‘Goodbye Darkness, My Young Friend’
The fact that you are reading this article can only mean that the gut-churning, frantic, multi-tasking marathon known as getting ready for Pesach is behind you;
Life Support
I believe that each person is half a soul and marriage reunites the two.
Everybody Is a Winner
I recently read a disturbing news article about a social phenomenon that is tragic beyond words. The article stated that more people were losing their lives by committing suicide than by car crashes. This conclusion was based on a recent study by the American Journal of Public Health based on data compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics from the years 2000-2009. Why are so many people killing themselves, or attempting to, since some try but fail? I can only imagine that they are looking for a way out of lives saturated with abject misery; they feel trapped in a cage of never-ending unhappiness.
Is Your Cup Half Empty?
But even though their medical situations were similar, how they mentally dealt with their new status quo was often as different as night and day.
Misguided Advice
The role of the rav has expanded to include situations that have nothing to do with halacha.
The Nestling
Dear Readers:
The following short story is fictional. However, many of you will surely nod your heads in agreement as you recognize people you know - perhaps yourself - in the characters I have described. I hope in future articles, to touch on what I believe are the various psychological factors that contribute to the shidduch crisis.
Borders And Boundaries (Conclusion)
Two weeks ago I wrote about a culture of self-indulgence and instant gratification that seems to have permeated Western society.
Should Newlyweds Hold Off Having Children?
I know that just the title of this article is going to cause an uproar in some circles, and I know that some people might be aghast at how I can even ask that question. To some it is obviously halachically unacceptable to postpone starting a family. After all, the Jewish people are exhorted to pru urevu - to be fruitful and multiply. So, let me say at the onset, this is something every engaged couple should discuss with their rav. Getting a heter - even for a few months- just might be a lifesaver.
A Lesson Of Achdut From Man’s Best Friend
What struck me this time was the fact that these animals have no guyvah chinam – baseless snobbery. (Remember, you saw this phrase first here.)
Married Or Single: Only The Tallis Will Tell
The fact is there are so many second-time singles in heimische communities and the numbers sadly are growing each year – to such a degree that several organizations have sprung up to provide networking opportunities and social support.
Looking For The ‘Finished’ Product?
I have been to many singles get-togethers over the years, and have noticed an unfortunate tendency by both men and women to give members of the opposite gender a quick glance over. Each is then given the label of being a "loser," "winner" (one worth making the effort to meet), and those who are "OK, but not really my type; so why waste my time and energy?"
Post-Virus Wake Up Call
We tend to eat too much; smoke, and under exercise. For some, the only significant movement they do is walk to shul and back – but only because driving is forbidden on Shabbat.
Reality Check
Being positive and upbeat is a valuable weapon in the battle to stay healthy.
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."
Covid on Wheels
There are dissenting opinions by health experts globally, especially now, a year later, but it’s not that simple to uproot yourself and go to a less hysterical jurisdiction.
Remembering Shimie – The ‘Pied Piper’ Of Flatbush
I have never used my column to eulogize friends who have passed away, as their loss affected me and an inner circle of people who knew them - but not necessarily the community at large. But that is not the case for Shimie Silver, a"h, for without exaggerating, his circle of friends numbered in the thousands and transcended borders.
The Middah of being Self-ish
Why consider yourself as being less? Aren’t you also made b’tzelem Elokim – in Hashem's image – and aren’t you worthy of help – from yourself?
Self-Directed Bullying And The Shield Of David
Internal bullying is a private version of lashon harah.
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).
The Scourge Of FakeOdoxy
Back in the day when I was growing up, members of the Jewish community were categorized into three groups - Orthodox, Conservative or Reform. Those who kept kosher and were shomer Shabbat were considered Orthodox. Period. How men or women dressed, their choice of head covering - or not - was irrelevant. In fact, going to public school didn't disqualify you from being viewed as Orthodox. The fact that you brought your own lunch, while everyone else lined up at the cafeteria for burgers and French fries confirmed your religious status.
Learning The Hard Way (Part I)
In my previous column I wrote about an ehrlich young man (who does not live in New York) who was a college educated earner with an excellent income (his wife won't have to work if she so chooses) who learned in his spare time but was having a hard time getting an in-town shidduch because most of the girls wanted full-time learners.
The Wheel of Change
Dear Readers:
The Torah revolves around one simple concept - treating others in the way you would want to be treated. The following poem gives a glimpse as to why.
Human Coronaviruses
Uttering this plea is my verbal version of going after rodfei Yisrael. In Jewish law, one can initiate pre-emptive self-defense, and "take out" someone before they do it to you.
Out Of The Mouth Of Babes: A Successful Shidduch
The necessity of speaking up when you “have a hunch” applies even more when it comes to shidduchim. One little girl did just that – she said something – and I was fortunate enough to be in town for the very joyful, lively wedding that resulted from her speaking up.
Making Peace With The Date of Expiration
"And Avraham expired and died at a good age, mature and content and he was gathered to his people." (English translation of verse 8, chapter 25, Parshat Chayai Sarah in the Book of Genesis.)
Speed Dating For In-laws?
A recent article in The Jewish Press (Purim And The Tyranny of Beauty, Family Issues, March 16, 2012) written by writer and author Yitta Halberstam Mandelbaum generated, and continues to generate, quite a buzz.
A Tale Of Two Tickets
How efficient to kill two birds with one stone – or booking. Actually three birds, since I invited a man I had commiserated with while waiting my turn to join me.
‘Mazel Tov On Your Date’
I hate to say it, but I am coming to the conclusion that that if abocher and a girl actually go on a date - a mazel tov to both sides is warranted.
The Walking Wounded: Children Of Survivors
Hitler's destruction of the Jewish family continued long after the liberation.
Gun Control? How About Car Control?
Make no mistake: in the wrong hands cars are weapons of mass destruction.
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