We did it! We survived the High Holy Days.  There is such an enormous buildup to Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Weeks of preparation. Music. Sermons. Name badges. Security. Apples and honey. Fasting. Repentance. Reflection. Then we move almost immediately into Sukkot and Simchat Torah, holidays that are incredibly

I bought myself a present this summer: a new grill. I was especially excited about one feature, the griddle. I had visions of perfect smash burgers, crispy around the edges and hot off the grill. So, naturally, I did what I thought I was supposed to do and generously

For the past several summers, I've found myself in a familiar rhythm. Krystal and the kids head off to camp, and I stay behind to keep things running at Temple Jeremiah.  I've come to know that version of summer well.  My evenings stretch a little longer at work. I

There are certain stories that stay with us throughout our lives. For me, one of those stories has always been The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I know I've written about it before, but I can't seem to help myself. It's a book I return to again and again. 

Last month, I had one of those moments that begins as routine and ends up staying with you far longer than expected.  I was on my way to the office, sitting in fairly heavy traffic. You know the rhythm: inch forward, stop, inch forward again, as trucks slowly made

I wanted to share something that’s been on my mind this week: a story I didn’t expect to stick with me as much as it has. I recently watched Rental Family, mostly because I’ve always been a huge Brendan Fraser fan. Seeing his career shift from those early action roles to the kind

Over the last year, I have found something surprising about myself.  I have discovered that it is harder and harder for me to focus without fiddling with something in my hands.  If you had told me that ten years ago, I would have rolled my eyes. I used to find fidgets a huge distraction. When someone

My daughter Eden is a self-proclaimed theater nerd, and she wears that title proudly. She loves musicals of all kinds and is constantly exploring cast albums and soundtracks to broaden her horizons. Because of that curiosity, she introduced our family to a show I had never heard of before:

When I became Executive Director, I expected to spend my days focused on people, programs, and planning for the future of our congregation. What I did not realize was how much of my role would involve learning the language of buildings. Over time, I have become fluent, at least