I'm a born and bred Chicagoan. While attending Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the pursuit of a BA in political science, I concurrently attended a yeshiva (Rabbinical college) there. After getting my degree, I moved on to New York. Since moving, I have managed to keep myself busy. First and foremost, I married the former Esther Zwick of Brooklyn. I received Rabbinic ordination from Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem in Manhattan, and a law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law of Yeshiva University. Upon my graduation, I served as chief of staff to New York City Councilman Noach Dear. Presently, I am assistant counsel to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. I live in the Midwood section of Brooklyn with Esther and my children Daniel Meir and Sarah.
YomTov began in March 1995, without much notice to anyone involved. While surfing the 'Net one night, I came across Project Genesis. I liked what I saw and asked how I could get involved. "Well," I was told "that depends on what you have to offer." As I had been working on a book about the Passover Hagada for a few years and PG had no list about Jewish holidays and observances, let alone Passover, a match was made. YomTov began with material on the Passover Hagada, and continues to touch all major (and even some minor) Jewish holidays and observances.
The frequency of YomTov postings depends on the time of the year. Certain months have more holidays than others, and therefore certain months will have more postings than others. Besides the regular postings, Special Editions are sent out as well. These editions deal with your questions and topic requests.
LifeCycles began in October 1997. After the Holiday of Sukkot, there is a dry spell in the Jewish calendar. In order to fill this gap, I decided to respond to the many requests I had over the years and send out posts that would deal with birth, Bris Milah, Bar Mitzva, and marriage. When my friends at Project Genesis heard about this temporary curriculum change, they decided it was more appropriate to make it a permanent fixture, albeit in a new forum - named LifeCycles.
LifeCycles posts are sent out on average once every other week. The topics will vary from post to post, and your requests dictate somewhat the topics that get covered. In addition, the LifeCycles archives contain essays that are not sent out on the list, but are still appropriate for the events. One can also find Hebrew and English translations of various documents and blessings that are used in conjunction with lifecycle events. The archives are still under construction, and are growing all the time, so check in periodically to see what is new!
Please write to me at prero@torah.org if you have any questions, comments, topic requests, or even if you just want to say Hi.
R' Yehudah Prero