Pursuit for Equality in a Democracy

  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...

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...

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’...

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...