After A Long Night of Darkness . . . (Vayishlach 5776)

The darkness of the last few weeks - killings in Paris, killings on American streets, killings in Israel - bring darkness that threatens to swallow up the light. So much sadness. Too many unanswered questions. 

One way to work through our questions is to start close to home. Children, for example, develop empathy and caring regard for those who are a world away by practicing empathy and care right at home. Practicing care for a sibling who drives us crazy or a close friend in need helps us build our muscles of care for those we don't know. 

The recent killing of Ezra Schwartz - being a 2015 graduate of a Jewish high school in Brookline killed during his gap year in Israel - is both close to home

Impact v. Intent (Toledot 5776)

Similar to doormat outside JCHS lab-class 

While sharing a dvar Torah during a recent school community gathering I said something hurtful that I deeply regret. It was not what I said so much as how I said it. Yet the negative impact was the same. 


I meant to say something inclusive about the diversity of Jewish culture around holiday celebrations. When I referred to one particular Persian custom, however, my body language and tone suggested distaste or disrespect. My impact was the opposite of my intent.