Standing outside, all bundled up, on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron, gazing through the trees as the snow falls down, I earnestly sing along to Taylor Swift playing from my bluetooth speaker — the Red album, at this point, to be specific. I do my best to harmonize, trying to…

A less famous borrowing from Robert Burns, in title and perhaps in theme — Did you ever get a big, great idea for your life? An idea that felt like a fantastic way to jump start your life a little bit, put some oomph into the living. A way to make meaning out of all those days, before they add up and turn into…

A sequel to my health and wellness journey — I am immensely grateful for the immensely positive response to my blog debuting my health and wellness journey. …

Today I posted a progress picture of my health and fitness journey, and I received so many positive responses, comments, questions, etc, it was overwhelming — in a fantastic way. A few people asked how I’ve been making my progress, if there’s a specific plan or program I’ve been following…

Since everything has been closed and I’m at home, I’ve been watching a lot more stuff. This is unsurprising, since I already was watching plenty before the pandemic. Now I have even more of an excuse to watch things, truly observe, analyze, think them over, and let them dwell in…

I’d like to talk about the alleyway behind my apartment building. It’s where I park my car, it’s where I stand outside when I want a bit of fresh air, to get some sunshine or look at the night sky. The thing about my alleyway is, it’s poetry. It tells…

The power of language. It seems to be the thing I’ve been focusing on all week. The time in rabbinical school has come when I find that I have to write multiple sermons all at once. On super easy topics too, like what is my philosophy of prayer, and how…

a poetic reflection for my Ima, zichrona livracha — She smelled like Olay body wash, Marlboro mediums, cinnamon Altoids, hairspray. She smelled like all of the best ashkenazi mom’s Jewish recipes: chicken soup, turkey, brisket, matzah brei. She smelled like baby powder, Neutrogena body oil, Clinique or Estée lauder perfumes and face moisturizers — depending on which one more…

It has taken me until the first week of school was finished, but I can now say with confidence that I am excited about this year, and all it has to bring. My last first week of class just ended, and even just typing that short sentence makes me emotional…