The three most important traits every family needs. As summer winds down we are given the opportunity to take stock of what matters most. Are there daily choices we can make that would make a difference in our homes this year? Can we implement behaviors and attitudes that help our family grow stronger? When a…
Category: Lectures
Sweet or Bitter
The bitter sweet joy of a wedding. Some may say, for the parents making the wedding it’s a bittersweet event-having a child move out, verses gaining another child. I say there are much more immediate pulling forces at play. Admittedly, they are more superficial forces, but, many are bittersweet for the person making the simcha,…
A Bissel Torah: Vaetchanan
A short thought to share with you. There are no coincidences in life. Why is it that the reciting of the ten commandments again occurs this time of year, specifically for Shabbat Nachamu, after the commemoration of destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, and the beginning of the trajectory to the high holy days. A review…
What’s With Vacation Homes
Vacation homes! Did that just have a visceral effect on you? If so, then you are probably the proud owner of one! And know exactly what I’m talking about? Yet to make it perfectly clear, I’m going to simply say, oxymoron. This is defined as when two contradictory terms appear in conjunction with one another.…
You Nailed It
I passed by this store the other day, Jeannine’s Dream, such a wonderful name. Had such a lilt to it. Such promise. Such fantasy. The thing is, only the name was still there. So what was coming to fill this now empty space? Close your eyes -wiggle your fingers and toes, and I bet you…
Where Do the Jewish People Get the Strength to Go On?
We have been scattered throughout the four corners of this earth, many have pronounced us as dead and yet here we are. I cannot watch, but I dare not turn away either. Orit Mark, a young girl cries out. Her father, Michael (Miki) was shot as he drove his wife and two of his 10…
After All, It’s Just A Salad
My daughter says I write about food a lot. Is that any surprise to you? After all, we eat a lot!!! We also think about food a lot. And talk about food a lot. In fact, it seems the only time we’re not talking about eating is when we’re talking about -‘not eating’!! You…
The Phoneless Wealthy
By: Suri Stern Can anyone forget the scene in The Sound of Music, when Fraulein Maria takes the Von Trapp children on a boat, and they are so excited to see their father, they all stand up at once and topple the boat over and fall into the water fully clothed and happy as can…
A BISSEL TORAH: EMOR
On Shabbos between Passover and Shavuoth it is customary to recite Pirkei Avoth/Ethics of our Father. In this weeks chapter, there is the following partial verse: “Akavia ben Mahalalel says Consider three things and you will not come into the grip of sin: Know whence you came, whither you go and before whom you will…
The Way You Make Your Bed is The Way You Sleep In It!
I guess it would be smart to walk in to our guest room once in a while and lie down on the bed and think, could I actually sleep in here? Have I at least tried to make it the best accommodation that I can? I know I can’t meet every adult’s requirements, but can I step it up a bit. Add a variety of pillows. Buy newer, softer, fresher bedding. Make sure the blinds work -not every neighbor needs to know that my guest is getting dressed!