Category: Uncategorized
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Taking Another Step to Reducing Gun Violence: My Testimony on HB 1857
Here is the scenario: you discover a loved one who has struggled with mental illness recently purchased a gun. What do you do to prevent him from harming himself or others? As of now in Washington, there is no measure that can be taken to legally remove the gun from that person. But a bill…
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The “Fake News” and the “News Fake”
I love the Daily Show. And hearing of Jon Stewart’s departure is sad, but we know it is not imminent, and he is going out on top. And while I don’t watch TV news that much, I respected and enjoyed Brian Williams, who is now on a six month suspension from NBC News. I had…
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Shabbat Morning Quarterback: My Take on the Seahawks Loss
“The thing you are doing is not good.” These are the words spoken by Jethro to his son-in-law Moses in this week’s Torah portion. The Israelites are settling into their new life since leaving Egypt and adjusting to being a newly freed community. Moses is adjudicating all of the disputes of the Israelites, who line…
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Against Wage Theft: My Testimony in front of the WA House Labor Committee
Through my political action, I have the occasion to testify in front of the Washington State legislature several times over the course of a legislative session. Rarely, though, do those opportunities come so close in time. Much of what appears to be on the legislative horizon this year is about economic justice–namely, how to not…
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For Equitable Revenue: My Testimony in front of the WA Senate Ways and Means Committee
One day after MLK Day I had the opportunity to testify in front of the WA Senate Ways and Means Committee on behalf of the Jewish Federation and the Faith Action Network about the state budget and opportunities for new revenue. I believe that our state taxation is excessively regressive, and there are means to…
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The Significant Anonymous
As a rabbi, people often ask me who my favorite character from the Torah is. Well, actually, no one has ever asked me that. But I will answer anyway. And while it is hard to choose, my vote for one of my favorite characters is the mysterious man in the Joseph story. Who, you may…
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Happy 2015!
I wrote this yesterday as my Facebook status, thought I’d share on my blog as well: Today is a day to celebrate and plan. December 31 has particular resonance for me as a time of renewal because it was this day 2 years ago that I was admitted to the hospital with what would turn…
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Hello New Year, Goodbye New York
On Monday my parents got into their car and left New York for good. It was a move they have been planning of late. My mother retired from teaching a few years ago, and my father was winding down his career as an attorney. Full retirement was on the horizon. My sister and I were…
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2014 in review
This is a neat thing. As they tell me “The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.” I enjoy writing this blog. If you like it too please share with your friends! Happy Gregorian New Year! Here’s an excerpt: A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog…
Rabbi 360 