Tell us about what you're doing with your life
I serve as Senior Rabbi to Temple Israel, Memphis' historic 170-year-old synagogue, which thrives as the largest Jewish congregation in a five-state region. My focus and steadfast commitment has been about reaching across racial and religious lines to cultivate a more relational community in this city where the streets are paved with soul.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
It's a tie. I took a course during my Cornell-in-Washington semester entitled, "The Art and Architecture of Washington, D.C" that taught me wherever I am to "look up and out" to learn instead of just inside my favorite books. Equally unforgettable was a seminar on the "History of Science and Religion" which was less a debate than a conversation with Carl Sagan and others on what constitutes good science and good religion versus bad science and bad religion...and I eventually became a rabbi. Go figure!
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
Susan Klugman, Andy Kramer, Clay Lifflander, Jay Lindy, Hangovers Alumni and Kappa Sig brothers.
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
The early '80s and unparalleled Cornell backdrop made our college years an assault on the senses - the beauty of the campus, the sound of the chimes, the taste of great food, and countless steps trekking up The Hill. Caring professors, diverse classmates, and fun adventures continue to describe the kind of people and experiences I seek at this stage of life.
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was most meaningful?
Singing in The Hangovers a cappella group and serving as President of The Cornell Glee Club took me to unimagined places, from baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown to other Ivies and music jamborees at sister colleges. To think that my first visit to Carnegie Hall was on stage performing as an 18-year-old under the baton of world renowned Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas still blows my mind.