Facing The Long Shots
The menorahs have been put away; the scale groans with the added weight of the sufganiyot and latkes that were devoured; and people are starting to formulate their Pesach plans (so soon already!).
A Non-Shidduch Tale: The Path Not Taken
A young lady in her early 20’s, “Sarah” was redt to “Shlomie” a boy from her home town who learned in an out-of-town yeshiva. The families know each other well, which in today’s shidduch scene is a big plus – since it was therefore unlikely the kids would “fall in” due to misinformation and misinterpretations.
‘Watch Over The Souls Of Your Children’
My last two columns dealt with the biblical injunction that we "watch over our souls."
‘If My Son Is Treif So Is His Money’
A few days ago, while out of town, I connected with an old friend.
Being Mindful
As visible Jews, we have to be vigilant and very mindful of our actions.
A Pleasant Yom Tov? It’s All In The Details
Were you to play a game of word association, Pesach would immediately be connected with "cleaning "and "company" (and possibly, potatoes.) Pesach is the one holiday that magnet-like, pulls families together.
Misguided Advice
The role of the rav has expanded to include situations that have nothing to do with halacha.
Addressing The ‘State Of The Union’ – The Shidduch Crisis
One of the most distressing issues that pre-occupies the minds of young and old alike is the growing "Shidduch Crisis."
‘Civil’ Divorce
I am well aware that if both spouses had the ability to compromise, capitulate and cooperate in order to emerge with an acceptable division of what is mutually theirs, they most likely wouldn’t be divorcing in the first place.
Spiritual Mindfulness: Embracing Hillel
She is afraid to ask for the going rate for her skill set, aware that she is replaceable – and she needs the income from her job to help support her family.
It Started With A Sneeze (Part 1)
Don't we all complain about being tired or having aches and pains somewhere?
Not God’s Messenger
It was one of those cold, rain-soaked evenings - the kind that make you look forward to a hot drink, a good book and a soft couch to curl up on.
Heads Up: Mindful Walking
Remember how as children we were told to look both ways before crossing the street?
Beware The Krimme: Part III – In Memory Of Molly, a”h
Not knowing any better, I assumed that Molly and her mother must be voracious readers.
‘Getting Back On The Swing’
I remember a mishap years ago while in first grade and happily swinging on the playground swing during recess.
The Miracle Of Trying
Chanukah has come and gone, and so have the donuts, the latkes and the celebration of the two amazing miracles that took place at that time.
No Other Place I’d Rather Be
It felt so right to be where I was. I was HOME with my family. Come what may, this is where I was supposed to be. And I fully embraced this belief.
The Doll’s Tale
Dear Readers:
The following short story is fictitious, but the situation of Jewish children during the Holocaust being raised by gentile families or in Catholic convents and orphanages is not. While some were re-united with family members who survived the death camps – many were not, and remain lost both physically and religiously. This story is in memory of all the lost children. May they be reunited with their families with the coming of Moshiach.
Cancer, Hamas And Get-Refusers
Hashem was very clear about how you deal with Amalek, of which Hamas is a spiritual, if not physical descendant (which it likely is with Ishmael commingling with Amalek over the centuries).
Driving While Distracted
At this moment, in cities, towns and neighborhoods across the country, someone's mother,
child, friend, or spouse glances impatiently at the clock, only to have flashes of mild annoyance chill into icy pricks of worry and fear.
The Invisible Woman
Charedi rabbinical leaders in Israel, and I imagine globally, are greatly perturbed, even horrified by the “chumrah” some Orthodox Israeli women have taken upon themselves – that of covering their bodies up in a manner similar to traditional Muslim women, who wear head to toe, shroud-like black burkas.
Who’s Got You?
Is there a precedent in the thousands of years since Jews accepted the Torah where there was such a widespread disdain of working?
Hot And Bothered: Letting The Steam Out
It's the dog days of August, and between the sizzling heat, the numbing humidity, the rain and the never-ending traffic and airport delays, there is a lot to complain about people's actions.
Magen David – A Purim Fantasy
Like an oversized umbrella it covered the entire land.
Covering Up A Shidduch Stumbling Block?
They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and that is precisely what almost always happens in situations where a reference knew someone had serious but hidden emotional issues, but did not reveal the information to the person making inquiries.
My Life, Your Decisions?
A friend of mine recently came back from visiting her son and his family in Israel. As a bunch of her friends joined her for coffee and an update – several of them also have children who made aliyah - she shared with us her frustration at not being able to communicate with her school-age grandchildren.
Life After Death
With these real life happenings in mind, I want to suggest that people consider an unusual arrangement that is a win-win for all potential participants as a solution to a complex and emotionally difficult situation.
Coming Out Of The Cancer Closet (Part II)
Back in the fall of 2002, nine years after my initial diagnosis of thyroid cancer - the last four of those being told that I was cured - my doctors discovered a tumor in the area where my thyroid used to be. (My malignant thyroid been removed via surgery.)
Yene Machlah?
Having been raised in a home where Yiddish was spoken as often as English, I can say with some confidence that I understand mamaloshen quite well. But I have to admit that the first time a friend, "Chaya" in a tentative, hushed voice, stated that a mutual acquaintance had "yene machlah," I was confused. I knew that she unfortunately had cancer, so why was "Chaya" saying in Yiddish, THAT illness? Why the reluctance to use the actual medical term for the disease. Why not just say it - like when someone has a stroke or a heart attack.
Time For Designated Watchers
Within the last few days, with weeks of summer still ahead of us, I have read and seen news reports regarding very young children who tragically drowned in backyard swimming pools, despite being in relatively close proximity to parents and other adults.