Thanks, Alan! Your friend is an example of what some call BuJews. I only recently heard of the term but have known for a long time that Buddhist thought and practice appeals to many Jews - especially those who are secular and/or non-deist. It's refreshing to know that even devout Jews make the switch to Buddhism.

Are you still in Anza? We're visiting my brother in Claremont in late June and might get up to his cabin in Pine Cove again - although I'm already worried about wildfires.