The Smart Schlimazels And Cunning Shlemiels

We all know them - the sad sacks who seemingly were born under a bad constellation.

When You Don’t Know What To Do (Part Two)

I have been writing a series of articles on managing simchas and crises when they occur at the same time.

When You Don’t Know What To Do (Part One)

In a crisis, few of us know how to act. We desperately want to help, but we are afraid of overstepping or intruding where we shouldn't.

Critical Comments And Your Children’s Futures

As my friend Eve (not her real name) and I started filling our plates at a recent buffet dinner, she commented that lucky for her, her mother wasn't with us.

Evelyn’s Story

Last week I relayed Evelyn's story. She is a well spouse who was making a simcha.

A Gazayra In Gaza

The Hebrew word gazayra means evil decree. Sometimes, a government decree is just that - an indisputably evil order, as when Pharaoh of Biblical times commanded the murder of all Hebrew male newborns.

Helping Yourself First – Is That Politically Correct?

While randomly perusing some Jewish community newspapers this past week, I was struck by the press releases of several Jewish organizations crowing with excited pride about the significant monetary donations they made for victims of the Tsunami.

Balancing A Simcha And A Crisis

Dealing with chronic illness when planning even the most joyous of occasions is very difficult, even when there is no crisis at the moment.

Balancing A Simcha And A Crisis: My Story

For more than a year now, I have been relating stories from and about well spouses. When these stories reflected a common experience, I wrote about them.

Joined Accounts And Other Signature Stories

When we first marry, we assume life will be wonderful. We rarely think about or discuss potential problems or the possibility of illness darkening our doorstep.

Who’s Watching The Kids?

A good friend of mine, "Sarah," recently shared her concern over her two year old grandson's health.

Are We A Couple Or Not A Couple?

Well spouses with ill partners face a dilemma. Whether the ill spouse's care is long-term hospitalization or a nursing home, the absence of a partner over a long period changes the nature of the family unit.

When Sharing A History Isn’t Enough

As we go through this journey called life, we meet many people and make many friends.

Please Place Brain In Gear Before Operating The Mouth

None of us would deliberately hurt our friends. We would not tell jokes about the blind to a blind person or to a relative of a blind person.

Smart Cars – Stupid Drivers

From time to time, I am asked where I get ideas for my articles. The answer is simple. Just from getting up in the morning and experiencing life.

The Aguna-In-Waiting

A Get (Jewish divorce) must be given freely and received freely. A man must be able, in front of two witnesses, to indicate his willingness to divorce his wife.

My Ever Decreasing Circle Of Good Friends

My mother used to say you never know who your good friends are until you go through a crisis.

Stupidity

While recently riding on a private local bus, I couldn't help but overhear two elderly, balbatish ladies talking.

A Visit From Beyond

During this past Yom Tov, I spent some time with my son who lives out of town.

Understanding The Caregiver Of The Chronically Ill: The Person Behind The Chair

Let's paint a picture with your mind. Picture a couple. The wife is standing beside her husband. Lets add four children, say three, five, seven and an infant. Paint a beautiful summer day. The birds are singing, the flowers are out and the grass is lush and green. The family is taking a walk. The three year old is balancing on his new tricycle. The infant is asleep in a stroller. The five and seven year olds are kicking a soccer ball as they walk along. The family stops to sit under a tree. The infant has fallen asleep.

A Son’s Wedding: A Slap In The Face Of Our Enemies

My first-born son's recent marriage was a huge simcha for the family, but the wedding was actually the culmination of a simcha that began years ago - at his bris.

Coping With Depression – The Holistic Alternative

Last week I wrote about well spouses who eventually chose to get a physicians help with the problems they were having coping, with their partners' chronic illness.

Going Up In Smoke

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

Coping With Depression

Many people in my generation were brought up with an aversion to any medication that did not deal with a physical problem.

We Welcome The Disabled… Yeah Right

The law requires disability access in most public places. For the most part, new stores, restaurants and theaters have complied.

Emotional Trauma

Emotional trauma takes an invisible toll. Unlike a physical ailment, an illness or a broken leg, the trauma is not visible to the eye.

Love, Trust And Faith – Achieving True Peace Of Mind

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.

The Domino Effect

Have you ever stood dominoes up in a row about an inch apart and then tipped the first one over?

The Other Side Of Invisibility

I was recently in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I could not get over the magnificent scenery.

The Incorrigible Patient

We are in a new phase of medical treatment - patient participation.

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