I love working with young people. Helping to prepare them for their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah service is one of my greatest joys. The opportunity to share what I know and teach not only the history of our religion, but also how this history affects them and their families, is special. Every once in … Read more
When it comes to families who enroll in my Jewish community program, I’m pretty blessed. It seems that as with the Law of Attraction, what we put out into the universe, we also attract. Throughout my 10 year cantor career journey, I’ve encountered Jewish families who I simply adore – who approach the Bar Mitzvah … Read more
I just came across a well-written post by a Reform Rabbi in Washington, DC, in response to the recent NYT article that seems to be hitting a lot of nerves around the world. While I recognize that some of my colleagues provide this as a fast track, meaningless way to substantiate a monstrous party – … Read more
I’m so excited for this morning, and for being in Chicago this weekend. I’ve had sooo much fun since I got off the plane yesterday! As soon as I arrived for Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah in Chicago, we went to Mike and Sharon’s house, and Matthew and I prepared the Torah and practiced our singing together. … Read more
My biggest challenge this year has been to maintain any consistency in my writing. I seem to get really inspired to write, and post a ton of blogs at one time, and then I get so busy, that every time I go to write, I am wiped out clean of any inspiration to be creative, … Read more
This past weekend was Jared’s Bar Mitzvah. I was so worried about this one, simply from a time constraint perspective. No sooner did I finish Jess & Pete’s wedding in Orlando, I jumped in the car, drove home, taught Hebrew School from 9-10am, and was ready for Jared’s Bar Mitzvah at 10:30! (It required setup … Read more
I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. I’m SOOOOO lucky to do what I do, and being able to give my newest student the opportunity to have Austin’s Bar Mitzvah just reaffirms my good fortune. I don’t even know where to start this one. Have you ever developed such an incredible … Read more
I guess I should start this blog entry, by clarifying that no event I’ve ever done has resulted in 3 (or more) entries, until now. Somehow I feel that’s important, because usually, as much as many of my events are warm, moving, loving, and well…exceptional, the story of Max’s Bar Mitzvah is more than all … Read more
It is the eve of Max’s Bar Mitzvah. I am back in the hotel, after spending the last few hours reading and preparing for tonight, and reflecting on the last 24 hours. My heart is pounding for some reason, today, like that feeling you get when the police car turns his lights on behind you. … Read more
I’m so excited. This is a divine weekend, for sure, and I have been so looking forward to its arrival. There is such an amazing story about how I got here, which I will tell later, but, for now, the beauty of the fact that I am here is enough. So, tonight begins Max’s Bar … Read more
