If our writing is worth anything at all, then we have to put ourselves into it.

Teaching is almost like an act of prayer for me. I feel that I am present at the intersection of people and ideas in a very holy way. There are not many places where successful adults can take a break from work or domestic issues and freely and safely explore their inner lives or global issues through an ethical lens.

I love lighting Shabbat candles at the onset of Shabbat. It helps me create a strong and firm demarcation of time.

I love going to synagogue on Friday night and being swept in the melodies. Everyone seems more friendly and unburdened by the week and ready to be taken elsewhere.

If our writing is worth anything at all, then we have to put ourselves into it.

I have a principle I often invoke in class: comfortable people don't grow. Good teachers need to engage in the paradox of making students feel comfortable and uncomfortable in equal measure.

In order to survive, the human race must defend itself.