A Jewish bride, a Japanese groom

In 1991, the year I tied the knot with Aki in Tokyo, there were few options for a Jewish bride and a Japanese groom other than to discuss conversion. Neither one of us were interested in converting to the others’ religions. And so that raised a question to do more with our parents wishes. Of course they wanted […]

Art of Conversation with the In-Laws

My inlaws and I found the connection instantly, something to talk about that we were both passionate about. This was about the way we feel about art–a topic Aki couldn’t give a hoot about. Could this be almost the formula for endearing oneself to future in-laws? To unlock their hearts through a genuine common interest that all […]

What do Taoists Believe

Thanks for your interest in reading about my 25 year Jewish-Taoist marriage here in Tokyo. I thought since we’re still at the beginning of my story, you might wonder–as I did–precisely what is a Taoist? What do they believe in? And aren’t Taoists supposed to meditate on Chinese mountaintops rather than inner city rooftops of Tokyo? In […]

How Akahigedo Changed My Life

What made me ever consider staying in Japan more than a year? Does it sound crazy to imagine I would stay because I found a good doctor? And to give up the “search” for a Jewish husband in Japan so quickly after meeting Wakabayashi Sensei at Akahigedo? What made this clinic so profoundly life changing […]

Israeli vendor in Japan

I spot my first guy outside Ebisu station. Rows of silver rings catch my eye on his collapsible table. He has soft blue-grey eyes set close together. His brown wavy hair and pale skin with a few freckles are offset by a nose that rises like Mount Fuji. For a split second I think I’m […]

How Jewish is Japan, really?

From Chapter One: The Wagamama Bride  “My Queens accent is getting in the way. I say talk as if it rhymes with pork. My Hebrew is limited to a few blessings and prayers. Even though the chances of winning the New York State lottery are about the same as finding a nice Jewish boy in Japan, […]

Shalom from Tokyo!

Welcome to a new website dedicated to my writing activities, published articles and works in progress–including The Wagamama Bride. Pardon our appearance while we work on getting this site up and running. I look forward to connecting with you real soon! Who is the Wagamama Bride?  Or how does a nice Jewish girl from Great Neck […]