Hatred No Longer Hides Hatred no longer fears to show his face. Here in America, it seems to be the loud voice that is being amplified. It performs for all to see. Hatred shows up on our feeds, in politics, on our screens. It has become something that is embraced, even admired. Why Is Hatred Appealing? In an overwhelmed world of chaos and uncertainty, hatred offers simplicity. Leaders gain power through that simplicity, presenting the world through a black... Read more
The Emotional Complexity of Giving and Receiving Every holiday season, we hear words like joy, generosity, and gratitude. We talk about giving and receiving as if they are simple, effortless acts. But in the quiet corners of my own life, I have learned a different truth. Both giving and receiving carry their own emotional weight—humility, compassion, resentment, blame, and joy. Where human connection is involved, nothing is really that simple. The Truth About Giving and Receiving Giving isn’t always free... Read more
October 7th: The Day My Everything Changed Two years ago, on October 7th, my world changed—and so did I. It is a date that will forever define how my soul sees life: everything is either before or after October 7th. Loss and the longing to live anew breathe beside me each day. Like so many Israelis and Palestinians, I live with a heart that knows both love and terror, both fear and hope, both dignity and sorrow. Grief Unites What... Read more
My Faith in Humanity Has Begun to Feel Frail I have struggled more than once with faith, in regard to God, and or organized religion. But I have never struggled with my faith in humanity, as I find myself doing these days. Faith seems to be slipping through the rooms of my soul. As I search for ways to strengthen the threads that weave us all together. My Identity Challenge as an Israeli, Jewish American As an Israeli Jewish-American, my... Read more
Choosing Joy Takes Courage Can one choose joy in a world that is filled with uncertainty and turmoil? When sorrow and sadness feel like the most natural and simplest response? It can seem tempting- even familiar- to fall into the arms of hopelessness. Especially when the news is filled with stories of war, injustice, fear and much suffering. But choosing joy takes courage. Joy Requires Intentional Practice Despair can be a comfort zone for many. The decision to step beyond... Read more
Hostage Square: A Gathering Place of Solidarity In front of the Tel-Aviv Museum of Art, not far from my apartment lies Hostage Square, a gathering place of solidarity. This square has become a place where families of hostages receive support, and a weekly rally takes place. People congregate for Havdalah every Sat. night, before the start of the rally. Brought together by faith and a desire to overcome despair, and united by an unwavering demand: bring them home. A... Read more
My practice of acceptance and letting go became fragile. As 2024 comes to an end, I find my thoughts reflecting on the interwoven topics of acceptance and letting go. Both are essential for balance in our relationships, with ourselves, others and a higher power. Judaism offers many spiritual practices that nurture such a balance. However, this past year,2024, presented unprecedented challenges and complexities. The traumatizing events of Oct 7th shattered my ability to find solace in these. My practice of... Read more
Yet without her knowledge, Rachel Goldberg-Polin became my teacher of unexpected soul lessons. I have learned from many teachers in classrooms and others from life’s unexpected moments. Yet, I had never imagined I would receive such inspirational and profound teachings from a mother’s pain. Rachel Goldberg-Polin is the mother of Hersh Goldberg -Polin, who was executed by Hamas, after 330 days of captivity. She fought day in day out, for over 11 months persistently with unwavering grace and determination to... Read more
Growing up with the Notion of Tikkun Olam-Repairing the World The world seems broken into pieces of heartache, grief and fear. I, in my 66 years have never experienced such times. Everyday seems to deliver another package of worry, bloodshed and suffering. Yet I was brought up on the notion of Tikkun Olam- translated from Hebrew, fixing or repairing the world. A value handed down to me by past generations. I was taught this is my obligation as a Jew,... Read more
On this Yom Kippur, there will be no forgiveness for Bibi Netanyahu. Yom Kippur, is a day when our heart is invited to focus on forgiveness, atonement and self-reflection. Bibi’s Yom Kippur will not offer him Forgiveness nor atonement. His lack of action and signing a deal to return the hostages held in Gaza is unpardonable. Amongst them Keith Seigel, a dear man, brother to a beloved friend of mine. He abandoned the people of Israel, his country, on Oct... Read more
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