Welcome To Dan Ornstein's Blog

Welcome, everyone.

I'm pleased to present my new blog to you. The title, Four Bright Lights, is taken from my forthcoming children's book by the same name, to be published by Ben Yehuda Press. The story follows the adventures of an immigrant German Jewish family and an African American slave family. They meet each other quite by accident...or maybe not so accidentally...on the underground railroad in the 1850s. The four bright lights represent the four bright lights of the Hanukkah menorah burning that third night of Hanukkah when the two families meet. They also symbolize the four courageous children from the two families. The book is a tribute to people of all faiths who see the image of God reflected in all humanity, and who have the courage to help those in need.

On this blogspot I will post sermons and divrei Torah (in English, "mini sermons") that I have written, based upon the teachings of Jewish tradition. I am also posting essays of mine that have aired on WAMC Northeastern Public Radio,located in Albany, NY. Finally, members of Congregation Ohav Shalom (Albany, NY) and I will be traveling to Israel for a mission/pilgrimage in the coming months. I will be staying on afterwards to explore and write about some of the spiritual scene in Jerusalem, one of the holiest cities in the world. I will be posting from Israel during that time, and I hope you enjoy and find meaning in what I write.

All the best, and enjoy!

Dan