Perfect
Daven brachos.
I hardly knew where the thought came from. I was lying in bed, so weak I could not move, too tired to contemplate getting up. But it's better to say brachos lying down then not to say them at all.
A Bystander’s View
What Hashem desires most is that we learn to connect with each other as children in the same family.
Audiologist in Training Writes
It's time for finals and I've been studying hard for all of my exams. My favorite class this semester was audiology, and studying more about the field has solidified my decision to pursue audiology as a career.
Blessings Of A “B”
It took me years to be able to say this (and a lot of painful bouts of insomnia, ulcers and ice cream cravings) but grades aren’t everything.
It’s A Boy’s World, You Know
You've gotta settle, stop being so choosy, it's a boy's world after all
And you're just one of the millions who think their worth something, have the gall.
You've got to start looking better, so that you'll be noticed when you walk through town
And perhaps you can lose a few pounds too, so we can pull your resume dress size down.
The Stages Of Life
A small shoe
a rusted silver bell
a worn blanket
a sign of the glory it once had
The First Stage of Life
Up And Down The East Coast On Torah Tours
Some of the thoughts we generally associate with Shavuot relate to the tradition of learning Torah all night or the almost overwhelming amount of dairy food that is consumed over the course of the two-day holiday. It has become a routine, something we do every year as the weather starts turning warmer and our Sefirat HaOmer calendars come to an end.
The Fortress
These monsters constantly attack
When we dare to try to fight back
Who Am I?
Somewhere along the way, my own mantra got lost and fell to the wayside. Now, that certainty has been replaced by doubt. By comparing. By looking over my shoulder at others and seeing that they do more, they have more, they know more, they have more than me.
Who Owns You?
We've fought for woman's rights, and equality for African Americans and other minorities, but our challenges are far from over. Our final war has yet to be won.
Looking Up
In the hustle and bustle of New York City, it’s nearly impossible to stop and slow down - even for a second. The gulps of coffee, swish of a lipstick, and the tying of your shoelaces need to be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The clock is ticking. Everyone is perpetually on the go, not appreciating the present because the future is waiting impatiently. Though I am a New Yorker through and through, I’ve never stopped to ponder this hasty way of living.
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."
Subway In Action
I take my usual spot
the one by the door
and I let out a sigh cuz
I’ve seen this scene before.
Auschwitz-Birkenau: A Merger Of Silence And Speech
As I powerfully belted out the song, Ani Maamin B’emunah Sheleima – which means “I believe in God with full faith” – a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
It Happened
It’s history. You can’t deny it.
The Holocaust. Just about the worst six years in Jewish history. The Nazis slaughtered our nation during its journey to world domination. Six million innocent people were murdered. We have evidence. We have witnesses. We have proof. So why are people denying it?
The Stones
The ground of the Beis HaMikdash,
which will soon take its appointed place.
As A Friend
Beads of sweat were forming on my hand as I held the warm phone and listened to the rings one by one. RING… I tried staying calm as I waiting for the answer. RING… I looked down at the phone. My finger makes its way to the red button on the right. Should I just press end? RING…
A Letter To My Camper
Dear Ariana,
It was a steep, downhill walk from our bunkhouse to the marquee where we would be lighting Shabbos candles. A weak sun sank lower into the mountains, the sky behind it a hazy yellow with streaks of pink weaving their way through purple accents.
The Five Commandments
Whenever I got praised for an achievement, I feel like I should say that half the praise goes to my parents. Although they can get on my nerves, I am really blessed with a mother and father who have molded and shaped me (by any means necessary) to become a successful human being.
The Intruder
My sister went to take a shower. I really didn’t appreciate being alone. As I waited for my turn to shower, I suddenly heard voices coming from my parents' bedroom, down the dark hallway.
World’s Biggest Rebbetzin… Overnight
I always knew I wanted to be perfect, but it wasn’t until my seminary year that I decided I wanted to be publicly perfect. It was at that point in my life that the imagery of me as a public figure and a rebbetzin was born.
Coffee and Me
I love coffee, but I cannot drink it. This has been the case since my doctor issued the verdict last month - no coffee and no milk. I was quite disappointed to hear that as I love coffee, but I was determined to follow expert medical advice. That conviction, however, did not last more than one week into a new semester with a full course load.
Roots And Fruits
What made this apple decay and grow mold,
This is a message for both young and old.
Give Me The Words
Help me and the rest of them
Know what I really mean.
To Touch the Sky: Jewish Survival Through A Child’s Eyes
"Grandpa," I wondered, as the swing began to slow down, "why are there numbers on your arm?"
Therapy? Straight Talk For Teens
Believe it or not, some schools actually have therapists or guidance counselors on staff.
Be A Savior
A child, who can’t swim, jumps into the deep end of the swimming pool. A man chokes on his food while eating in a restaurant. A friend goes into shock. A woman faints. All of these scenarios share common ground. They all include a victim who is lacking oxygen. People need to know what to do in these emergency situations.
Auschwitz
We arrived in Auschwitz on Thursday, January 30, 2014. My seminary was taking us to see where the prisoners were kept. When we got...
Reign Of Silence
There’s so much he could do
Resources are not few
He refuses to end all
His SILENCE.
Dear SATs,
Dear SATs,
I’d rather not take you because once I do
my worth will be judged according to you-