Pursuit for Equality in a Democracy

  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...