I
am a native Minnesotan who moved to the Chicago area in 2004. While
I find the warm climate and lack of snow a difficult to accept,
Chicago fortunately has many other benefits which compensate for
the lack of winter. My husband (a Conservative Jewish Rabbi) and
I make our home in Evanston, along with our toy poodle Beatrice.
Our four children are in various stages of young adulthood, one
just graduated from college and in her first job, two still in college,
and one finishing up high school. We enjoy traveling, watching old
movies, biking, working out, and cooking (and eating!) healthy food.
Educationally and professionally, my undergraduate
degree in Forest Management led me to 18 years of forestry research
and planning, from the mountains of Montana to the wilds of far
northern Minnesota. My deep connection with the natural world is
paralleled by a fascination with the development and practice of
religion, especially by the various mystical traditions. I am also
interested in the impact of religion on world politics and culture.
After earning a Master of Divinity degree I was ordained and served
as pastor to a Lutheran congregation for five years. Over the years
I have taught a variety of classes to college and graduate school
students. Following an intensive study of Judaism and its particular
brand of spirituality (Kabbalah), I converted to Judaism.
My passion for teaching religious studies
to college students and other adults comes from a belief in the
potential benefits to the students. In a world as complex as ours,
with religious issues touching virtually every area of current affairs,
a person cannot be an informed citizen and compassionate human being
without gaining an understanding of religious traditions other than
their own. Studying religion teaches us about the human need for
connection and meaning, and helps us to consider more objectively
whatever religious presuppositions we may carry.
In addition to teaching at Oakton as an Adjunct
Faculty member and through the Emeritus Program, I serve as Director
of Neshamah Echat, the Center for Jewish Spiritual Living, and speak
to groups throughout the Upper Midwest. I am the author of published
articles in the areas of both forestry and religion.
Humanitarianism and true love for all
beings can only stem from an awareness of the content of religion.
By whatever name religion may be known, its understanding and practice
are the essence of a peaceful mind and therefore of a peaceful world.
If there is no peace in one's mind, there can be no peace in one's
approach to others, and thus no peaceful relations between individuals
or between nations.- The Dalai Lama
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