An Opportunity Lost In Silence
Special Note: I am interrupting the sequence of my columns regarding Kollel wives to comment on the events that have unfolded during the past few days.
The Jew’s Calling Card
Our sages ask, “Who is wise? He who can learn from every person.” Is that realistic? Jew and gentile, young and old, nasty and nice – can we really learn from everyone? Evidently, yes.
Plagued By Guilt (Conclusion)
In last week's column, I published a letter written by a tormented widow who agonized over what more she could or should have done for her terminally ill cancer-stricken husband. Her agonies were many: In retrospect she felt that, at the first sign of illness, she should have insisted that he consult with a specialist rather than with their local internist. She also felt guilty about the hospital she chose for his post-surgical treatment. In short, she questioned everything she did regarding his care.
Family Breakdown (Part One)
This week I will share some of my own thoughts on the subject.
Why Can’t I Get Married? (Part One)
Dear Rebbetzin Jungreis:
I'm not the type of person who writes letters for advice. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised at my own self for seeking out your guidance, but I feel so desperate and frustrated that I decided to give it a try in the hope that you could shed some light on my problem.
‘How Do I Cope?’ (Conclusion)
In my last column I published a letter from a woman whose husband, like many others, was experiencing financial reversals. While in the past they had been prosperous, overnight everything changed. She was concerned for her husband's health since he has a history of high blood pressure and heart problems. He had become tense, irritable and depressed. She conceded that she herself was in the same emotional state - and her mood was impacting on her children.
Putting Ideals Into Action
It really hit home when you pointed out that on Yom Kippur G-d forgives us with a smile and loving embrace.
From One Tragedy To Another – When Will We Learn?
The tragedy of Mumbai was still fresh in our hearts. The cry of little Moishele, "Ima, Ima - Mommy. Where is Mommy?" kept reverberating in our minds.
Peace at Home And Among Our People (Part Two)
Special Note: In my last column, I discussed the tragic consequences of Sinas ChinamB jealousy and hatred of the brothers toward Joseph that cast us into our first exile in Egypt, which continues to plague us to this very day. The following is a continuation of that column:
‘I Wasted My Life’ (Conclusion)
In last week's column, I published a letter from a divorced gentleman of 52 who took exception to an e-mail written by a single professional woman who wrote that she regretted wasting precious years building a career rather than focusing on a home and family. She complained that at this point in her life, the shidduch recommendations made to her are very often men who are incapable of earning a living. She stated that she couldn't possibly consider such individuals for a husband and referred to them as "losers." It is this term, "loser," that prompted the gentleman's letter and his vehement objection.
‘Never Forget Your Mission’
Rebbetzin Jungreis, though no longer with us, remains a great resource of wisdom and inspiration. Please read and be reminded of the great honor and mission it is being a Jew.
Don’t Sweat Over Small Stuff (Part One)
There's a popular adage that tells us not to sweat the small stuff. I always thought that it meant we should not make an issue out of insignificant incidents that impinge on our kavod. When we are victims, we should categorize all this as "small stuff" and the best way to deal with it is to forgive, forget and move on.
Visiting Day Nightmare (Part II)
Wisdom from Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h, on of all things, summer camp visiting day, which is soon approaching
Hashgachah Pratis – Guidance From Above
Most people have difficulty discerning Hashem's call since His messages are usually hidden behind many veils. On occasion however, hashgachah pratis – Divine providence – is so clear and obvious that even a blind man has to see it, a deaf man has to hear it.
Three Worlds – And All Madness
"Rebbetzin are you implying barbarism's again threatening us?" I replied "No-I’m saying it outright”
The Jewish Crisis
France allowed Islamists to flourish despite their loyalty to Islamic sharia law not French values
More On Family Breakdowns
A very sad reality exists today: Not only contemptuous children who are abusive and denigrate their parents but parents-and extended family- very often guilty of the same negative behavior
The Perfect Formula
Over the past several weeks I have featured tragic stories of family disintegration. Some of you might protest that “tragic” is a rather extreme word and that “sad” or “painful” would be more appropriate, but once again I emphasize tragic.
Song Of Thanks
Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h, shares wisdom on the Haggadah. In just a few days we will all be singing “Dayenu.” What is the meaning of Dayenu? Why does it play such a central role in our Pesach Seder?
Shopping For Priestly Garments
Inspiring words from Rebbetzin Jungreis (zt"l) and an invitation to a :wedding:-yours.
A Nation Of Ballerinas
Readers are always asking me how I have the strength to open my heart, to tell my personal story, my struggles, my pain. My saintly father, HaRav HaGaon Avraham HaLevi Jungreis, zt”l, taught us that whenever we have difficult challenges we should share them with others, so that they will be strengthened in dealing with their own tests. My father learned this from our Torah, which relates to us all the painful struggles of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. “Ma’aseh avos siman la’banim – that which befell our forefathers is a sign for the children” – so that we too might be fortified.
Anguish That Does Not Go Away: The Singles Problem (Part Three)
The woman in her mid-thirties who initiated this discussion a few weeks ago bemoaned what she considers the indifference and the insensitivity of most people to the plight of singles.
Response to a Worried Wife and Mother
Assign each of your children his or her inheritance so that there is less chance for any controversy when you and your husband have passed on.
The Pain Of A Family Torn Apart (Part One)
Dear Rebbetzin Jungreis:
I feel embarrassed to write to you about the conflicts that are tearing our family apart, but I have no recourse. I have tried many avenues; however none have worked and I am hoping that, if you publish my letter, the people involved will recognize themselves and perhaps get the message.
Sharing With My Extended Family
From time-to-time, I share my personal semachos with my extended family, you, my dear readers of The Jewish Press. So it is my zechus (privilege) to publish, in this column, an article that my daughter, Slovie Jungreis Wolff (Hineni lecturer and author of Raising a Child With Soul) wrote for Aish.com, on the occasion of the Bat Mitzvah of her daughter Aliza.
Do You Remember?
Are you one of those people who were outraged at the bias, the libel and the naked hatred evidenced in the Goldstone Report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland? Were you stunned by the blatant lies? Were you left shocked and speechless at the sad realization that the author of this venomous report was Goldstone - yes, a Jew!
Al Eileh Ani Bochiyah – For These Do I Weep
Heavenly Father, for how long? How much more?
How Low We Have Fallen
It seems like almost yesterday when, after the Camp David accords initiated by President Carter, former Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin, a"h, told me, "Rebbetzin, I have just returned from an American concentration camp. The pressure that President Carter exerted upon me was greater than anyone can imagine. And then, to top it off, he wanted to put Jerusalem on the bargaining table as well. When I vehemently objected, he tried to reassure me by telling me that we would not be negotiating, but merely 'discussing' Jerusalem." After all, the president added, 'There's no harm in discussing.'
A Young Woman’s Story
In response to my recent articles describing the odysseys of secular Jews who found their way home, I received much e-mail. One is the story of a young woman whose journey is typical of the angst with which assimilated Jews often struggle. But what is obvious in this woman's journey is Hashem's Providence. We need only open our eyes to discern it.
Our Lives Have Been Turned Upside Down
Dear Rebbetzin Jungreis:
I can't begin to tell you how important your column has been in this most trying period. To one extent or another, everyone has been tested by the financial meltdown.... some of us more than others, and I'm afraid that my family falls into that category. Allow me to give you some background: