Motherly Mitzvot
In her newly-released book House of Diamonds, Fay Klein talks about the power of kavana (focus) in our mothering lives. We can change a diaper, serve breakfast, drive carpool and it can be an annoying burden or a mitzvah with eternal reward, depending on our attitude. Over the last few days, I’ve been trying out […]
Read MoreA Mother’s Mission
I just finished reading the super inspirational newly-released book House of Diamonds by Fay Klein (Feldheim). The first half of the book on motherhood, especially, contains so many wise suggestions and uplifting ideas, but the image from the book that has most stuck in my head and heart is this one… Fay Klein writes: Years […]
Read MoreRabbanit Chana Henkin Chosen to Light Torch to Kick off Israeli Independence Day
Every year, 12 people who have made a great contribution to Israeli society and the Jewish people are selected to light the 12 torches that kick off Independence Day at Mt. Herzl. In Israel, this is a HUGE honor, and this year I was so thrilled to find out that Rabbanit Chana Henkin, the director […]
Read MoreHome (1-Minute New Nefesh b’Nefesh Israeli Independence Day Video)
Every year Nefesh b’Nefesh’s annual Yom Haatsmaut video manages to capture some of the wonder, the magic, the holiness of Israel’s essence. And now (how do they do it?!) they’ve done it again…. Happy 69th birthday, Israel! I love you! (Something random, just noticed my son’s principal appears at 1:06!) And here’s a new NBN […]
Read MoreHow Being a Mom in Israel is Different
In many ways, my life looks like the life of any mother anywhere in the world. This morning, for example, I woke up long before I would have liked to. Then woke up my kids (long before they would have liked to). Then fed them breakfast. Then spoke too harshly to my daughter cause she […]
Read MoreUplifting Humdrum Mothering Tasks (VIDEO WORKING NOW)
Thoughts from the newly-released book House of Diamonds (Feldheim) on using kavanah to uplift motherhood and housework
Read MoreDina Friedman’s Marriage Mastery Series Begins May 9th
I have taken all of Dina Friedman’s classes (some more than once!)– she is always innovative, insightful, and provides very effective tools to improve our lives. This May 9th Dina will be starting her 10-week marriage series. Here’s some information on the course: If you are committed to an ever expanding marriage experience of joy […]
Read MoreWhat My 2-Year-Old Did to My Computer
Last night, when I came upstairs to check my Email I found 2-year-old Yonatan sitting at my computer grinning a bit too wide. When I came closer to remove him, I saw that he had managed to turn my desktop screen completely upside down. He is only 2. But little Yonatan had somehow managed to […]
Read MoreMy Bat Mitzvah Girl and Me
12 years ago today, after waiting and waiting and waiting, labor finally started on Rosh Chodesh Iyar, and my Moriah was born in a flash. Last night Josh and I went out for dinner, and when I reminded him where we were around that same time 12 years ago, he picked up his phone and […]
Read MorePearl Benisch: From Auschwitz to Jerusalem
In an article* that appeared about Holocaust survivor and author Pearl Benisch ob”m in Family First this week, a friend recalls asking for her perspective during a dark period of recent Israeli history. This was Pearl Benisch’s powerful response: “In November, 1943, I was taken to the gas chambers. “It was a Friday night and […]
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