Feminine Soul

Roi Klein. It is a name, that until recently, held no meaning to me.

From the great synagogue in Tel Aviv to his performances in the role of Jean Valjean in the hit Broadway show Les Miserables, Dudu Fisher is an international star singer and cantor.

When I was invited a few months ago to lecture at a European retreat in Davos, Switzerland, that was hosted in the same luxury venue where the world economic leaders (including former president Bill Clinton) had met for their own economic summit a few years ago, I knew there was no way I'd refuse. The resort weekend was organized by Rabbi Sholom Liberow, director of the European Jewish Study Network (EJSN) and his wonderful wife, Leah.

I'm often asked why it is that men played such a major role in Jewish history.

One of my favorite teachings from the Talmud is a marriage-related lesson.

Dear Sisters, As the holiday of Passover approaches, many of us are busy planning for the holiday. Many of us will be hosting large Seders, with our own families, our extended families, friends and acquaintances. For me, I eagerly count down the days, waiting for my married daughter and her wonderful husband to come and spend this joyous time with us. I am honored, too, that my parents will be joining our Seders, providing memories that I know my children will cherish for a lifetime.

We're on one of those really long family road trips. The kind that parenting experts advise will imprint fond memories on your children's psyche. (How's that for guilt?) And the kind on which you never leave home without a bottle of Tylenol and your favorite cup of strongly caffeinated, black coffee.

Is there ever a time to say, "Enough! No more Mr. Nice guy for me!"

Once upon a time, there was a little flame that glowed brightly. Wherever this little flame went, it brought light and luminosity.

The sin of the Etz HaDa'at, the Tree of Knowledge is one of the most perplexing episodes in the Torah.

This is the story of a very special Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll), purchased shortly after the Second World War by my maternal zeide (grandfather), Rabbi Pinchas Sudak, when he and his family were on their dangerous trek escaping from Communist Russia.

It's that time of year again. You're sure to be visually bombarded at every turn of your shopping experience.

One month ago, humanity woke up to a very dark world.

Once upon a time, there was a little flame that glowed brightly. Wherever this little flame went, it brought light and luminosity.

A few years ago, we were headed back home from a family vacation in the Laurentian Mountains.

I've just read an autobiographical summary of R' Yisroel Meir Lau, former chief rabbi of Israel.

Have you ever asked yourself-or anyone else: If you could live your life all over again, what different choices would you make?

This past week my youngest child turned four.

She rolls the dice. Her face is serious, concentrating on the outcome.

She looks at me with those large brown eyes. I try to decipher her expression. There's a hint of sadness, doubt and even fear. She averts her gaze, trying to deny her act, as if she's trying to take it back.

I'm relaxing on the sofa watching Shira, my 11-year-old, patiently teaching baby Sara Leah how to build a tower with her blocks, when the tranquil peace is suddenly shattered.

I drove home from work on that uneventful sunny Tuesday afternoon as I do every other day.

Last week, I bought a new brand of detergent. It promises to remove all stains, even those stubborn, impossible to remove ones--or your money back. Guaranteed.

With an active household and a busy lifestyle, my day, as for most people, is full of many mundane chores that need to be taken care of as part of the routine schedule.

Women love shopping. Just ask their husbands. They'll tell you.

Several years ago my husband and I were the directors of a seminary, which girls from all over the world attended.

A few years ago, we were headed back home from a family vacation in the Laurentian Mountains.

My day begins as a perfectly sunny, breezy, late summer morning. But then we meet.

Ever wonder what might have happened had the first Adam reacted differently? I don't mean if Adam hadn't have eaten the forbidden fruit. I believe that somehow, on some level, that was a necessary component to our being human. We're not meant to be perfect angels, or mechanical robots, always following directions explicitly, and always doing the right thing. Temptation and failings, challenges and adventure are meant to be a part of our human journey.

If you were to stare evil in the eye, what would you see? What would be its character traits? What would form its origins?