Category Archives: Teaching/Education

Blogging the Torah: Parashat Vayeira, Ishmael, Isaac, and the Rabbi’s Bathroom

Posted on November 19, 2016 by

A few weeks ago a pipe burst in the ceiling above our tub. The building quickly repaired it and covered it up for a few weeks. When it came time to make sure that the pipe was holding, we decided … Continue reading →

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“The Other” Is You

Posted on December 23, 2015 by

In preparation for the new season of Downton Abbey, PBS ran a behind-the-scenes show the other night. I was struck by their insistence on propriety. Clothing, posture, and manners must adhere to the period. (Although, we have caught a few … Continue reading →

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Call Me . . .

Posted on June 5, 2015 by

When our latest cat came into our lives two years ago, there was much discussion about what we would name him. I thought of the name Elul, aka Luli (top), to represent the month he came to us. We are … Continue reading →

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To Electrify or Not?

Posted on December 17, 2014 by

When I was growing up, my family and I would light the Hanukah menorah every night in the kitchen.  We had one for the family.  It would sit on the counter and we would light together and then sing Maoz … Continue reading →

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I Make Jews

Posted on November 30, 2014 by

At Thanksgiving dinner, someone I hadn’t seen for several years asked me what I was doing for a living and I replied, “I make Jews.” The person was a little startled by response, so I explained that I was a … Continue reading →

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Blogging the Torah: Parashat Chayei Sarah, Ulai

Posted on November 14, 2014 by

On most days, I usually think that it must be a good day if I do not say, “mah la-asot?” (what can you do?) or “yiyeh-tov” (it will be all right) too early in the day.  On some days I say both. … Continue reading →

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You Win Some, You Lose Some. Sometimes You Do Both

Posted on July 1, 2014 by

     What does it mean to win? When kids are little, we like to give everyone a medal whether they are first or last in the race. It builds confidence and encourages kids to do more. Kids play games all … Continue reading →

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We Are What We Don’t Eat

Posted on September 28, 2013 by

They say we are what we eat.  In this case, I think what we are is what we don’t eat. I couldn’t have said this better than my dear friend, Jewish educator extraordinaire, Juliet Barr. My So-Called Blog: Thursday Was … Continue reading →

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Blogging the Torah: Parashat Pinchas, Whose Seed is it Anyway?

Posted on June 27, 2013 by

This post is dedicated to my teacher, my friend, Hazzan Faith Steinsnyder. If royal watchers were Bob Dylan fans, they might be singing “The Times They Are A Changin’.” The Parliament has passed a law allowing the monarchy to be … Continue reading →

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Memories of Jewish Education, When You Least Expect Them

Posted on February 22, 2013 by

I was sitting on a train, looking at the Virginia countryside, and checking my email when this post came through. For the second week in a row, I am stunned by negative memories of childhood Jewish education.  In my last … Continue reading →

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