We like to think we all respond to danger the same way—as if courage and caution are universal instincts. But geography has a way of training us into very specific reflexes. What feels like common sense in one place can seem wildly counterintuitive in another.
Take Churchill, Manitoba…
This week’s controversy surrounding the proposed changes to prayer arrangements at the Kotel (Western Wall) stirred understandable concern throughout diaspora Jewry—and rightfully prompted many to ask, “Why this, and why now?” At a time of rising antisemitism, the introduction of suc…
This week’s parsha, Terumah, gives us what might be the first Jewish fundraising campaign. Before there were pledge cards or development committees, there was Moses in the desert trying to build a Mishkan (holy tabernacle) saying, essentially, “If your heart moves you, please donate your…
My day began with a post from my daughter in the family chat announcing that nursery school had been cancelled. Her kids, therefore, were fully available for the pre‑Shabbat call. She included a screenshot of her weather app: –7 degrees in Skokie, IL, with a wind chill of –23.
Separat…
I was invited to Governor Hochul’s State of the State address and to the reception that followed. At the reception, I chatted with our state senators, assembly members, and many familiar faces from around the region.
One attendee, noticing my kippah and Jewish Federation name tag, int…
