Predictably, upon seeing yesterday's Rag Tag Daily Prompt of "Graceful," images of ballerinas, swans, and supple yoga practitioners popped into my mind. None of these images fit my modus operandi, not today, not ever. I have managed moments of gracefulness, I am sure, but as a general rule I'm a duck, not a swan. …
What is Truth?
The endless arguments between people who believe ABC and those who believe XYZ can get a bit confusing. To be helpful I decided to list some of the most common foundations for these arguments. The first part of this post is unprofessional and occasionally snarky, my take on the types of people who might rely…
How Are the Children?
This sermon was given by Rev. Patrick O'Neil, at the First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn, New York, on January 21, 2015. Sadly it is even more relevant today than ever. I share it in honor and memory of all those lost lives in Newtown, in Las Vegas, in Orlando, in Texas and so many other places. …
Is There a Limit to Compassion?
A recent post by Rabbi John Rosove encourages compassion as a response to the heartless statements and decisions being made by President Trump. I ache to agree completely and without hesitation. Instead I find myself struggling with the very question that the Rabbi answered by recommending compassion--a struggle that has consumed me since last November.…
My Rant Has Detonated!
For many of us, the past six months have been agonizing. On a daily basis it is necessary to re-group, re-think, and defend (whether in public or internally) our political and religious beliefs. It's tiring and demoralizing, and such a waste of human talent. We sense that we should plan for disaster. But which disaster…
If I am Right, Do You Have to Be Wrong?
A recent post by Dwight Welch on religious pluralism, in which he described his experience at a symposium on that subject, initiated a period of intense thinking for me. Initially I planned to "like" the post and make a comment on the site, but I am someone who likes to cogitate, ruminate, and argue with herself for…
What Marks Your Doorposts?
Traditional preparations for Passover are detailed, complex and arduous. "Spring cleaning" doesn't even begin to cover the hours and seriousness with which an observant Jewish homemaker would ensure that the house contains not even a crumb of leavened bread, crackers or even pet food that is not "kosher for Passover." I have to admit that I…
