Are You Playing Russian Roulette With Your Life?
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
I was at a wedding just the other day, and the music was deafening.
A Daily Dose Of Tisha B’Av
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
Earlier this month, I spent the July 4th weekend at an out-of-town Shabbaton.
Wedding Wonder
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
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
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
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
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
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’
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’
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
Perhaps the one characteristic that unites people of all nationalities, cultures and creeds is a fascination with weather, especially bad weather.
Driving While Distracted
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
I recently attended an all-day shidduch program sponsored by the National Council of Young Israel in Manhattan.
Friendly Rebuttal
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
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.
Pride, Prejudice And Potatoes
There is a wise Yiddish saying that translates into this observation: "Yichus (illustrious ancestors) is like a potato - they are both under the ground."
Reality ‘Check’: The Buck Does Stop…
Young adults in the thousands have recently returned from a year (or two or three) in Israeli yeshivas and seminaries, full of youthful exuberance and idealism.
Sh’mor Al Nafshecha – Watch Over Your Life
The Torah admonishes each Jew to 'take care of yourself,' to do what's necessary to stay alive and well. Obviously this means to do life enhancing actions like eating and sleeping properly, taking precautions like putting on a seat belt when in a car, and not taking unnecessary risks, like jaywalking across a busy street or walking on a ledge 40 stories high. Most importantly, one needs to get medical attention when sick or injured.
