Grace – The Jewish Version Preface I do not recognize many of you. That is understandable and it is great. I retired over ten years ago and you represent the next generation of Shir Tikva. New faces, new families; you testify to the vigor and health of our congregation. Even this way it is good to meet you. And many of you are as familiar as a beloved old sweater. And that is very great for two reasons: 1) It is really nice to be together...Read more...

“What do you do?” It is a common conversation opener with someone we have just met. I use it often. Actually, my internal GPS wants to ask “Who are you?’ But that is a bit too confrontational for an initial conversation. We take a measure of a new person -– education? socio-economic level? Is he worthy of further engagement? -- by probing his place in the realms of commerce and society as we formulate them. Where do she fit in to...Read more...

Everyone has a story. Each of us has an inner narrative which defines who we are and how we present ourselves to the world. Most of us have joyful stories which generate our smiles and move us to reach out with kindness to those we touch. Inevitably, most of us can recount episodes or an ongoing theme that is harsh and sad and discouraging. Moments that prompt us sometimes to strike out with anger or bitterness. We want others to know and...Read more...