On the list of crazy things I’ve done in the last 10 years, judo has to be in the top 4 things I’ve done that were unexpectedly out of character for me – and somewhat, weird. I started judo last year, in February 2024 at the ripe old age of 33 (in judo terms), out…
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Shelach Lecha: Perception & Self Agency
In this previous week’s Torah portion, Shelach Lecha (Numbers 13:1-3, 17), we encounter a strange moment. This is the part of the d’var I read with my Temple family at Temple Beth Israel. Our ritual chair, Dr. Catherine Cox, asked me to determine some guiding questions for this portion. I initially thought – what is…
Blue Belt by Accident, Gremlin by Nature
They often speak about them in hushed tones — upper belt females. They’re not really on an endangered species list when it comes to the jiu jitsu and judo realm — they’re more of a mythical creature. A cryptid, really. I mean, we probably share a lot of similarities with cryptids: mildly threatening, haggard-looking, only…
Take That Leap: Open Mic Adventures, Part 2
Open Mic Benefit 2: Conquer Stage Fright Ah, the dreaded stage fright – the butterflies in your stomach, the shaky hands, and the racing heart. In an increasingly self expressive world dominated by influencers and colorfully expressed opinions, the world can appear to be a hostile place for those who are shy or introverted. No…
Take That Leap: Open Mic Adventures, Part 1
Are you in the mood for an adventure? Do you want to discover a new side of yourself? Do you have a message or creative side of yourself you’ve ever wanted to share with the world? Have you ever felt the irresistible pull of the spotlight? I felt this pull to the stage of years…