Columns – Page 14

A Jewish temple rises in Milton

At Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills I sit by the gallery’s fireplace with Lila Rosenbaum, 86. Sunshine warms our backs from the wall-high windows and she speaks of finally “having a home.” The 9,500 square foot temple is tucked to the side of an open field by a stand of old growth trees […]

Women Writers: No apologies

[Photo: At EBWW conference, Suzette with Gina Barreca, author and professor of English and Feminist Theory at the University of Connecticut.  Suzette is wearing the “tribal mask” for loud, smart, funny women.  Thanks for the gift, Gina!) A smart, competent female writer stood up to share her thoughts.  “I’m sorry to take up the time…I’m […]

Boston firefighter loses everything, finds time and talent

When Mike Foley was a child and lost something, his mother would say, “It’s just stuff.”  However, when he lost a marriage, a job, and three generations’ worth of family heirlooms, it’s not easy.  Yet at age 69, the former lieutenant with the Boston Fire Department is not bitter. “I’m not in charge, I leave […]

Easter: Nothing is impossible

Easter.  As a kid, I imagined a wooden cross and golden sunlight piercing through purple clouds. I grew up jaded on words like “resurrection” and “redemption,” which felt as distant as lavender skies. Now I feel differently. The good news of Christianity is that nothing is impossible with God.  For Christians, Jesus Christ’s resurrection is […]

Journalists from a spiritual viewpoint

Few ever think of reporters in a spiritual light, but suddenly I do in terms of the David v. Goliath battle to get to the bottom of things  It takes a driven sense of right to keep people and institutions accountable. The Oscar for Best Picture to the movie, Spotlight, is a resounding validation to […]