Life lessons

As WD's Rabbi in Residence, I'll share some ancient and universal Jewish wisdom that I hope will help everyone lead a more beautiful life.

- Steve Leder

When I was a little boy, I loved watching my dad shave-it seemed like the most manly thing in the world. Many years later, I was the one shaving my dad as he suffered through a decade with Alzheimer's disease. It was then that I realized the multiple ways in which many of us eventually become our parents' protectors. Here is just one of the many father-son love stories I have witnessed over my nearly four decades as a rabbi. It is as profound and beautiful as any love story I know.

"Rabbi, do you make house calls?" Mike wanted to know, adding, "It's cancer-please."

I visited the next day. "Dad, the rabbi is here!" Mike shouted over his shoulder. "Go ahead, Rabbi. He's in the living room."