What happens when a rabbi gets sick?

When a Rabbi Gets Sick

My latest from The Jewish Week. Battling illness as a full-time, solo rabbi.

Oink, Part II

I'm leaving on a jet plane.... and I know when I'll be back again. Sunday!

So, as you know, I am flying to Mexico tomorrow. I am totally excited about the trip to officiate at a beautiful wedding. There's just that whole "pandemic" thing - that "swine flu infesting the world" thing.

But, living here in NYC, I am almost at the point where I feel like the risk is just as bad if I take public transportation around here. There are dozens of confirmed cases here in the five boroughs, and cases all over the country. So, like, I'm at risk no matter what.

I have anti-bacterial wipes, Purell, anti-bacterial spray, clorox wipes, a personal air purifier, and I feel healthy.

I am not checking a bag, which will allow me to exit from the Cancun airport as quickly as possible. I will be able to head right to Riviera Maya, to the resort.

I'll be sure to tweet and post if I can. Wish me luck :)

Oink?

I am a bit freaked out about this swine flu epidemic currently spreading around the world. Usually I don't get caught up in these bits of hysteria, but this time I have good reason to worry: I am flying to Cancun this weekend to officiate at a wedding. Don't get me wrong - I am not at all worried about the wedding itself, and I absolutely adore the wedding couple. And, at any other time, I would be OVERJOYED at the prospect of traveling to Mexico for a destination wedding.

However, I am flying right into the "eye of the storm" when most countries are posting travel advisories and encouraging their citizens to avoid traveling to Mexico.

I am trying to remain in control, though - I purchased a personal air purifier that I should be able to wear on the plane. I am flying into Cancun, then I am whisked away to the resort in Riviera Maya. The wedding is at a brand new resort, so I would hope that it will be impeccably clean. I will carry purell and anti-bacterial wipes with me at all times, and I might even purchase a mask for the flight.

I spoke with my primary care physician this morning, and she said to just wash my hands frequently and keep an eye on how I feel. I hope that I won't need to pay her a visit when I return.

Wish me luck?

Updates

I am back home, having spent most of the week in Chicago at my dad's hospital bedside. He's only 59 years old. What a challenging time it has been. Your comments and prayers have meant so much to me and my family.

There's good news and bad news. Let's do the bad news first:

My dad seems to have had several strokes, all at once. He has weakness on his right side, and trouble speaking. His eyes didn't focus for the first three or four days, though they seem to be doing better (I told him he was so lucky that he got to see two of me!). He is totally exhausted all the time, no matter how much sleep he has gotten.

And now, the good news:

The doctors are saying that he could have a complete recovery. I don't know how long it will take, but there is much hope. His personality and wonderfully absurd sense of humor are intact. He smiles, he is able to walk (albeit slowly and with help). The hospital has been attentive, caring, and kind. My sister is there now, and we will be able to visit again after the High Holy Days. I told my dad that this was quite a creative way to get all us kids home again :)

All in all, it looks like we may have been very lucky. Perhaps this is the final warning sign from God, and we have to see it or else. With love, help, and lots of family and friends, we can get through this.

I hope you are all doing well. Have a great weekend.

PS - I came down with a terrible flu as soon as I got home last night. OY VEY!!!