What’s left unsaid is invariably more painful than what we do say. Hard as it can be to lean in to uncomfortable conversations, that’s precisely when communication is most vital.

“Bandits” is a cute archaism that I quite like. Banditry is something else, something modern and awful. And while banditry may always exist, it will never become dominant.

Vision obscured by a tear provides a whole different type of clarity. There are times that emotionalism is the only rational way to be.

“What do you do?” Code for: Who are you? The next time you’re at a cocktail party, give the literal answer and see what happens. Better: Ask the real question!

Do we give, or do we take? What if instead, we could give AND take? A subtle shift in perspective, exemplified by Shabbat, allows for unfettered abundance.

Typically when I study I learn more answers. Purim is just the inverse: the more I study, the less I feel I know. That’s the tantalizing mystery of this most remarkable of holidays.

Joy and sorrow are both part of life no less than spring and winter. To be human - fully human - means exploring the opportunity to embrace our infinite range of emotions.

It’s counterintuitive that the common could be more difficult than the exceptional. But that’s precisely the case sometimes in wildlife photography - and life.

Each of us is our own jewel. But it’s when jewels are combined - made into a mosaic - that they transcend their individual beauty and become more than the sum of the parts.

The right thoughts are important, but it’s in the right actions that we manifest what’s critical. Only when we take action do we realize our potential and fulfill our opportunities.

There are times that self-expression seems more an expression of our very essence than a simple desire to make a statement. That need reflects our Divine origin.

Is there anything more fulfilling to both head and heart than to experience a love song? Wisdom and love live together in the space created by humble listening.

In the depths of our most profound loss we proclaim our abiding faith in what we’ve found. Peace comes in the comforting reminders of our memories.

The Cactus Wren finds its water in its food, holistically part of its daily life. Torah - our water - is equally in every interaction we have, imbuing each aspect of our world and our life.

To sojourn is to live in a place not your own. Living apart can be challenging - even painful - but there are ways back. Tradition and peoplehood define the path.

God’s unity inherently contains - reconciled - contradictions. People too have to reconcile these seemingly incompatible complements. It’s the essence of humanity.

Listening can be magic, whether for us or King Solomon. Even for a king, the foundation of listening is wise humility.

My vote doesn’t count. My contribution won’t help. My kindness won’t resonate. All true. All dangerous. Our collective success depends upon our individual actions - take them!

Where is our merit? Is our worth the sum of what we achieve? Or are our shortcomings what define us? Learning to accept ourselves - wholly - is the path to true appreciation.

Indeterminacy leads to doubt. Faith is the surety that answers exist - even if we don’t see them.