About Me

I was born and raised in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I am a proud graduate of South Williamsport Area High School. (Go Mounties!) While in high school I played French horn in their outstanding concert band and was a staff writer for the award-winning year book. I attended Lock Haven State College (now Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, a campus of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania) with the intention of becoming a High School history teacher.

Well, that never happened. I have had several careers in my life. I have been a Christian pastor, a cook, a restaurant manager, ran a convenience store, worked in discount retail stores and was Assistant Security Director at a major shopping mall in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These days I am pretty much retired. Busier than ever, but retired!

I have been married to the same woman for more than forty five years. (Long marriages are a family tradition.) We have three terrific children: two daughters and an older son, who took the above picture. My wife and I are long-time advocates for inclusion of special needs children and adults in both the Jewish and secular communities.

Several years ago I converted to Judaism. My family and I enjoy celebrating Shabbat and the many Jewish holidays and festivals together. We attend a well-known synagogue not far from our home. One of my projects is to share my experiences in discovering Judaism with anyone who is interested, particularly new and newly-observant Jews. I have written a memoir of my journey into Judaism entitled To the Promised Land.  (See Books for details.) I have a blog called Along the Way for readers who want to know more about living the Jewish Life.

I began writing a few years ago when my son, who is an accomplished writer himself, challenged me to put my own thoughts on paper. I have published two novels: the first is a work of historical fiction, the second deals with a man undergoing a crisis of faith. (See the Books page for details.) I donate a portion of the proceeds of my books to charity.

My hobbies include music, reading, writing, public speaking on a variety of topics, magic (illusion), storytelling, and cooking.

Welcome to my world!