‘Getting’ Purim This Year
Although most of us are now focused on Pesach and rolling up our sleeves - both physically and mentally - we need to keep close to our hearts a wrenching message that was brought to the fore this particular Purim. For me and many other Jews, Purim was not "business as usual" in terms of having great fun, merrymaking and partying. Our joy was deeply tempered by the haunting images of the murdered Fogel family - a young mother, father, and three of their six children, including a three-month old infant girl - who were ruthlessly slaughtered as they slept, by Palestinian descendants of Amalek.
Bringing Home Baby
Ahh, that wonderful time when you return home from the hospital with a brand new bundle of joy nestled in your arms. Without getting into the pros or cons of sending yourself or your other children away, or the benefits and possibilities of family or paid help, eventually everyone will go home and you’ll be all by your lonesome, raising the family. So how to make this momentous occasion truly memorable, instead of weeks of what could be construed by some as torture?
Networking For That Job
This past week the national unemployment rate reached 7.5 percent, and many of you are wondering, "How do I find a job in these turbulent times?" There is no quick fix solution; however, I can share with you what people who are conducting successful job searches are doing.
How To Have Guests And Still Enjoy Your Meal
I feel that I am a good authority to write on this topic, because although I love having guests, it completely stresses me out. Something happens to me when we have guests over; I feel this urge to have the table perfect, the food innovative, delicious and abundant and my children buffed and shiny. When things don’t turn out well, it’s not exactly pretty.
Remembering Irene Klass
During my 25 years as an editor at The Jewish Press, I accumulated many fond memories of Irene Klass, a"h.
Nails Of Beauty
Anyone can rock nail art and in this month’s column I’m going to share how anyone can wear it.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words (Part 1)
A while ago, I was invited to a very different well-spouse support group meeting.
You Can’t Take It With You
So my advice is to put small trackers on all his yarmulkes – the kind that make a “Bip-bip!’ noise when you push a button on your key fob – so you can find them when he can’t.
How to Go to Sleep And Stay Asleep
Lest you think that I now have more hours to get things done, this insomnia doesn’t make me more productive.
Let’s Get Medical
In my book, all medical appointments take priority. But just as vital as going to your medical appointment is actually booking one (pun intended) in the first place.
Vacationing Tip: Get Lost
If you’re looking to get away from the irritations of technology and people in your way, the best place to go is Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Leadership
As Yaakov makes his way back to the land of Canaan, several events - spanning the full range of emotions - transpire in rapid succession.
A Story of Two Friends
Once upon a time there were two very close friends. One was a well spouse; one was not.
Avenue M, Brooklyn
Question: Jonathan Pollard is serving his 22nd year in prison for espionage. Do you think his actions warranted a life sentence?
Beware The Fourth Son
How is it possible that a person of seemingly normal intelligence (nowhere does it say he is simple) not have the ability to ask a question - to not react and enquire as to the why of the hustle and bustle around him?
Anti-Semitic Incidents In Poland
People are on edge when it comes to the topic of anti-Semitic occurrences in Poland.
Life Cycles And Disabilities
Life-cycle events, whether good or bad, bring changes to people's lives.
Hashem’s Power
On October 29th, the verdict was revealed
As we faced what was destined as the Din was sealed
With a storm that echoed the words we know to be true
of B'Rosh Hashanah Yikaseivu.
Dipping Into The Fountain Of Youth
Time never stood still for anyone – why would I be the exception? In my hubris, I thought that somehow I would live forever – and I suspect we all have secretly felt that way, even though we know it’s a fantasy.
To Vax Or Not To Vax
Every choice comes with potentially life damaging risks.
Savory With A Touch Of Sweet
Pure maple syrup is so versatile – it can be used in cookies, cakes, meat and poultry, and even on waffles, too.
Restoration Of Poznan Cemetery
During my trip to Poland last year, I witnessed the restoration project underway in the city of Poznan.
Individuality Is Overrated
Every child wants to "fit in," and not be the “uncool kid." This is why teenagers steal, from a high-end store or a schoolmate. Some kids even get bullied for their appearance. So they just make believe they are too sick and not have to suffer what they call “torture."
Let Them Eat Bread
I take all my challah ingredients, throw them in the breadmaker, turn on the machine and walk out of my kitchen. Ninety minutes later, I have a gorgeous batch of challah dough with no work and practically no mess to clean up.
Machon Lev: A Win-Win Situation For Chareidim
The message being conveyed is that without “flour,” without the means to support oneself and one’s family, one’s focus on Torah will be impeded by worry.
The Light After The Dark
Many of us, especially those who are in mid-life, have weathered certain "storms" in our lives - some easier to cope with and "get over" than others.
Tragedy In Bilgoraj Jewish Cemetery
Last week I wrote about the Bilgoraj group that traveled to Poland last year and had a somewhat good experience.
Starting Line (Part I)
It was a lovely Sunday afternoon in the park when I bumped into a friend whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. After the obligatory pleasantries were exchanged, she tentatively asked me if something was wrong with my health. “No,” I responded, confused. “I’m doing better than ever.”