My Turn

“Arendt” was a name I heard quite often growing up, but one I didn’t think much of.

Increasingly, Jewish identity in America is subsumed by notions of “whiteness,” as the lens through which many Americans view race doesn’t allow for a nuanced understanding of Jewish identity.

Given the unquestioning obedience among so many of America’s religious leaders and institutions, the question is: Why?

The world of idols is a world of illusion.

You are still the greatest city in the world, that shining beacon of hope and opportunity.

Your goals are your personal Super Bowl. So let’s start treating them that way. 

Being a rabbinical student, Torah study was already a regular part of my daily life. For my father, aunt, uncle and brother, however, the unmediated Hebrew Bible was foreign territory. 

For Agnon, the memories of Rabbi Elimelech’s tefillin are inscribed in his story, using his gift with words, images and ideas. For me, the memories of my tefillin from my parents are inscribed deep in my heart.

This transition is the Grand Finale, the climax of spirit and integrity.