Chanukah In Poland
Last week Rabbi Schudrich of Warsaw sent me more pictures from Poland showing the community celebrating Chanukah.
Our Shmitah Year
Originally published June 13, 1980
Yom Tov Recipes and Fitness Tips
Three sets of three-day Yomim Tovim can seem overwhelming - especially when we are trying to stay healthy.
Tznius (Modesty) – Part II
Last week I wrote about the difficulty of enforcing a tznius standard in some of our schools. I reported the stories of two children of the chronically ill, who by circumstances not of their doing could not meet the "tznius" criteria set by the school and kept being fined for infractions.
Sampson Simson, Eccentric Orthodox Philanthropist
Sampson Simson was born on June 30, 1781 in Danbury, Connecticut and died January 7, 1857 in New York. Sampson's father, Solomon Simson, was also American born. Solomon was partners with his brother Sampson Simson, whom we shall refer to as Sampson the elder.
Appreciate Life By Saying ‘Thank You’
One of the subjects I was taught as a young child in the excellent day school I attended in Toronto (at the time called Associated Hebrew Day Schools) was Tefillah.
Be My Guest
Visitors have to be mindful when they are visiting family in a private house, that they are not in a hotel, where they feel it's ok to leave a mess for someone else to clean up.
A Tale Of Two Friends
Dear Readers
The grass is always greener on the other side. Or is it?
Below is a fictional illustration of this human foible – focusing on the perceived benefits in another person’s life while failing to appreciate your own.
Are Cell Phones Making Our Children Dependent?
As my husband deteriorated from his chronic illness, the first thing we did was get him a cell phone.
Chol Hamoed Survival Guide
If you are anything like me, Chol Hamoed can be just the teeniest bit stressful. Okay, maybe very, very stressful. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.
The Ugly Duckling – Happily Ever After?
It’s like being told you’re fat, and even after actually losing weight and looking slim and svelte for years, the person will likely see herself as a fat person masquerading as a thin one.
Following Your Dreams: Some Different Perspectives
I have had many responses to the article highlighting the dilemma that occurs when couples remarry in their senior years and want to pursue their dreams and move to Israel.
Remembering Irene Klass
During my 25 years as an editor at The Jewish Press, I accumulated many fond memories of Irene Klass, a"h.
This Is How I Roll
Playing dreidel is like the miracle of the oil. You expect a game to take ten minutes and it lasts for eight nights.
Pastrami Flatbread Pizzas
I’m all for repurposing leftovers and re-using what’s left in my fridge. In this case, I used leftover deli from Shabbos and boom – a pastrami pizza was born.
Practically Clueless
Women, on the other hand, are not really supposed to learn a lot of Gemara, because that’s like giving a soldier a loaded weapon.
Mazal Tov! The Weddings In Israel
For Israel's Anglo olim (immigrants), the name Givat Shmuel conjures up a marriage scene to rival that of New York's Stern University for Women. Home to hundreds of young English-speakers studying at the adjacent Bar-Ilan University, Givat Shmuel has produced a vibrant, growing community of overseas students – and a reputation for their enthusiastic coupling. Each year, the community watches as many new couples are formed, engagements are announced and weddings are celebrated.
Rabbi Dr. Bernard (Yissachar Dov) Illowy (Part II)
Rabbi Illowy did his utmost to increase the religious observance of his congregants.
The Sirota Family and the 20th Century at the Japan Society
I am blessed to live in a tradition filled with many incredible people, but it is rare I actually have the chance to meet a hero.
Orthodox In The ‘Wild West’: Samuel Abraham and Miriam Kobey
It was in 1859, according to the Central City Colorado History & Historic Facts website, that "John Gregory discovered 'The Gregory Lode' in a gulch near Central City. Within two weeks, the gold rush was on and within two months the population grew to 10,000 people seeking their fortunes.
Traveling With Or Without Supports
Recently, in a doctor's office, I picked up an article written in 2006 that extolled the supports given to airplane travelers needing assistance when they fly.
The Jewish King Of Poland
Saul Wahl's story is one of the most intriguing of all the legendary stories concerning Polish Jewry.
Maple Bacon Cornbread Muffins
I usually find cornbread to be dry, but this one was very moist and served with a delicious maple flavored whipped cream.
Some Guidelines For Visitation (Part 3)
The first two suggestions I received from people who were chronically ill, hospitalized, in nursing homes or just out of the hospital, were to keep your visits short and not ask questions or make comments that were invasive about the illness.
Letting Go – And Holding On
For many parents late summer is a bittersweet time. Children are going off to college, or a post- high school year in Israel, or getting married.
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.