“And then I fell in love with Torah and mitzvos.” That’s probably a quote from someone who was raised in an unaffiliated home and discovered Yiddishkeit later in life, right? We tend to bear this erroneous sentiment not because those of us who are raised frum can’t or don’t enjoy the same connection. In the…
Inspiration
What Does Hashem Want From Me in Quarantine?
He’s behind this. So there must be a reason. Will we accept that? On Thursday morning two weeks ago, after having a difficult night with intense tooth pain, I was eagerly looking forward to my dentist appointment (which I had scheduled a while back). At about 8:30 am, I got a phone call from the…
Do We Want Mashiach Enough?
We’re all praying that this pandemic ends and things go back to normal. But is that what we should be praying for? If this ends, and things go back to the way we were, it could be that we lost out on a great opportunity. We’re being tested now–do we really want Mashiach–or do we…
What Hashem Wants from Us: The Sanzer Rebbe’s Unique Answer
This evening the Sanzer Rebbe of Erertz Yisroel addressed in Yiddish, via telephone conference, his kehilla of several thousand families. The Rebbe’s refreshing remarks can help us refocus our view and remind us what is important to emphasise amid the panic and worry brought about by Covid-19. The key takeaway is this: Hashem wants us…
How to Really Feel Happiness
Do you think happiness is the elusive feeling for those with a perfect life? Open the fountain: happiness is there in full abundance for you too. Did you ever look at a young child and think, “I wish I would have that?” I wish I could have that sparkle in my eye, that joy and…
How Not to Be So So Hard on Yourself – 10 Ways
You’re doing a great job. And the person who is telling you otherwise? It may just be you being hard on yourself. How do you combat those negative feelings of inadequacy? Here are 10 ways to rid those thoughts that drag you down—and be ready to take on the world with confidence and a smile….
How to Shut Down Apps So You Can Really “Drop the Phone”
So, you’re in. You want to join the Drop the Phone movement. But how? We’ll show you how to close some apps for those hours to make it easier. If you haven’t been following along, here’s a recap. Want to join us in the Drop the Phone campaign? Choose the two hours that work for…
What If We All “Drop the Phone” Together?
Each day, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., we resolve to “Drop the Phone.” Let’s try it for one complete month. Will you join us? Any one of us can make a resolution, on our own, not to be using our phones during those crucial hours when our kids need our attention the most. There’s…
Women and Tefillah: What Is Our Obligation?
When a woman is busy with children, what is her obligation to Daven? And which tefillah takes priority? As it is well known, women are exempt from mitzvas asei shehazman grama, mitzos that are time bound, such as tefillin, tzitzis and sukkah. However, the Mishna (Berachos 20a) says that while women are exempt from kriyas…
It’s About the Relationship: Using This Time of Connection to Get Even Closer to Our Father
Yiddishkeit isn’t a religion with rules. It’s a relationship with a connection. It’s Elul. It’s the season of Melech basadeh, so, so close, the time of Ani l’Dodi v’Dodi li. What better time to explore our connection with Hashem and the missing ingredient that is draining Yiddishkeit of all of its meaning for so many…
