Happy New Year Shanah Tovah

Another year, another shot at redemption, another chance to get it right, another stolen golden moment to count my blessings, and another opportunity to savor the sweetness of living everyday.

Living with or without leukemia is still living and cause enough for celebration.

Shana Tovah.

I wish there were shofar blasts every morning. Clear the mind and lift the soul.

To all those I have failed over the last year, please find it in your hearts to forgive me.

To all those who have been so kind and generous to me over the last year, I am more thankful than you know. You light up my road and make it all so worthwhile.

I move forward, my first year as an orphan, the family patriarch now that my dad is gone. I miss him so much.

But I have a big and growing family of my own, full of love and joy and surprises, and dear friends, old and new, near and far, and rewarding work with good people.

Again I reminded of the words of that tormented master, Reb Nachman of Bratslov. Life is a very narrow bridge. The most important thing is not to be afraid.

Across that very narrow bridge, across the universe. One step at time, one day at a time. Slowly slowly slowly healing the brokenness in me and all the world.

The Rabbi's Shofar and the Dog

Click on: The Rabbi's Shofar and the Dog

(pretty great isn't it)

To my friends struggling with life's battles, may this new year bring you victory, or if that is not possible, a deep and meaningful detente with the enemies within and without.

To the researchers looking for a cure in the workings of our cells gone bad, may the light go on this year and stay on through all the validations, and may the move from the bench to the clinic be easy, swift, and cheap.

To the families of those with loved ones up to their eyebrows with the travails of illness, may you find the strength and support to keep on the relentless and under-recognized fight you fight.

To our political leaders, may they remember the unforgiving reality and the often unintended consequences of whatever changes they may make to healthcare for those of us living on the knife's edge. May they remember who they work for and who pays their salaries.

To all my friends, those I have met, and those I will never meet, may it be a year of peace and joy and prosperity and some good deep belly laughs.

I do get by with a little help from my friends. We all do. Thank you everyone for your support. Especially my family and most especially my wife.

Finally, please find it in your heart to forgive me and others for both our shortcomings and overreaching. I have had my share.

We are all in this together. I am here to help. G-d bless.