8 Bridges Hudson River Swim 2016

The 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim was an epic open swimming odyssey to celebrate the mighty Hudson and the New York Harbor. 

It highlights health and environmental issues of the river to raise awareness for the work of NYOW, Riverkeeper, and Launch 5, all organizations concerned with making the entire length of the Hudson a clean, sustainable and safe environment for all. 

From my perch along the Hudson, I witnessed the inspiring feat of swimmers who started from the George Washington Bridge to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge - a 19 mile journey dedicated to highlighting environmental challenges along the mighty Hudson River. 

2016 Genesis Prize Laureate Winner

I arrived in Jerusalem in time to attend a reception at Mayor Nir Barkat's home for 2016 Genesis Prize laureate winner, violinist Itzhak Perlman and celebrity emcee, Helen Mirren.

Itzhak Perlman

The Genesis Prize was founded in 2012 as a million dollar award given annually to an exceptional human being who has attained outstanding excellence and international renown in his or her chosen field, is a role model in the community and who can inspire the next generation of Jews worldwide. 

Broken Vessel

We all experience cracks, hard knocks and shattering as we journey through life. Mending as we transform, after life altering experiences, is the art of inventive repair. 

Expansion by Paige Bradley

A recent accident was a powerful reminder of the impermanence of life.

The Unexpected Giver

As a philanthropist, I am always inspired by how young people think about giving away money. In what will be their world, the way they give expresses who they are - givers with interests in technology and the sustainability of our world.

Noah Helfstein

Just this Passover, a 13-year-old bar mitzvah boy from New York with a passion for 3-D printing dedicated a mobile 3-D printing lab for children in Israel. 

Wakefulness

The act of waking up can change everything; it is to be born to another world 

within oneself." ~ Henri Tracol

W Magazine 2010 - Tim Walker Photography

Life altering events can happen to any of us - loss, accidents, a change of fortunes, 

illness, displacement - suddenly our world changes and we lose our equilibrium. 
A close encounter can be a wake up call that brings real awakening and a 

transformation in our whole approach to life.