Chronicles of Crises In Our Communities – 9/25/09

Posted on: September 23rd, 2009

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A Torah Perspective on Educating Our Children About Sexuality (Part V)

Posted on: September 23rd, 2009

In the past several articles we have discussed the importance of parents taking an active role in teaching their children Torah ideas about sexuality and modesty. This is because it is essential that the first images to that fill their developing minds on these concepts must be appropriate ones. There is so much invasive exposure they experience from secular culture, and much to be concerned about in regards to the existence of sexual predators in our midst. If children do not possess clear knowledge and an age-appropriate understanding of the parts of their body and how they can be used or misused it is hard for them to protect themselves.

The Past, The Present, The Future: From Generation To Generation

Posted on: September 16th, 2009

"Time waits for no man" is an old saying, though I'm not sure where it originated. Other such sayings like, "time flies by too quickly" or "the older you get, the faster time flies by," also contain meaningful messages. For me, I can't believe how quickly the days and years go by. When I think about it, I realize how we must make the very most of each day to accomplish what is important while we still have the opportunity.

Chronicles of Crises In Our Communities – 9/18/09

Posted on: September 16th, 2009

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A Torah Perspective On Educating Our Children About Sexuality (Part IV)

Posted on: September 16th, 2009

Over the past few weeks, we have been making the point that parents must take an active role in teaching their children Torah ideas about sexuality and modesty. This is so that the first images and concepts that fill their developing minds are appropriate ones. This is especially true because of the amount of invasive exposure they receive from secular sources and culture, and also because we can no longer afford to be na?ve about the existence of sexual predators in our midst.

A Torah Perspective On Educating Our Children About Sexuality (Part III)

Posted on: September 9th, 2009

While it once may have been possible to shelter our children from inappropriate exposure to sexuality, today it seems to be an impossible goal. Even parents who have made every effort to appropriately safeguard their family may find themselves unhappily surprised at what their child's friends have exposed him to. In addition, outdoor secular media such as billboards, bus ads and newspaper covers portray disturbingly graphic images that force us to confront the fact that our children are being exposed to ideas and ways of life we may consider to be harmful to their souls and their mental health.

You’re Hovering!*

Posted on: September 9th, 2009

I was all excited that afternoon! I was 5 years old, and Bubby was coming to our house. We didn't see her often and I loved her so very much. Finally I heard Mummy call: "Bubby is arriving. The airport taxi just pulled up to the driveway."

Chronicles of Crises In Our Communities – 9/11/09

Posted on: September 9th, 2009

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“…And There Were No More Tears…”

Posted on: September 2nd, 2009

The argument raged on in its typical, predictable way. It was a one-sided argument where he ranted at her for something or other that she was guilty of, something he felt made her deserving of a punishment tantamount to "verbal death."

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 9/04/09

Posted on: September 2nd, 2009

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A Torah Perspective On Educating Our Children About Sexuality (Part II)

Posted on: September 2nd, 2009

While it once may have been possible to shelter our children from inappropriate exposure to sexuality, today it seems to be an impossible goal. Even parents who have made every effort to appropriately safeguard their family may find themselves unhappily surprised at what their child's friends have exposed him to. In addition, outdoor secular media such as billboards, bus ads and newspaper covers portray disturbingly graphic images that force us to confront the fact that our children are being exposed to ideas and ways of life we may consider to be harmful to their souls and their mental health.

Part 28 – Healthy Marriages Equal Longer Life Expectancy

Posted on: August 28th, 2009

Can improving your marriage help you live longer? A fascinating study led by researchers at Hebrew University revealed that Bnei Brak, an Israeli city that has one of the highest proportions of ultra-Orthodox Jews, also had the longest life expectancy in Israel. This is what the report found:

A Torah Perspectives On Educating Our Children About Sexuality (Part I)

Posted on: August 26th, 2009

While once it may have seemed possible to shelter our children from inappropriate exposure to sexuality, today it seems to be an impossible goal. While some families have been successful in insulating their children from the Internet, movies, and other harmful aspects of secular culture, many families have not been as successful. And, even those parents have made every effort to appropriately safeguard their children may find themselves unhappily surprised at what they have been exposed to by their friends. In addition, outdoor secular media such as billboards, bus ads and newspaper covers portray disturbingly graphic images that force us to confront the fact that our children are being exposed to ideas and ways of life we may consider to be harmful to their souls and their mental health.

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 8/28/09

Posted on: August 26th, 2009

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How Can We Prevent Abuse?

Posted on: August 26th, 2009

Chaya's older yeshiva-bochur brother told her that there was no problem with his touching her body. He told her it wasn't against the Torah, and he seemed to know a lot more Torah than she did at the tender age of 6. He continued to touch her first over her clothes, but as the years passed, the abuse progressed to actual rape. Eventually he got married and started a family, appearing to function just fine to nearly everyone in the community. However, he left his younger sister, now in her late twenties, crippled - emotionally, sexually and spiritually.

The P’TACH Miracle

Posted on: August 21st, 2009

One of the leading factors influencing family life is the intellectual and emotional development of the children. In most families, the children grow up healthy, happy and able to fulfill their academic or Torah-based goals. But what happens when a child is perpetually falling behind and is then diagnosed with a learning disability?

Who You Calling Lazy?

Posted on: August 19th, 2009

Have you ever experienced a scenario similar to the following? "My son, Ari (fictitious name) had been making an effort to study so he could get good grades. We arranged for twice a week tutoring in the evening, and that was after a long day at school. He wants to succeed. All children want to succeed. He'd like to see comments such as "great job" at the top of his homework. He'd also prefer having test sheets with fewer red X's and "F's" at the top of his papers (circled for emphasis in the event the "F" goes unnoticed).

Look Out – Real Life Ahead!

Posted on: August 19th, 2009

After returning from a year of studying in seminary in Eretz Yisrael, Feigi was ready to join the "real world." Seminary had been a wonderful, spiritually uplifting experience, but now it was time to settle down, find a job, and think about what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Feigi started job hunting. She had excellent credentials and was perfectly qualified to start a career in any of a variety of fields. Yet despite her intelligence and willingness to work, she was unable to focus on a clear sense of direction.

Chronicles of Crises In Our Communities – 8/21/09

Posted on: August 19th, 2009

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Part 27 – Refocusing Your Perspective On Your In-laws

Posted on: August 14th, 2009

The number one factor in resolving problems of acceptance by in-laws is your spouse’s support. As with all close relationships, it’s an art to support your spouse without jumping into the fight or feeding his or her discontent.