A congregational rabbi for nearly forty years, I have always been active in Social
Action and Interfaith activities. In 1961 I joined the Freedom Rides, helping to integrate
transportation facilities, served 39 days time in Parchman Penitentiary in Mississippi.
I have also enjoyed participating in social action missions to El Salvador and Ethiopia
and am the cofounder, with my friend Jane Fellman, of the Rabbinic Network for
Ethiopian Jewry which successfully challenged my fellow rabbis to help Ethiopian Jews
get to Israel.

I have a degree in history from UCLA, was ordained in 1968 and twenty five years later
earned a Doctorate in Hebrew Letters in ethics from my seminary, The Hebrew Union
College - JIR. I am also the author of Food for Thought, Character and Soul – Recipes
and Blessings Included –the world’s first character based cook book.

About fifteen years ago I started baking with a bread machine, which ultimately led
to my “passion” for baking and cooking, which has even won me some culinary awards.

I am the father of two terrific sons, and enjoy my four grandchildren, all living in
California.

My wonderful and talented wife, Louise, and I live in Jocotepec, one of the pueblos, towns, next to the largest lake in Mexico, Lake Chapala, which is about a 50 minute drive from Guadalajara, the 2nd largest city in Mexico. Being so close to the Guadalajara airport makes it easy for me to fly to other destinations in Mexico to officiate at wddings.