I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Vermont. I spent thirteen years in yeshiva and kollel, and thirteen more as a chaplain and staff officer in the Israel Prison Service, serving the men and women inside maximum-security facilities.
Along the way I've written books: halachic works for rabbis and for families, a memoir of my years inside maximum-security prisons, and stories for children. This page gathers all of it in one place.
Written over three decades, in three different directions.
Practical Talmudic law, written to be used: by rabbis and dayanim in Hebrew, and by families in plain English.
My first work, in Hebrew: a commentary on the laws of niddah and vestos in Yoreh De'ah, with original explanatory diagrams for students and poskim.
"This is the work of a craftsman, a bottle containing manna."Rabbi Shalom Mashash, Head Rabbi of Jerusalem
My main English work: a complete guide to the laws and customs of taharas hamishpacha, following the Shulchan Aruch of the Alter Rebbe, written in a warm and usable tone for the English-speaking home.
"Well researched, and fills a void."Chabad Rabbinical Court of Eretz Yisrael
The calendar companion to Family Purity: the laws of hefsek tahara, the Seven White Days and vestos, with a multi-year calendar. Published in Hebrew as Zemonim.
"A well compiled work … of value to the public."Rabbi Yitzchak Yeruslavski, Head Rabbi of Kiryat Melachi
A review guide for couples, whether preparing for marriage or already married, with multiple-choice quizzes that clarify and simplify the laws.
"Tests should be given periodically to check the students' Torah knowledge."From a letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
An illustrated guide to the laws of warming food on Shabbos, from the practical questions that come up in every kitchen.
"The popular question and answer format … the extensive footnoting will allow them to see the sources."Rabbi B. Yurkowicz, Rabbi of the Chabad community, Lod
Thirteen years as a chaplain inside Israel's maximum-security prisons, and what I learned there about people.
The full account of my years as a Major and chaplain inside Israel's prisons, and the human moments that shaped how I understand compassion and responsibility.
A boy named David, and the two kings who argue over his choices. The series grew out of a play we performed for tens of thousands of children across Israel.
David has to choose between watching his little sister and going out to play with his friends.
The computer, the school project, and a sister who needs it more than he does.
A Vermont kid who kept saying yes.
I’ve spoken at campuses, schools, communities and companies worldwide, about the prison years, about the martial arts, and about what holds a family together. Some talks include a karate demonstration; most are simply stories and the lessons inside them.
In recent years I’ve spent more time writing and publishing than speaking.
I serve as the responding rabbi for MyMikvahCalendar.com, MikvahCalendar.com and FamilyPurity.com, answering questions on family purity and related areas of practical Talmudic law. Questions are welcome, and are answered anonymously.
Whether you've read one of the books, have a question, or would just like to talk, I'd be glad to hear from you.