What does it mean to live transformationally? At its heart, this idea is related to one of the greatest gifts that we as humans possess: The ability to perceive and envision greatness in others and in the world as a whole.

In essence, living transformationally means being able to hold a vision of the people around us and the world we are in and live out of that vision. Doing so – and doing so effectively – enables that vision of greatness to emerge in others and in the world as a whole. As more and more of us live this way, the world becomes transformed – both because of who we are and because of the effects that we produce all around us.

5 THINGS WE ARE TOO OLD FOR
Age gracefully.  This old saw has been cutting into our psyche for generations.  We are supposed to age like a ballerina, tiptoeing through the pasture.  Lovely snow-white hair lifts …

People join online dating sites for many reasons: To find an activity partner, a friend, a date, a long-term relationship, marriage, or marriage and children.  JDate is even nice enough to lay out all of these choices side-by-side for us.  All it takes is the click of a button or two to list what we’d like to find in our online dating adventure.  Curiously enough, “pen pal” is not an option.  In fact, nothing of the sort is listed – not “letter-writer,” “someone to keep me occupied at work,” or “e-mail buddy.”  Nope – it’s just not a choice.  Why?  Because people do not join online dating sites to simply e-mail back and forth.  People are looking to form a relationship, not an e-lationship.

Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and instead of the usual pumpkin pie, try this delicious, lightly cinnamon-scented cake.

This is my favorite pumpkin cake. It is versatile and can be baked into layers, a loaf pan, or cupcakes.

There are men who manage to go through their entire dating lives without stress, anxiety, failure, offending anyone or being offended, rejecting anyone or being rejected, without encountering even one dating dilemma or disaster. They, instead, have smooth, successful, joyous, passionate, love-filled, worry-free dating lives without incident. Do such men really exist? Yes! Do they truly have such idyllic dating lives? Indeed they do. Can you find them on JDate? Sadly, no. Then, who are these men? Well, as it turns out, they’re called — fictitious characters. You’ll find them in books, plays, TV shows and movies, but you certainly won’t find them in real life because they are fantasy figures, much like Zeus, Harry Potter, or a viable Presidential candidate.

Dear Rabbi Singer,

I recently met this wonderful man online, who happens to live across the country from me. We have talked extensively for a while now, and I find myself starting to have feelings for the man. However, he recently asked me “if we were ever really going to meet,” which made me sit up. The way he phrased the question made me think that maybe he’s not willing to make a relationship out of whatever we have going on. Which is disheartening because, even though he is not willing to relocate, I am. And on top of that, I would be willing to come out and visit him and was hoping eventually he might feel the same way. I don’t know what I should do. Should I continue our conversations in the hope that he will change his mind, or should I stop contact?

Sincerely,

Confused in Dallas

There’s a Jewish saying that may come in handy at this romantic juncture: Man plans, and God laughs. It rhymes in Yiddish (“Mann tracht, und Gott lacht”) and applies even more to women’s heartfelt plans. Once my beloved and I had pledged our devotion, problems came flying from all sides. From his mother, a devout, cross-wearing Christian, the comment: “better a Negress than a Jewess.” From my mother, a refugee from Eastern Europe, disappointment and scorn: “So,” she said irritably, “a Jewish boy I see you couldn’t find.”  She had a point, my parents had meticulously raised me to meet Jewish boy after boy; not only at years of religious school, but at the Ivies to which they had scrimped to send me. And yet, here was my situation: I wanted to marry a gentile who loved the Jews, and he wanted to convert to Judaism and marry me.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a good time to take stock of what makes you feel lucky. Chilly weather and more time spent snuggling under blankets- never far from a baking pie and warm spices can turn your insides to jam, especially when there’s someone close by.

This is a great time to guzzle rich red wines with complex and earthy notes, along with full-bodied white wines with unexpected character. Speaking of unexpected character, I’d like to take a moment to mention some people I’m thankful for when it comes to love and romance.

Your bridesmaids and female guests may come to your wedding dressed to the nines, but what about chilly outdoor ceremonies or cocktail hours? It’s likely that your lady friends may not bring a coat or …

The next several posts are dedicated to the UGLY DUCKLINGS of the vegetable world. These “horrid herbal” ingredients present kitchen conundrums. They are weird looking, awkwardly shaped and strange but really tasty.  Frequently overlooked at the grocery store and market, some bizarre ingredients are a cook’s best friend, as these ingredients are often sturdy, good multipurpose components and have amazing flavor.