Inspiring People / 19 Jul 2018

Biblical Wisdom For Current Days: When Words Fail, It’s Time To Scream

Just as the biblical Tamar, it is time for us to scream against the injustices against our democracy.

Spirituality & Faith / 18 Jul 2018

When A Bar Mitzvah Follows A Shiva: Finding Comfort After Losing My Mom

It felt fitting that my son’s Bar Mitzvah was on Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Consolation.

Spirituality & Faith / 17 Jul 2018

It’s Hard To Compete With Simplistic Spiritual Leaders

Is there room for people who think more deeply and want more proof of spiritual experiences?

Daily Life / 17 Jul 2018

Is Overuse Of Profanity Harming Our Society?

Many years ago, I was heading into a store with two of my children, then around 10 and 12. In the parking lot we passed a young man talking on his cell phone. Though we were clearly in his range of vision, he shot off a volley of expletives during his call. He didn’t seem angry; it was just the way he talked. I was incensed that he did nothing to censor himself when children were right in front of him, and shouted, “Watch your language!” My kids were mortified. (Can’t take Mom anywhere, they were probably thinking.) The man, interrupted from his call, was momentarily stunned, yet utterly unapologetic. He looked at me as if I were a creature dropped from an alien planet. My son chastised me. “Mom, don’t do things like that! He could have been dangerous. How could you know? Besides, we’ve heard all those words a million times.” I knew my son was right. But I was angry that our society continued to peel away layer after layer of civility, layer after layer of protection of our children’s innocence. We were losing our sensitivity to the power and importance of language. This was especially clear in the realm of politics, where George W. Bush was endlessly likened to Hitler. It continues today in other forms of perverse, even sickening abuse of language, degrading the impact of true historical monsters and events to cover anyone with whom we strongly disagree. This is very dangerous. Swearing used to be reserved mostly for moments of extreme stress, pain, fear, or anger. That was its natural habitat, and I accept there is a time and a place for salty language. It’s cathartic to let loose with some choice words during stressful times, and besides, keeping strong emotions bottled up…

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Grief & Coping / 17 Jul 2018

After My Daughter’s Death, I Found Comfort In Spirituality Without God

After the loss of her daughter, a woman finds solace in Judaism with the help of a female rabbi.