Boxers or Boxer Briefs

So, in recent days (or weeks now, I suppose), I met the only other trans-Jew in South Bend. It was good to share experiences with her, and I hope our friendship will continue, even though she will be returning to New York soon. Anyway, we went on a rare (for me) excursion to a gay bar in town and were discussing that neither of us had switched what type of undergarments we were wearing, so we went on a shopping spree. Now my question is boxers or boxer briefs. I see advantages and disadvantages in both. Thoughts?

Reflections on the Life of Rabbi Arnold Jacob Wolf

So, perhaps, this entry ought to be called my interactions with Rabbi Wolf, z"l. I met him when I was in high school through my involvement in NFTY-CAR. He had a gruff personality, but a good heart. He told me he would not call my by my (then) nickname, but rather by my given name, because he thought that my nickname was diminutive, and he wanted to show respect for me.

I remember vividly the first session I went that he did. It was about prayer, and I firmly stated that I did not see the purpose of saying the g'vurot because I do not believe that God has the power to heal the sick, lift the fallen, or free the captive. He argued that that may be the case, but God created people, who have the power to do so.

At another session, he proclaimed it impossible to be "spiritual, not religious." At a third he said it is more important to keep kosher outside the home than inside it.

When Jewish-Muslim Dialogue at the University of Chicago visited KAM Isaiah Israel, Rabbi Wolf appeared out of nowhere to ask us what is necessary for a Jewish community. The answer? A minyan.

Rabbi Wolf was always an advocate for social justice and civil rights. In response to Hillels of Illinois holding an event in the Congress Hotel, he told me to cross the picket line in order to get the people inside to join the strike.

He was a man who was never afraid to say what he thought. He was steeped in tradition and immersed in the modern world.

Rabbi Arnold Jacob Wolf (1924-2008) zichrono livracha

On the Days I Wish I Could Forget

On the days I wish I could forget, I remember most. Sometimes I wish I could block out what happened, block out that it happened, and have my beloved back in my arms. Of course, I understand the drive to suicide better than most, but that doesn't make hers any easier to deal with. I wish that I had someone who knew my beloved, really knew her, to talk to, but no one like that exists, at least no one that I talk to anymore. Anyway, I guess the point is that I miss her, that I can't forget, no matter how hard I try, and that the truth is that I really don't want to.

Time Goes Fast, But All Too Slowly

I think back to four months ago, or even back to March, and it seems like all the events in that time period only happened within a few days, but now passing the time seems to take forever.

A Brighter Tomorrow

"Change is coming to America." - President-Elect Barack Obama, November 4th, 2008 (Chicago, IL)

Typing that is so surreal for me right now. I know that we elected him, but I find it hard to recognize all the implications. Working in Indiana, I find this victory especially meaningful, as even Indiana voted for Barack. In fact, Indiana had the second largest shift in the country, right behind Hawaii.

Anyway, more on this when I figure out what to say.