Taking 'The Next Step'

Okay, so I've been at this blogging thing for something like two months, and I have certainly told you a lot about where I come from and what has motivated me. One thing I think is clear is that one of the most important values that I hold is being a part of a community. No surprise, then, t…

Doing what our fathers taught us to do

This week, the school buses will roll through my town of South Orange again, as the kids go back to school. I always loved "back-to-school," the new pencils and pens, the new school clothes, getting settled in a new classroom. But this time of year has turned especially bittersweet for me. T…

Women and Philanthropy

Because of what I do as a volunteer, I've been following the growing field of study surrounding women and philanthropy. So, apparently, has Lisa Belkin, a writer for The New York Times. This week's Sunday Times magazine was devoted entirely to the issues surrounding gender discrimination, es…

Growing up Jewish in Newport, Rhode Island

As I mentioned last week, we have well-located family members that we went to visit.  This may have been an understatement. I come from one of the USA’s most famous summer resorts, Newport, Rhode Island. I love to act as a travel advisor for friends from New Jersey who are heading to what…

Thinking about Transitions

It's early August, it finally feels like summer, and we are at that spot in the calendar where the end is somewhere in sight but there is still plenty of summer left. At least that's what I'm telling myself! Some of us are eagerly anticipating the return of children or grandchildren from sum…