen.   And hatred clouds their minds.      Above the chaos.   An innocent soul floats.   A young mother taken too soon.    Her life will not be in vain.    For G-d’s love will reign.   
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Big Sister

The news came on a January night.   Confusion, from the day before,   Would not dampen the excitement that awaits.    June would be the time.   But would it be a pink month or blue?   Come on Mom! Cut that cake!   Big sister waits!    So does Grandma, my Grandpas, Aunts, and Uncles.   Everyone crowds around.   But what? What did you say?   My little brother Noah is on the way! 
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Sounds. of Spring

In spring, the crack of the bat will sound different. I’ll feel an emptiness at the ballpark.    And while I am watching the ocean water rushing upon the sand.    People will go on with their daily lives.    Rushing to the ballpark to catch a glimpse of their favorite Brave or Met.    Or arriving at the beach in the early morn surfboard in hand.   Looking to catch that one wave in the rising sun.    Never knowing that you blessed these waters decades before.   With your heart, soul, and of course, your surfboard.    Your kindness will not be forgotten.   Nor the love for your family.    I’ll see you on the beach’s horizon.    Surfing the clouds overhead
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Our Candles Will Be Lit

  Darkness Falls Upon the Earth As the day turns into night.   Our people start to gather.   To celebrate a miracle.   From two millennia ago.    When oil in the surrounded Temple.   Was meant to last only for a night.   But lasted for eight.      On a beach in Sydney.   And in the streets of Amsterdam.   The hatred against our beliefs.   The way we worship.   The way we celebrate.   Reared its naïve ugly head.   People with nothing.   But darkness in their hearts.   Tried to snuff out the menorah lights.   But that wouldn’t do.   Thanks to the bravery of a few.     So, on this night.   And for seven more.   Jews across the globe.   Lit their candles.   With family and friends.   Our hearts are heavy, but filled with love.   For the souls we lost    On this Hanukkah night.    
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