Ruth Messinger, Jewish Madonna of Human Rights
Does Ruth Messinger ever sleep? Looking back at all she has accomplished with American Jewish World Service, it’s hard to see how she’d find the time, Joy Levitt writes.
When Reb Zalman Met the Dalai Lama
Joy Levitt was nervous when she met the Dalai Lama 24 years ago, but Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi was completely at ease. That’s because they were spiritual soulmates.
Israel Philharmonic Makes Spectacular Debut in Its New Home
The Israel Philharmonic turns music into a transcendent experience on a regular basis. But there was something extra special about its debut in a new home.
Remembering Debbie Friedman: Showing Up and Being Present
I hadn’t spoken to Debbie Friedman in many weeks and had only seen her once since she moved back to California. Still, I had to try. I sent her an email asking if she was coming to New York anytime soon, that I needed her. Ten minutes later, she emailed me back. “Is it Deb?” she asked. I’ll never know how she remembered that my cousin, whom she had seen at many Healing Services that she and I led together at the JCC in Manhattan, was ill. I’ll never know how she knew that my cousin was dying. I only know that everyone who knew Debbie has a story like this.