Richard Edelman

I live in Livingston, NJ, where I write poetry and reflections inspired by Torah and everyday Jewish life. As a member of Temple Beth O’r Beth Torah in Clark, NJ, I find ongoing inspiration in the community, prayer, and the teachings of Rabbi Steven Stern. My profile picture features a cherished family heirloom—a Megillat Esther (מְגִלַּת אֶסְתֵּר) scroll from the home of my late parents, Marvin “Sonny” and Estelle, of blessed memory. Displaying this scroll honors their memory and connects to my mother’s Hebrew name, Esther, while also evoking the courage of Queen Esther, whose story inspires my poem, “The Power of G-d.” The scroll serves as a lasting reminder of the love and spiritual legacy my parents passed down to me.