Orthodox Jewish communities hurt and shun many sensitive, vibrant souls who fall beyond traditional gender expectations and identities, but I think they can do better.
She is a bottomless top-shelf gimlet.
She is built of bloody bruised knuckles.
Appearance-based prejudice is everywhere, and I am very guilty despite my ideals. It's hard to overcome, but let's try.
Can seemingly small pleasures and appreciation of daily life foster great insight?
I am eight years old, lying in my parents bed. In another room, my parents are arguing. I drift away feeling this was all my fault. That somehow, I am responsible for the pain and rage around me. That somehow, I have to fix things. That somehow, I am only lovable if I am perfect. It's a heavy, heavy burden to bear. And now I am a mother of four, still bearing this weight.
Alan Jay Sufrin started writing new songs, possibly a side project, possibly the next step in his career -- and then he stopped making music entirely.
The power of silence, the limits of words... in essay form.
As an artist, I'm going nuts.
Bad treatment brings challenge, adventure, and humor if you open your mind.