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Most of us are aware of the tragedy that occurred at the Cincinnati Zoo last weekend. A small child strayed from his mother and accidentally ended up in the gorilla exhibit. Although at first it looked as if the boy was being protected by the gorilla, Harambe also acted erratic... Read More →

  Several years back I was invited by my sister to Girly Weekend. This was an annual trip started by her best friend and another friend who were the core of the group. I really didn’t want to go but my sister played the sister card, “I won’t go unless you... Read More →

The Hebrew term lashon hara (or loshon hora) (Hebrew לשון הרע; “evil tongue”) is repeating something about someone that was not meant to be made public. And as its translation suggests, I truly believe it is straight from the devil. The negative forces created by... Read More →

Although I try to keep the inspirations for these Shabbat encouragements anonymous, members of our Ruach community will probably figure this one out, as will the inspirers. However, it was too good to let it go. . .   Last week at 8:30 on a week night 15 Ruachites were blessed to... Read More →

  What’s in your head? Do you ever find the time to block out distractions and listen to your thoughts? For most of us our thoughts are so many and often racing that we can feel very anxious when we listen to all that’s buzzing around up there. Quieting our minds is... Read More →

  I don’t like to dwell on this but it’s hard to ignore the negativity in our lives and in our world. Often it feels like these seasons of challenge come in waves. They may happen inexplicably just to make them seem even more scary and to make us feel more powerless.... Read More →

  I am a strong believer in our Abba’s sprinkling clues throughout our lives that lead us to the path He wants for us. The challenge is that we more often than not don’t notice them. Part of our life’s journey is to become more aware of these moments, for... Read More →

  I work with a number of Jewish lawyers and one in particular is very frum (observant). So much so that he in his Orthdox community has the honor of attending to the dead and leads services in his Orthodox shul.   So needless to say over the years he and I have had... Read More →

  It’s that time of year. Yards are getting attention, houses are being decluttered, cleaned, given new looks. This week as I passed an old deck being replaced by a new one at a neighbor’s house, it was remarkable how that fresh lumber against the shingles made the... Read More →

  At a recent Ruach board meeting Rabbi Rich shared his experience earlier this week of presiding at the brit milah (bris) of his new grandson. In addition to its obvious emotionally moving and religiously significant aspects, the ritual struck another deep chord. It... Read More →

  Jogging in 50 degree weather on a New England winter day? This was quite the mild winter despite our spring snow day. Rounding a local street recently on my run I stopped to chat with a tree trimmer working in just a flannel shirt and jeans, eyes shaded with sunglasses because... Read More →

  We are living in a time of growing hints of the return of our Messiah. One such awe inspiring event is soon to be upon us.   A recent news article titled “Biblical Nomads Will Return to the Holy Land” caught my eye. It described the Jacob sheep, a “speckled... Read More →

  Scenario 1:   A loved one hurts you. It could be a family relationship – sister/brother, parent/child, husband/wife – or close friendship. Time goes by. The disagreements end but there are not many conversations with each other. You end up in social situations... Read More →

  Well, this seems to be a season of travel. Sid and I had planned a couple winter getaways but what was unplanned were the three business trips in a row that filled the weeks in between. Although I could make it to Ruach on most Shabbats, it still seems like I’ve been... Read More →

  I recently watched and highly recommend American Masterpieces’ episode featuring Carole King which aired on PBS last week. Carole King was a popular musical artist during my formative years, but I had no idea until I watched the show what a prolific songwriter she was as... Read More →

  Can you imagine being in a room with another person and totally ignoring him or her? What if that person had made a special point to see you, be with you, and you were just oblivious? Or what if that person is someone you are in relationship with but you just take him or her... Read More →

Divi-Divi trees are the signature tree of Aruba. They are everywhere, and characteristic in their appearance with extremely swept branches bending to the southwest due to the constant strong sea breezes from the northeast. On one of our hikes to the top of a lookout point, one of... Read More →

  Jogging on the beach today presented yet another insight into HaShem’s teachings. It amazes me how many lessons can come from the same path each day. . . How our eyes become more open to His daily teachings. . .   As I was prayer-jogging, I was struck by the beauty of... Read More →

  Today is the Monday after the big weekend blizzard. After such storms, and hurricanes in the fall, the ocean waves are spectacular. So I was looking forward to my jog on the beach near our home.   Oh, I was not disappointed. The jellyfish-like ice pieces were fewer and more... Read More →

Listening to the harsh winds blow as I write this, I am reminded of the struggle it is to stay centered, to maintain inner sholom, to feel His presence. . . We all have those times when life seems easy, well at least things are going pretty well. But sometimes more often, if we... Read More →

  I love this time of year. It’s especially great when Hanukkah and Christmas overlap but even this year, when Hanukkah was so early, the Christmas holiday is often when extended family get together. Nieces and nephews are home from college, family members travel to be near... Read More →