Category: Judaism

Africa, Children, Colorado, Global Poverty, Human Rights, Inspiration, Judaism, Media, News, News and Views, Philanthropy, Politics, Poverty, Random Thoughts, Religion, Television, Terrorism, Travel, Violence, Women

Passover in Kampala

Chag Sameach.  It means “joyous festival” and is a popular greeting during Passover.  With the Jewish celebration of freedom here again I recall our very special Passover seder in Kampala, Uganda.  I posted this as the very first story on my blog back in May 2008.  My story also ran in the Denver Post in spring 2007. http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5534210 Cinematographer Paul Hillman and I are heading back to Kampala, Uganda again in June to do … Continue reading Passover in Kampala

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Aging, Arts and Culture, Colorado, Community Service, Education, Health Care, Inspiration, Judaism, Random Thoughts, Religion, Travel, Women

Esther’s Last Dance

Esther Heller tells me she used to be a dancer.  She says she won competitions in Paris and Athens and even Kamchatka (although she no longer is certain where that is.)  She used to teach dancing in Denver.  Waltzes and Polkas and Fox Trots.  She did it for free so people could learn to move their feet.  But now Esther’s feet have betrayed her.  Until … Continue reading Esther’s Last Dance

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Books & Authors, Inspiration, Judaism, Midlife, Random Thoughts, Religion, Women

Feedback from The Faith Club

Told Ranya, Suzanne and Priscilla about my blog and they have linked to it.  I’ve returned the favor in my blogroll.   Here’s the nice email they sent me.  Please check out their site at http://thefaithclub.com if you would like to join the conversation. Hi Vicky – Thank you so very much for your email. We are honored that our words in any way inspired yours. … Continue reading Feedback from The Faith Club

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Books & Authors, Children, Hawaii, Inspiration, Judaism, Media, Middle East, Music, Random Thoughts, Religion, Women

The Faith Club Part 4

Over the course of reading the book “The Faith Club” many things resonated with me but one statement from Ranya, the Muslim woman, sums things up.  “Once you can see things from both sides you’re on the side of compassion and humanity.”  Another thing that impressed me was a bit of wisdom from my friend, Cheryl, during a walk last weekend.  “Don’t judge a religion … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 4

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Africa, Books & Authors, Colorado, Inspiration, Judaism, Middle East, Music, Natural Disasters, News, News and Views, Random Thoughts, Religion, Travel, Women

The Faith Club Part 3

Three years ago I was on the road in Buenos Aires, Argentina during Rosh Hashanah.  As is my custom when I am traveling I find myself a service wherever I am.  One year I celebrated Rosh Hashanah in Wilmington, North Carolina while covering a hurricane.  Another time I spent Passover in Kampala, Uganda where we substituted Indian naan for matzah.  There was Yom Kippur in Savannah, Georgia and a seder at a … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 3

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Books & Authors, Children, Education, Hawaii, Homelessness, Inspiration, Judaism, Middle East, News and Views, Parenting, Random Thoughts, Religion, Women

The Faith Club Part 2

My son, Kyle, was born with a bump on his head and it terrified me.  As a first time mom I was certain he would become gravely ill and I would not be able to hang on to him.  Perhaps it was the postpartum imbalance of hormones but I found myself crying in the shower.  Then and there I surrendered.  I conceded I could not do … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 2

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Books & Authors, Children, Colorado, Inspiration, Judaism, Middle East, News, News and Views, Random Thoughts, Religion, Social Networking, Terrorism, Women

The Faith Club

I’ve spent the last two days in temple celebrating Rosh Hashanah but for some reason this year I’m not feeling it.  Perhaps it’s because I only show up for the high holidays and each year it’s the same story of Isaac and Abraham and Hannah and Peninah.  My Jewish experience is so limited.  Rabbi Mo is at the top of his game with sermons about living … Continue reading The Faith Club

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Children, Colorado, Community Service, Health Care, Inspiration, Judaism, Media, News, News and Views, Philanthropy, Religion, Sports, Travel, Women

Andrea Jaeger’s Silver Lining

Andrea Jaeger is a former tennis great turned nun who heard a higher calling. She now runs the Silver Lining Foundation which helps terminally ill children. One of the highlights of the experience has been camp for kids battling cancer which has been held during summer and winter months in Aspen, Colorado. She is now trying to sell her ranch to Chabad. The organization will … Continue reading Andrea Jaeger’s Silver Lining

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Economy, Environment, Judaism, Media, Middle East, News, News and Views, Philanthropy, Politics, Religion, Travel

River Jordan: Conflict and Cooperation

In the Middle East, water is a source of conflict and an opportunity for peace. From the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea and all along the River Jordan there is a need for cooperation over water. In the mountain aquifer under West Bank settlements there is conflict over its allocation. In fact, the World Bank just issued a report finding huge disparities in … Continue reading River Jordan: Conflict and Cooperation

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Children, Judaism, Media, Middle East, Parenting, Random Thoughts, Religion, Women

30 Minute Seder

I love Passover.  The Jewish holiday is meaningful, joyous and delicious.  I look forward all year long to the celebration around the table with friends and family.  What’s not to love about a dinner that lasts all evening and ends with the poignant words “next year in Jerusalem.”  It is always a memorable night.  So imagine my surprise when I saw the advertisement in the … Continue reading 30 Minute Seder

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