I want to share with all of you my article in Temple Sinai's monthly newsletter....it'll give you some insight to me, my family and you might learn a little something! If you don't, please don't blame me :) A funny thing happens to me each year around this time without fail. Call it sentiment, or plain force of habit. How do I know Chanukah season is just around the corner? No, it's not because my tall, skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks came in a red and green cup. And it's most certainly not the …

In my years as a Jewish professional, I have learned one VERY important thing: Change can be good! But, boy oh boy, PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF IT! In the words of Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister, "There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction". So, why are people so afraid of change? Is it because it differs from what they know and are used to? Is it fear of the unknown? The simple answer is YES. My life has gone through a 100% change in the past 3 months. …

I would consider myself to be an emotional guy. Sometimes, I let things get to me a little too much. But all in all, those reactions help me in life. They make me care about everything, from the most important, to what seems to be the most insignificant detail. In following Pope Benedict's first papal visit to the Holy Land, I had many mixed emotions. Of course, it makes me uncomfortable that he was a member of Hitler's Youth party, etc etc etc. And, although I'm not a believer in the Catholic faith, I …

" One of these things is not like the other....."   - Can you figure out which one isn't in that title? Yes, it's the new Jewish musician to check out....but, that's okay. I feel the need to vent a little bit about sports (my other passion). The NFL Draft:  My Miami Dolphins made a couple of good picks. I like Pat White being worked in to the famed Wildcat offense. His speed will be a great thing. And, being a Buckeye myself, I love the Brian Hartline pick. That guy is tough, and is …

Yes, I quoted lyrics from the broadway musical, "Rent". "There's only now, there's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other path, no other way, no day but today". Or shall I quote Matthew Brodrick from the classic movie "Ferris Bueller's Day off": "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it". You may ask yourself, "Why is he talking about all of these nostalgic, yet inspiring quotes"? …

A month or so ago, I learned that one of my songs, "Rock and Redeemer", was chosen to appear of Transcontinental Music's NFTY Ruach 5769 compilation album. I always bought the previous discs, and used the music on it while songleading and teaching, and made it apart of any curriculum I created. Ruach helped me learn what popular, useable, strong Jewish music was, and just how powerful of a tool it can be. It made me more familiar with names like Dan Nichols, Rick Recht, Beth Shaffer and Mah …

Yes, yes it is.... Whether or not you are a Democrat or Republican, black, white, purple, polka dotted, from the West Coast or the East Coast, you know that it is time for a change. The struggling economy has drastically changed the lives of many...caused people to lose their homes and/or their jobs and might have even forced relocation. Some people have lost close friends and family in the War on Terror. Gas prices went way up, and then way down again. We should be fortunate that things can't get too …

This has been one unbelievable month. Why you may ask? I have felt one of the most incredible senses of accompliment I've ever felt. Leading services, whether at Temple, Hillel, Camp, etc., is a blessing. I love the connection you can make with the people you are praying and singing with. Now that I have completed leading Temple Israel in Columbus in High Holy Days prayer along with our two Rabbis, I am able to sit back, reflect and see/hear/witness/experience the effect. And, it may not be more …

The summer of 2007 was an amazing challenge for me. I entered a new camp community in Goldman Union Camp Institute; one that is very set in their ways and doesn't have a lot of "newcomers" over the years. Most of the campers have been in the same cabins from First Year Shoresh (5th grade) until Second Year Anaf (10th grade). So, coming into this place....not really knowing many people except for Danny Nichols and Rabbi Ron Klotz, I knew what was in store for me as head songleader, perhaps one …