I was accused of being antisemitic today. I posted a message on Mastodon in which I said that resolving the issues in Israel and Palestine requires that Israel be reconstituted as a multiracial democracy that provides equal rights for all its citizens. Someone wrote back to me and asked if I was also advocating that…
What is Israel’s goal in attacking Gaza? Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that the goal is “to bring home hostages and defeat Hamas.” The first part is straightforward but the second is not. What does it mean? How will the Israeli government know when Hamas is defeated? Do they have to attack until every…
Sometimes when I’m out walking at night, I talk with my dead grandparents. I do. Grandpa Schwartz died most recently, about 15 years ago, my Grandma Schwartz 20 years ago, Grandma Theder about 30 years ago, and Grandpa Theder died when I was just 11, over 35 years ago. But I find it helpful to…
Red darkness comes across your face blooms within the confines of your chest Is it bringing comfort when it comes for you for when it comes for you Forever calling at the door or sticking in your throat Tight against your skin your skin your hand your soul always again second third or fourth or…
Fear can breed anger. Anger can curdle into hatred. Hatred can decay into repulsion. For Jewish people to fear persecution and oppression is understandable. The long history of antisemitism and its specific, horrifying instantiation in the Holocaust would sensibly cause fear for anyone. When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th and killed more than 1400…
Goodbye, Parisa. You came to live with us such a short time ago, and I feel both the tenderness of that brief relationship and the depth of the bond we formed with you in that time. I regret the illness that depressed your health to the point at which your life seemed to us no…
Does it hunt Like a predator lying in wait? Does it welcome you home Alone at the gate? Is it zealous or lax, Is it bellum or pax? Promising, punishing, Iron or wax? Is it lock or the key, Is it costly or free? Who pays the cost – Is it you or just me?…
One week ago, I thought Parisa would be dead by now. She was my brother- and sister-in-law's cat, and we took care of her while they were on vacation for two weeks in July. We fell in love with her immediately. She is so sweet, and she has these little conversations with you in meows.…
Sometimes the ties that bind us can begin to feel like constraints. It is only when they fray that we start to value them. If we possess the wisdom to notice, and we have the chance to strengthen and tighten those bonds again, we can renew the connections that sustain us. My cousin and her…
You blink light on and off outside my window, Floating over grass and under branch, You and your fellows giving form To air and to early summer. You signal long days and leisurely evenings, Your flight languid and luxurious, A reminder for us to slow down, Experience each second, Enjoy those that bring us joy,…
Entwining 