An Afternoon Act
You.
Yes, it is you that I'm talking to.
Broken Glass
It happens at every chuppah. After the bride's encircling of the groom seven times, after the recital of the special blessings, after the ring has been placed on her finger, there are a few seconds of collective silence in anticipation.
Senseless Love
One month ago, humanity woke up to a very dark world.
Can You Teach Self-Worth?
She doesn't just walk; she practically glides along, with a light-hearted bounce. Her laughter is infectious, her giggle ever-present, even during the dull periods of the day. Every moment is an opportunity, a learning experience. Her world is a wonder to discover and she feels proud of even her smallest achievements.
The Road Trip
We're on one of those really long family road trips. The kind that parenting experts advise will imprint fond memories on your children's psyche. (How's that for guilt?) And the kind on which you never leave home without a bottle of Tylenol and your favorite cup of strongly caffeinated, black coffee.
Getting Past The Whatever Attitude
A parent turns to her teenaged son and asks, "What's bothering you?" "Whatever," answers the kid with a disconsolate shrug.
Do You Know Where Your Teenager Is? An Ode to All Teens
Dedicated to my three teenagers
When You Mess Up
Ever wonder what might have happened had the first Adam reacted differently?
I don't mean if Adam hadn't have eaten the forbidden fruit. I believe that somehow, on some level, that was a necessary component to our being human. We're not meant to be perfect angels, or mechanical robots, always following directions explicitly, and always doing the right thing. Temptation and failings, challenges and adventure are meant to be a part of our human journey.
How The Creation Story Teaches Us About The Essence Of Man And Woman
Against the backdrop of rolling valleys and mountains, and a sun bathing creation with its warmth, creation awaits it finale.
The Second Time Around
Have you ever asked yourself-or anyone else: If you could live your life all over again, what different choices would you make?
Have You Ever Stuffed Tissues Down A Sink Drain?
She looks at me with those large brown eyes. I try to decipher her expression. There's a hint of sadness, doubt and even fear. She averts her gaze, trying to deny her act, as if she's trying to take it back.
Wonder Detergent
Last week, I bought a new brand of detergent.
It promises to remove all stains, even those stubborn, impossible to remove ones--or your money back. Guaranteed.
As Sweet As Candy
At this time of year, honey, and the sweetness it represents, plays a major role in our celebrations.
Woman And The Forbidden Fruit
The sin of the Etz HaDa'at, the Tree of Knowledge is one of the most perplexing episodes in the Torah.
Changing Lanes
I am driving along in my small silver sports car. The pace of the cars around me has suddenly become frenzied; the flow of traffic has thickened considerably; I have hit morning rush hour on Toronto's busy thoroughfares. I need to merge into traffic on a very busy main road. But I am stopped, stuck, as the cars whiz past me.
Words Whispered on a Dark Russian Night
From the moment that our eyes met and locked on Friday, at the first lecture that I gave at the retreat organized by the EJSN (European Jewish Study Network) in Davos, Switzerland, I sensed that we would be speaking more throughout the weekend.
Words Whispered on a Dark Russian Night
From the moment that our eyes met and locked on Friday, at the first lecture that I gave at the retreat organized by the EJSN (European Jewish Study Network) in Davos, Switzerland, I sensed that we would be speaking more throughout the weekend.
Why Did G-d Create Bullies?
He looks at me with such a wistful expression in his clear blue eyes. His young shoulders are sagging and he appears to be carrying the world's burdens.
A Lesson In Chinuch
Several years ago my husband and I were the directors of a seminary, which girls from all over the world attended.
Celestial Sightings
With an active household and a busy lifestyle, my day, as for most people, is full of many mundane chores that need to be taken care of as part of the routine schedule.
The Face Of A Hero
Roi Klein.
It is a name, that until recently, held no meaning to me.
Get Me Out of Here!
The black fly was steadily crawling up and down my kitchen window screen. It was desperately − but methodically − seeking an escape, to get beyond the imprisoning panel of the screen, into the wide, open world.
Does G-d Like Playing Games with Us?
She rolls the dice. Her face is serious, concentrating on the outcome.
Silent Messages
It is almost exactly one year since my father-in-law, Rabbi Yankel Weisberg, passed away.
G-d’s Treasure Chest
I'm not sure what spurred it, but this morning, during my davening (prayers), my mind wandered.
Wonder Detergent
Last week, I bought a new brand of detergent.
It promises to remove all stains, even those stubborn, impossible to remove ones--or your money back. Guaranteed.
A Glimmer Of Contrasts
I've just read an autobiographical summary of R' Yisroel Meir Lau, former chief rabbi of Israel.
Religion Is Not A Quick Fix
Not only was I raised in a "religious" home, but with my father serving for the last 50 years as the rabbi of our − at first fledging, and now, vibrant − Toronto community, I was given the endearing designation of being "the rabbi's daughter."
The Hardest Three Words to Say
You and your spouse are driving along the highway. You begin to strongly suspect that you have missed your exit.
A Far Reaching Whisper
My talk was called "Divine Whispers." I would be sharing an array of stories, weaving them together to create a message of how even in the "ordinary" events of our lives, we can find a "divine whisper"-a lesson specially scripted for us. The talk was the highlight of a lovely afternoon and evening program arranged by Chabad emissary Chana Alta Mangel in Blue Ash, Ohio. The food, decor, workshops and program, like Chana Alta herself, were fabulous, offering a perfect balance of beautiful physical and spiritual nourishment.
