How To Live Through A Renovation
It’s not that I think contractors, painters and tile guys are exclusively greedy, deceitful incompetent people – I think they are just poor businessmen or women!
Connections Built By Disconnections
I look into the flickering flames of the Shabbos candles and I am thankful for the warmth and light that emanates from them and illuminates our home.
Out To Lupper
Dear Mordechai,
What is the origin of the custom to eat Seudah Shlishis in shul?
Mizmor L’David
A Week Without A Phone
Today is day six without a phone.
Besides for feeling slightly isolated, it’s not too bad.
I’ve been doing things that I know I would not be doing if my phone was sitting next to me, shiny screen beckoning.
Once Upon A Washer
Is anyone else alarmed by the way extended warranties are sold on just about anything and everything? It means one of two things – either someone has found a great way of getting consumers to part with more of their hard earned dollars or manufacturers have no faith in their own products. Neither of those options is particularly heartwarming.
Making Sweet Lemonade Out Of Bitter Lemons
Let me begin by congratulating my dear machatunim, Soraya and Jay Nimaroff, on being the recipients of the Community Service Award at the Sderot Hesder Institutions 18th annual anniversary dinner.
Adolphus S. Solomons: Friend Of President Lincoln
Last month’s column sketched the myriad of social programs in which the Orthodox American communal worker and leader Adolphus S. Solomons (1826-1910) was involved. Adolphus married Rachel Seixas Phillips (1828-1881), a descendant of colonial patriot families and together they had eight daughters and a son.
Seven To One
He strengthened his resolve
Knew his life he would lose,
But when the king uttered the words
With great pride he refused.
Am I different from you?
Just like you
I too have a soul
A soul that is G-dly
Just like you.
Now my friend
I ask you,
Am I different from you?
The UnLatkes
It’s not Chanukah without latkes! That’s true; but don’t make the same boring latkes this year. Go for something healthier, more vibrant, and flavorful.
Menorah Contest
Each year at our family Chanukah party, we try to introduce a new activity, to keep things fun and exciting for the children and adults alike. Last year’s addition – a huge hit – was a menorah-making contest.
Gush Etzion
Honestly, it would be hard to choose the one area that could win the title “the most dramatic site” in Eretz Yisrael. However, one strong candidate has to be Gush Etzion.
Appreciating The Everyday
When you wake up in the morning, and see the sunlight streaming into your room, do you say thank you to the One Who deserves thanks the most?
Human Flasks Of Miracle Oil
The Hebrew month of Kislev has a special, albeit bittersweet, significance in my family, as it is the month my father was born and passed away.
Third Time’s The Charm
There is nothing like cracking open a fresh new cookbook, the pages still pristine and crisp and wondering what surprises are about to jump off the pages and leap onto your serving platters as they wait to be carried to your table and devoured.
How To Give The Gift Of Giving
Perhaps we can teach our children to give, instead of take... to become contributing members of the community.
All The Way With Jack’s Gourmet
One of the reasons for the popularity of Jack's Gourmet Sausages, which are available at local stores coast to coast as well as in Costco warehouse locations, is the fact that they actually taste like their non-kosher counterparts.
And He Created Man With His Mold…
Those people. The ones that hang out at the library, or in certain sections of town, walking, talking...
Fall Tree Cookie
As we are surrounded by fall’s beautiful foliage outside, how about bringing some color, creativity and fun indoors as well. This activity is perfect for a long Sunday afternoon – you won’t be“leaf” how much your children will enjoy creating these “tree”ts.
Asking For A Fight
This week we deal with Chanukah presents and the kids who probably don’t deserve them:
Is Your Cup Half Empty?
But even though their medical situations were similar, how they mentally dealt with their new status quo was often as different as night and day.
Gifting Made Easy
This year, given that the biggest shopping day of the year actually falls out on the second day of Chaunkah, it depends on timing.
Adolphus S. Solomons: Forgotten 19th Century Communal Activist
There are many observant Jews who contributed much to secular and Jewish life in America and yet have, unfortunately, been essentially forgotten. One such man is Adolphus Simson Solomons (1826-1910).
Imperfectly Critical
How confusing it was growing up with conflicting messages. On the one hand, we were told, even admonished, to eat everything on our generously piled up plates (it was a sin to waste food), yet we were made to feel like we were a lower form of human being if we were overweight.
Super-Charged Foods
Supercharged foods – a term you might have heard bandied about, but what are they? A simple definition would be any food that is unprocessed, whole and nutrient rich. Below are some suggestions of supercharged foods to add to your diet.
How To Raise Healthy Kids
I have worked as a nutritionist at a WIC office in Williamsburg for five years now, and combined with my observation of my children’s friends, I’ve come to a realization. Most people are no longer eating food, but rather food-like substances, and worse, they are feeding their children the same.
Late To The Party
Yom Tov is no longer upon us, for a change, so now it’s time to get to the things we promised we’d do after it was over.
I mean besides dieting. Maybe we’ll do that after the next Yom Tov.
The Three Best Reasons To Be A Teacher
"What are the 3 best reasons to be a teacher? June, July and August!"