Why did I not know that birth is the pinnacle where women discover the courage to become mothers?

Since 1985, I have written about contemporary Jewish practice and the Jewish community.

I moved my arms through the water, feeling them float on the surface, watching the waves and wake that followed my gesture. Here was magic, I thought. Here was something holy.

If you want to understand any woman you must first ask about her mother and then listen carefully. Stories about food show a strong connection. Wistful silences demonstrate unfinished business. The more a daughter knows about the details of her mother's life - without flinching or whining - the stronger the daughter.

One of my favorite poets, Neruda, writes close to the bone. Though I know only a little Spanish, I like to compare the Spanish and English lines and see how the translator worked.

It is terrible how much has been forgotten, which is why, I suppose, remembering seems a holy thing.

Mountains are where heaven meets earth.