Why I Shaved My Head

I’m bald. At least for a few weeks until my hair grows back. I allowed my head to be shaved as a participant in a fundraiser to fight childhood cancer. I joined a group of Rabbis from around the country for an event called “36 Rabbis Shave for the Brave”.   As a group, we have raised over $360,000, and every dollar makes a difference. Our goal is to find a way to stop childhood cancer.

Every day I give thanks to God for my health and for my family. Every family has a story. Leora and I are blessed, and each and every day I give thanks to God, for granting us a beautiful daughter, Shir, and our sons Sam & Gideon. But before we had Shir, we had another son. Following a perfect full-term pregnancy, we arrived at the hospital full of hope and with great expectation. But things didn’t turn out as we expected. The doctors explained that there was nothing more to do. And our hope turned to sorrow, and instead of planning a bris, we planned a funeral. With the passage of time we tried again to build our family tree.

We recognize the limitations of our power while recognizing that we can still bring healing, comfort and new hope to those who mourn. I wish I had had the power to save the life of "Superman Sam," an 8-year old in Chicago diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2012. But I didn't. I never even met him, nor his parents, but his parents, Phyllis and Michael, both rabbis, chronicled Sam’s cancer journey on their blog Superman Sam. He died last December.

I would not dare to compare my experience that the Sommers, but I was moved to join the group of 36 Rabbis Shave for the Brave, rabbis fighting back in memory of Sam and for all children who are fighting cancer. Rabbis Phyllis Sommer & Rebecca Shore started looking for 36 Reform Rabbis who would shave their heads and support the work of St. Baldrick’s. I’m not in the CCAR, but those denominational lines mean nothing when it comes to standing together to bring comfort and healing to our world. I shaved to remember Sam, and to support his mom, dad and siblings, and my colleagues who are joining in this fight. My hope and prayer is that through our efforts we can spare other parents from the pain of telling their child that there is nothing that the doctors can do to save his life.

Now, for every person who asks me, "Why did you shave your head" I'll be able to share Sam's story, the story of my colleagues and our effort to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. This volunteer-driven charity funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Your gift will give hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers. So when I ask for your support, I'm really asking you to support these kids. Thank you!

Before my head was shaved last night, I told our high school students about St. Baldrick's and explained why I am doing this.  I invited Debbie Loeb, a beloved teacher in our nursery school to be there.  She spoke about her son Scott of blessed memory, and about the organization she started in his memory called  "Smiles for Scott". 

This week's Torah portion is Shemini, and it begins with the loss of life.   It is at a time of celebration, the dedication of the Tabernacle, the installation of Aaron and his sons as Cohanim, when suddenly two of Aaron's sons die. Life is not about death -- it is about joy and celebration and making the most of all our time together.  It's about community and simchas and all that is good and meaningful.  It is our memories of those whom we've lost that sustain us in life's sad moments - in it is in these moments that those we loved and lost are most with us, and we know that they would share our joy.

I shaved - my job in this particular effort is done. To those who have donated, I thank you.  If you haven't yet made a donation you may still do so.

Click "Make a donation" to give online, or donate by phone or mail.  You can still help make a difference.

Below is a brief video hightlight of my shave which took place at Midway Jewish Center with our high school students in attendance.

Thank you for your support.