Adjusting Sights

I just read a wonderful book, Adjusting Sights by Haim Sabato. Writing from the first person point of view of a Jewish Soldier during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, he captures the universal experience of war and its impact on family and military life with a uniquely Jewish voice. The book is translated from the Hebrew original, which won the Sapir prize for literature. I found it to be deeply moving and poetic and I think it really speaks to those of us who have served in the military and gone to war.

Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur at Fort Drum

The "High Holiday service for those who aren't so high on the holidays." These services use a traditional prayer book, but offer abundant explanations, ample opportunities to ask questions, inspiring and easy to learn melodies, and numerous English readings.
See the Fort Drum Jewish Community page for the schedule. And don't forget to become a Fan!

Jewish Community Web Page for Fort Drum

I'm learning how to use social media, such as Facebook, and so far it's great! You can see what's new at Fort Drum's Jewish Community by accessing the Facebook page using this link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-NY/Fort-Drum-Jewish-Community/120984657953519

Is there a Doctor in the house?

I was filling out some paperwork for one of our son's school programs and he looks at what I'm writing and says - Abba, you're a Doctor???

It's official - in addition to moving to Fort Drum in upstate New York, my doctoral dissertation on Pastoral Supervision was accepted (15 December 2009) and I am now officially a Doctor of Ministry. As I reflect back on the (5) years of work, I can honestly say that it was a great experience. I learned a lot and am a far better chaplain, rabbi, supervisor and therapist as a result of both the studies and their application.

Sukkot - Festival of Booths

 

Summertime

It certainly has been a busy summer so far. I've put my family first, and shifted the balance of my time and effort towards reconnecting with them. It's really been our first extended time together since I redeployed from Iraq earlier in the year. Where we put our time usually shows our priorities in life. Remember the 1974 folk song by Harry Chapin "Cat's in the cradle?"

I've had a really enjoyable time this summer doing Family Therapy Supervision training at the Westgate Training and Consultation Network in Spartanburg, SC. What a wonderful group of therapists and supervisors. I'll post my American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Theory of Supervision Paper here if you're interested.

Next, I'll be working on setting up an individual and family therapy website, including online therapy using skype video conferencing! I'm also giving some thought on how to using social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. I believe that it's important for what I do as a chaplain and as a therapist to contribute to the community we live in, and on-line social networks are a part of so many peoples lives. More to follow...