Karen Levi

Eddie* is a regular at our small synagogue, at three years old. He comes with his parents to various events and religious services. His attention span is still short, but he does sing along with the Rabbi and participate in the Kiddish (blessing over the wine and bread). Eddie loves the Oneg (food after a typical Friday night or Saturday morning service). We all love the food, for that matter. Eddie seems to love vanilla cupcakes, the bite sized ones. The first time I saw him eat one, he...

Yesterday (Wednesday), the alarm sounded at my condominium. The residents knew this was not a fire drill, since the announcement would have noted, "This is a drill." So we assumed the alarm was real. We evacuated, somewhat confused, into the unseasonably hot day. Typical in these situations, neighbors chatted nervously. Approximately 20 minutes later, we received the "all clear" from the fireman. The United States has not received an "all clear." The alarms are ringing. A deepening crisis...

Caution: This blog may contain honesty. Today, my adult daughter who has Autism celebrated Mother's Day with me. She is generous to a fault. I do not think you could find another more authentically generous daughter. Isabel lives to think about others. Her gifts are literally from the heart, though not necessarily what you would want. Therein is the rub. She showers me literally with presents, though, if I had a choice, I would select just one of a finer quality. But, I do not decide the...