We bought lunch at a kiosk before boarding the bus from Zurich to Lucerne along with the passport survivors and their families. Michael Schudrich, Chief Rabbi of Poland, sat next to us and I took the opportunity to show him the documents I had brought with me. He closed his eyes and gave a visible … Continue reading Walking with the President
As we approached the Zürich Hotel Engimatt, I recognized Jakob Kumoch, the Polish Ambassador to Switzerland, just getting out of his van with his staff. We were early so Dave and I slowed our pace hoping to greet him inside instead of on the sidewalk. Mr. Kumoch turned around, saw us, said my name, and … Continue reading Breakfast with the Ambassador
My mother told me the code for the entrance gate. I reached out my car window and punched it in, but it didn’t work. Luckily, just at that moment a car exited the gated community. I put my foot on the gas and scooted in before the barrier bar closed. My mother and I were … Continue reading Visiting My Grandparents
In a few weeks I am going to a state ceremony honoring Konstanty Rokicki in Lucerne. I will be attending through an invitation from Ambassador Jakub Kumoch, who is the Polish Ambassador to Switzerland. Who is Konstanty Rokicki? And how did I receive an invitation from an ambassador? This is a long story and deserves … Continue reading Passport Update
I have been traveling to Connecticut a lot. I don't mind. All the hubbub around Tutti's Promise gives me an excuse to visit my parents. When people ask me about driving down to Southern New England I say my parents like it when I visit - but the truth is I like the visits too. … Continue reading Vote of Confidence
More exciting news for Tutti’s Promise! Nautilus Book Awards has announced that we won Silver in Middle Grades Fiction. Now completing its 20th year, Nautilus Book Awards recognizes books that transcend barriers of culture, gender, race, and class, and promote conscious living & green values, spiritual growth, wellness & vitality, and positive social change. Thank … Continue reading Nautilus Silver Winner
Over a year ago a classmate from Loomis-Chaffee, Jim Rice, invited me to come speak at his congregation. This week that invitation came to fruition as I spent three days at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, MI. My visit started with a lovely lunch and a tour of the building. Temple Beth El is … Continue reading Yom HaShoah 2018
The alarm woke us up at 4AM and Dave and I sleepily made our way to the Manchester Airport in 23 degree weather. It was colder than expected for an April morning in NH, but not entirely surprising. After a full day of travel we arrived in Austin, TX to a hot and humid 80 … Continue reading IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards 2018
Last Tuesday afternoon the phone rang. It was my publisher, Margie Blumberg. Our conversation went something like this: Margie: Hi. What are you doing? (I noticed an unusual lilt to her voice). Me: Not much. Margie: Is Dave there? Me: Yes. Should I put the phone on speaker? Margie: Yes. I want him to hear … Continue reading Noting what’s Notable
Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This past year has been full of the Holocaust for me. Since publishing "Tutti’s Promise" 11 months ago I have been speaking about the Holocaust and sharing what my mother experienced during those dreadful years. I have spoken at high schools and middle schools, public schools and private schools, … Continue reading #WeRemember
