About the Rabbi

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We believe one’s ability to laugh at himself is a key measure to happiness. While I view the world around me as both humorous and heart-breaking, I understand that if we are to laugh at others, we better be prepared to turn that critical eye on ourselves first. It’s then we see that we are all related, no matter who we worship. I am of the Jewish faith, but not because of a personal journey which has enlightened me with the wisdom and higher level of consciousness that is Judaism. No I am Jewish because my parents were Jewish, so my chosen person status was chosen for me. Therefore when people ask me “What are you?” Instead of giving a country or a race to label me, I get to say “I’m Jewish”. and then they either say “You don’t look jewish”, or make some kind of comment about big noses or money.

I went to hebrew school as a kid, got to sip manechevitz wine at passover when I was 10 and had a bar mitzvah at 13. That’s pretty much where my chosen-person-in-training program ceased other than a once-a-year Temple visit encouraged by deep-seeded Jewish guilt. And those who think Catholic guilt is something to be reckoned with, go introduce yourself to a Jewish mother.

Although my zen comes not from my religion, I do like to make fun of myself and other people, so I guess the roots still run somewhat deep in this Jew. I’ve lived in the South, the Northeast and the Midwest. I guess if a movie were made about me, it would be called “American Jew”.

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