Touch, the Better Alternative
Words do not always come out right. They don't always express the depth of our emotions or what we want to say.
Radom, Poland
During the construction work carried out in the city of Radom workers found a number of richly polychromatic (multi-colored) matzevot (tombstones) beneath the ground.
Cheder Center In Krakow
I am constantly asked if there are things to do in Poland other then those that are Holocaust related.
Joshua Bell To Perform Benefit Concerts In Poland
The Museum Of The History Of Polish Jews announced that it has signed world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell to perform two concerts in Poland.
The Positive Side of Autism: An Interview with Dr. Temple Grandin
For many years, autism was considered to be a rare, mysterious and severely disabling condition. But in recent years, due at least in part to a broadening of its medical definition, the incidence of the diagnosis of autism and related disorders has risen to about 1 in every 150 babies born in this country.
Preserving Jewish Cemeteries In Poland
Every spring and summer, there is renewed activity throughout Poland regarding the preservation of Jewish cemeteries.
Shidduchim And The Former Well Spouse
When one loses a spouse, it sometimes does not take very long for people to play matchmaker. "Only a stone should be alone." Is a phrase often bandied about as widowed well spouses are encouraged to start dating again. Many in this situation relish their time to themselves, which has been an elusive dream for so long and are not ready to start the process. Some however, would like to remarry, and helpful friends begin to look for a shidduch for them.
Polish Leaders In New York And Israel
Last week, President Lech Kaczynski of Poland visited Israel, where he participated in many events in support of Israel and the Jewish community in Poland.
It’s All In How It’s Said, Or Not Said
We all have our favorite charities. We tend to give more money to those charities that are close to our own experience, that have helped us or someone we know, or have touched our heartstrings in some way.
Brooklyn College, NY
Question: Did Judaism influence your choice of college major, and do you see yourself utilizing your education to help the Jewish community?
The Incorrigible Patient
We are in a new phase of medical treatment - patient participation.
Out Of The Eyes Of Grandchildren
Normalcy is relative. It is what you become used to. The more frequently something occurs, the more we see it as normal.
Death Of A Spouse: Part Five – Shiva
The tradition of sitting shiva is a great help with grieving. For many people shiva is a buffer that helps you cope immediately with your tremendous grief.
Pursuing Your Dreams – The Money Issue and Other Problems
Like my previous story of Irv and Chaya, Seymour and P'nina were both beginning second marriages and they too had grown children who were married and had children of their own.
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.
The Unstated Message (Part II)
Last week I wrote that what we say to others, and the way we say it, might evoke emotions in our listeners that may or may not be what we intend.
Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Project Outreach Bay Ridge Jewish...
Question: Has it been difficult adjusting to American life as a Jewish immigrant?
Commemorating Liquidation Of The Lodz (Litzmannstadt) Ghetto
In September 1939 the Germans started establishing ghettos in the occupied territory of Poland. Ghettos played an important role in the Jewish extermination policy. They were filled with Polish and Western European Jewish deportees. The ghettos differed in times of existence, size, internal organization, and living conditions. The Germans called them " death boxes" (Todeskiste). The city of Lodz belonged to the Wartheland District and the Germans changed its name into Litzmannstadt.
Bilgoraj Landsleit Reunion
For the last few weeks, I have been writing about the efforts of survivors and second- generation Jews from Piotrkow in going back to their hometown to preserve/restore the remnants of the town's Jewish history.
Dealing With Toxic Relatives And Toxic People (Part Three)
In the past two weeks I have shared two letters from well spouses who were dealing with difficult machitanim. One pair of machitanim was coming to visit for the birth of a new grandchild but insisted that their daughter in law's mother not be present at the Shabbos meals, or they would not come. The other letter dealing with difficult machatanim was from a well spouse whose daughter is soon to be married. It seemed that this well spouse and her husband could do nothing that did not offend the groom's parents.
The Right To Ask, Or Not
Last week I discussed whether a close friend has a right to expect to know everything that is going on in our lives in order for them to be supportive of us.
Developing 20/20 Vision (Part One)
I recently interviewed a grandfather who was a former well spouse.
Ave. J, Brooklyn
Question: Whom would you rather see as first lady - Cindy McCain or Michelle Obama?
Pultusk
Located just north of Warsaw on the Narew River, Pultusk is a small rural town described as being located on an island in the middle of a river.
Cemetery Cleanup In Poland
Recently I wrote about the partial desecration of the cemetery in Bilgoraj, by a construction company, despite the promises of local officials that no defilement would take place.
The Foundation For The Preservation Of Jewish Heritage In Poland
After I wrote about the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland last week, many people asked me to report more on this group and the important work they are doing.
The Old Shtetl Lipno
There is evidence of Jewish presence in Lipno as early as the 18th century.
Warsaw Completes Ghetto Project
Poland's capital recently marked the completion of a massive restoration project that marks the borders of the former Jewish Ghetto that was walled in by Nazis occupiers during World War II.
Po-Lin
While most of Europe is critical of Israel's war against Hizbullah, the country that most Jews think of being the most anti-Semitic is hosting a group of Israeli youth from northern Israel to ease their trauma.
Why Long Term Care Insurance? (Part 3)
When my generation was young, I believed the only insurance that people cared about was life insurance.
