Replace the false promise of falling in love with the enduring joy of commitment — This weekend, I celebrated 35 years of marriage with my wife, Sara Miriam. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed by. It’s just as hard to believe we made it this far. After Abraham’s servant, Eliezer, returned from the land of Charan with a wife for his master’s…

Your own grass looks greener from the other side of the fence — Four decades after studying English at the University of California, much of my academic career has faded from memory. But two instructors still stand out in sharp relief. My Shakespeare professor, Richard Levin, was a cheery, almost spritely fellow. He amicably prodded us to challenge him on any point, then…

With endless distraction at our fingertips, consider the benefit of being bored — Ah, the serendipity of a snow day, the freedom of the weekend, the endless opportunity of spring break. What could be better than to relax in the tranquility of unstructured hours, serenaded by the lilting voices of my children calling out to me, one after another, “Dad, I’m bored!” One…

A moment of reflection lets you to tap into the potential for greatness you never knew you had — I’ve never seen a performance of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. But I have read the book. And for all Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical and choreographic genius, I still believe the book is better. Every Saturday, Jewish congregations around the world gather in synagogue to read a different selection from…

The latest school shooting in St. Louis may have roots we’d rather not think about — My wife teaches special education at a St. Louis County middle school. A close family friend taught at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School until a few years ago, when he was transferred. …

Revisiting the true intent behind the First Amendment This past July, in a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of coach Joseph Kennedy, who sued to be reinstated in his job after being fired by the Bremerton School District for leading a post-game prayer. Writing for the minority, Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued: “Official-led prayer strikes at…

The year I learned that the secret of wellbeing lies in service “You’ll leave here after four years with an education few people have had access to in the history of mankind. What are you planning to do with it?” It was a good question, set forth by consumer advocate Ralph Nader as he spoke before an embarrassingly empty hall at our…

National Kiss and Make Up Day reminds us that reconciliation is easier than we think — Have you ever held a grudge? Who hasn’t? After all, it feels so good to wallow in righteous indignation, doesn’t it? Don’t you just love to revel in the glorious warmth of moral superiority? But is it good for us? Of course not. And it isn’t good for anyone around…

The Wyoming primary results teach a lesson that extends far beyond politics. The takeaway from the Wyoming primary results is not about politics. It’s about relationships, business, and life. It’s about not only failed leadership but also failed followership. Representative Liz Cheney voted for Donald Trump’s policies 92.9 % of the time and supported him in two elections. …