Hi everyone! I know, it's been a long time since I've posted a blog update on here. So, here goes nothing! First, on a personal note, if you haven't heard already, I'm engaged to be married to my beautiful fiancee, Melyssa! She is a truly amazing person and is so passionate about what she does in life (professionally, she is a behavior therapist for kids on the Autism spectrum). For that work, she has to have a ton of patience (she also needs it to put up with me!). I hope that when we visit your …

Happy 5771 to all! The High Holy Days are behind us....at least for another year....and we are ready to push forward. I had a wonderful experience this year, beginning my second Holy Days season in Denver. Our choir, the music, the spirituality of the services, the mix between classical and contemporary was just incredible. Our congregation is buzzing and I couldn't be more proud. It's taken a lot of hard work, and to see it all come together is truly something special. I've also been working incredibly …

How's it going, everyone? Yeah, it's been a while, and we hope you're having as great a summer as we are! It's been a busy time for myself and Kol Echad. First and foremost, we recorded our new album, " Follow in My Footsteps ". Scott Leader produced it down at Southwest Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. It was an amazing experience to develop music with such talent musicians and artists, albeit an exhausting week! I hope you'll find the album tasteful, exciting, spiritual and entertaining! It's …

This weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to attend Limmud Colorado, a conference full of Jewish spirituality, education, prayer and song from all denominations. From orthodox to reform, contemporary to classical, sephardic to ashkenazic, clergy, educators and members of the Jewish community in North America and the world got together to teach one another and bring their knowledge, skills and experience to each other. In actuality, nobody, including performers get paid anything to attend this …

I know, I know....It's been a while since I've posted anything. Better late than never, I always say. Actually, I don't say that at all. Enough rambling...on to the good stuff. I spent this past week down in the Phoenix, Arizona area, got away from reality for a few days, and acted like a child at Major League Baseball Spring Training. In a world where there are so many problems and concerns, people wondering if they are going to be able to eat tonight, etc., this was a little dose of heaven. People …

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"? …