Speaking

As a preschooler, I had my first speaking role in a high school production of The King and I. My babysitter identified me as one of the only dark-haired children in my small Lutheran town in Minnesota. Though I only spoke two words and appeared in only one scene, I knew I would always feel at home on the stage.

My public speaking skills were honed in high school debate and speech competitions, as well as one-act play contests. I acted throughout college and starred in summer theater productions in repertory at the Platteville Shakespeare Festival. For a few years, I spoke fluent iambic pentameter.

I worked for more than a decade as a trial and appellate lawyer, refining my advocacy techniques. I delivered my first fundraising address on Yom Kippur, while serving as president of our synagogue. I have continued to advocate for causes I believe in at the Minnesota State Capitol, at the U.S. Capitol, and even at Israel’s Knesset. Since becoming the chair of the Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel, I have spoken about Masorti at dozens of synagogues across the United States, both in person and online. I also teach in high schools and adult learning courses about Israel and Judaism for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Audiences have called my presentations “eloquent,” “professional and considerate,” “candid and balanced,” and have described me as “knowledgeable.”  You can decide for yourself. Please see videos of my sermons here. I would be honored to speak or teach in your community. Please send me a comment to get in touch.