Judaism
Out of Apathy
Jewish journeys are not always comfortable. They're not meant to be. But you can't reach the promised land unless you pick one. Especially at Passover.
Mike Doyle
Mike Doyle is a longtime autistic, gay, Jewish, Disnerd Chicago blogger.
Elsewhere
B'nei Los Angeles
It's official. Ryan and I have decided to trade the Second City for the second city. Hooray for Hollywood: we'll be moving to Los Angeles.
Chicago
No Talent Like Chicago Talent
Can you imagine a public radio station announcing that its own city has no talent? That's just what WBEZ Chicago Public Radio did last week.
Judaism
Minyans
The hardest thing for some Jews to accept is not having a right to define the identity of other Jews.
Judaism
Impure
The Friday before last, my experience chanting Torah for the first time on Shabbat was amazing. The next morning, I walked out of my synagogue.
Judaism
This People
This people is a diverse people. As Reform Jews, we especially celebrate that diversity. What do you do when your synagogue just doesn't get it?
Chicago
The Coldest Winter I Ever Saw Was the Winter I Spent in Chicago
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to experience hell freezing over, let me tell you about this winter in Chicago.
Judaism
Trope Trainer (Video)
Next week, I chant Torah for the first time. My portion, Tazria, offends modern ears. But it all depends on the telling. Here's mine.
Urbanism
Taking Urban Planning Out of Storage
Last month I bemoaned Chicago's future. Now, for the first time in 11 years, I work in urban planning again. And I just held Chicago history in my hands.
Food and Drink
Alinea vs. the Pope
It's stunning when a Pope takes a more liberal stand on children than does a Chicago eatery. The Alinea baby controversy--and adults who should know better.
Chicago
Chicago Needs Neighborhood Councils
Legislatively mandated neighborhood councils would help Chicagoans finally fight City Hall and win. They exist elsewhere. They could exist here.
Chicago
What I Told the Chicago Community Trust about Community
Today the Chicago Community Trust asked several dozen local influencers--including me--to suggest ways to improve our communities. Here's what I told them.