Going Up In Smoke

Posted on: November 3rd, 2004

Walking along a Brooklyn street recently, I saw a scene that could very well be used in a dictionary to explain the word nachas.

Love, Trust And Faith – Achieving True Peace Of Mind

Posted on: October 20th, 2004

During Rosh Hashona, when it is customary to greet friend and stranger alike with good wishes for the upcoming year, I try to avoid uttering the phrase, "Have a happy and healthy New Year.

Criminal Insensitivity

Posted on: October 6th, 2004

Years ago, when I was in college, I took an undergraduate course in law. I don't remember much of what I learned, but the concept of criminal negligence has stuck in my mind.

Are You Playing Russian Roulette With Your Life?

Posted on: September 22nd, 2004

I recently attended an out-of-town simcha. Among the guests were several acquaintances whom I hadn't seen in several years.

Not Music To My Ears

Posted on: September 8th, 2004

I was at a wedding just the other day, and the music was deafening.

A Daily Dose Of Tisha B’Av

Posted on: August 25th, 2004

Another Nine Days have come and gone, and we gratefully give a sigh of relief knowing that these days of deprivation - no meat, no swimming, no showering, no music, culminating in a 25 hour fast - no food or water - are finally behind us, and the rest of the sun-drenched summer is there for us to enjoy.

Whining And Dining, Nickel And Dimeing

Posted on: August 11th, 2004

Earlier this month, I spent the July 4th weekend at an out-of-town Shabbaton.

Wedding Wonder

Posted on: July 28th, 2004

We've all been to hundreds of weddings throughout our lives. Most of them have been the simchas of friends - some of very close family members.

A Churning Stomach And An Upturned Nose

Posted on: May 19th, 2004

Several weeks ago, there was back and forth "dialogue" in the editorial pages of the Jewish Press concerning the very subjective view as to who is the more "authentic" Jew amongst the various segments of the Orthodox community.

The Heavenly Gift Of Restraint

Posted on: April 28th, 2004

With Pesach upon us, Jews must refrain from indulging in some of their favorite foods, drinks and even cosmetics for over a week.

Stunted Souls

Posted on: April 21st, 2004

In this week's Dating Primer column, Rosie Einhorn and Sherry Zimmerman write about the destructive nature of frequent, often unjustified criticism directed towards children and some of the repercussions of what they feel is unintentional but nonetheless genuine verbal abuse.

A Lesson In Love

Posted on: April 7th, 2004

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being a guest at a Shabbaton hosted by Machane Chodosh in Forest Hills, N.Y.

Addressing The ‘State Of The Union’ – The Shidduch Crisis

Posted on: March 24th, 2004

One of the most distressing issues that pre-occupies the minds of young and old alike is the growing "Shidduch Crisis."

Toronto Mourns Loss Of ‘Twin Towers’

Posted on: March 10th, 2004

For many people, one of the most difficult blessings to say with the proper kavana - sincerity - is the one uttered upon hearing of a person's passing - Baruch Dayan HaEmet - Blessed is the True Judge.

Visiting ‘Home’

Posted on: February 18th, 2004

Last month, when I was in Jerusalem, I naturally went to the Kotel, a place I always felt was home, since my paternal ancestors were Kohanim.

Where Rain Reigns, Hail Is Hailed, And Israel Is Real

Posted on: February 4th, 2004

Perhaps the one characteristic that unites people of all nationalities, cultures and creeds is a fascination with weather, especially bad weather.

Driving While Distracted

Posted on: January 14th, 2004

At this moment, in cities, towns and neighborhoods across the country, someone's mother, child, friend, or spouse glances impatiently at the clock, only to have flashes of mild annoyance chill into icy pricks of worry and fear.

Fat Free Yeshivas

Posted on: January 1st, 2004

I recently attended an all-day shidduch program sponsored by the National Council of Young Israel in Manhattan.

Friendly Rebuttal

Posted on: December 10th, 2003

In this week's column by Dr. Yael Respler, she addresses a letter sent to her by a reader who had "bones to pick" with some of the points I made regarding shidduchim in the various Orthodox communities.

No Laughing Matter

Posted on: December 3rd, 2003

During Yom Tov, a group of my friends - all middle-aged ( but youthful of course) babyboomers were chatting about the usual things women smooze about when one of them shared with us the call she had recently gotten from her son-in-law's mother.