In 2012, a group of people had a simple idea - let’s create a day encouraging people to do good. And with this, #GivingTuesday was established, and today marks the 10th anniversary of this desire to have a specific day set aside to support organizations that do incredible work in and for l…
Last Friday was a busy one for me. My day started representing the Jewish community at Monrovia’s 56th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast. This annual event brings together not only faith leaders from across the city, along with local elected officials, but also community members as well.…
Today is the day that many people have circled on their calendars for a long time. While we may not find out the results of today’s election for several days, there will be many happy and sad people at some point this week or next. I know this is a simplistic message, but I think it is imp…
Next Tuesday, November 8, the second Tuesday in November, is probably the most important day on the calendar. In some countries, people are even given the day off to exercise their civic responsibility. But, of course, I am referring to Election Day.
Before I go any further, I want to…
By now, you have probably seen the news about Adidas immediately canceling its marketing agreement with Kanye West following his antisemitic rant that took place a couple of weeks ago. While it may have taken longer than many people had hoped, thankfully, Adidas put morality, civility, and t…
For many years, there has been a significant advertising blitz to get people to join gyms around the first of the year. This effort is to capitalize on people making resolutions to be more fit and to get in better shape. Traditionally, gyms are packed in the first several weeks of January an…
As I have gotten older, I continue to be amazed at how people put themselves in situations or, more specifically, bring problems upon themselves through their own actions. I was taught at a very early age that while there are few things in life that we can control, our actions and how we car…
I hope that these first few days of 5783 have gone well for you as we lead into the start of Yom Kippur with Kol Nidre tomorrow night and the conclusion of Yamim Nora’im (Ten Days of Awe). I had a special treat on the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah as I had the chance to visit and speak during…
Like other religions and cultures, Judaism has taught the world many things. Do not put a stumbling block before the blind. The importance of rest and appreciating (and valuing) all of what was created. Love your neighbor as yourself… classic. Do unto others as you would have them do unto …
Webster’s dictionary defines partnership as “a legal relation existing between two or more persons contractually associated as joint principals in a business” and lists the following as synonyms: affiliation, collaboration, alliance, connection, and relationship.
I have been thinkin…
In my column last week, I discussed the Jewish tradition of using these few weeks leading up to the start of the High Holy Days to look back at how we lived, acted, carried ourselves, etc., since last year's High Holy Days. By doing this, we have the opportunity to return to our true selves …
I have always been amazed at our space program. The idea is that so many people work for years, even decades, to send something they have made into space. The anticipation must be exciting, exhilarating, nerve-wracking, anxiety-ridden, and many other emotions happening all at once as the cou…
As someone who constantly thinks about the safety and security of our community and stays informed of the current trends and issues that are impacting the Jewish world today; I was especially intrigued to learn last week that Dana Bash, CNN Anchor, and Chief Political Correspondent, had spen…
As I have previously shared in my weekly messages, a lot of my focus has been (and will continue to be) on security. And it has not surprised me to learn that my Jewish Federation colleagues are also spending more time than they ever imagined concentrating on ways to help keep their communit…
Last week I had the opportunity to get away with my family for a bi-annual trip. This time we were able to visit Hawaii… specifically Oahu. Yes… Hawaii is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. From the lush vegetation that hugs the exquisite mountain ranges, the array of various colors that al…
