How to realize what we’re missing…and genuinely cry. The pool is closed, music speakers are stowed away, and meat is off the menu. In camp, our daughters chant, “The Nine Days, a time of tzarah; we don’t cheer, because we’re marah.” But what if we don’t feel that way? What if I’m just going through…
inspiration
Does Your Child Want a Gift That You Don’t Want to Give?
What to give, when to give, how to give—or whether to give at all My mother is the perfect Bubby. Although my children are growing up 6,000 miles away from her, she never fails to express her love to them, whether through little gifts she sends, attention she doles out over the phone, and, of…
Turn Kislev into Your Own Personal Time for Miracles
The month of Kislev is an auspicious time for miracles. You can make a miracle happen for you. We heard this segulah from both Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi and Rabbi Alon Anava, and we thought it was so special that we had to share. It’s not the typical segulah that calls for an action that we might not…
The One Most Important Thing to Pray for This Rosh Hashana
What does Hashem want us to ask for as we start the new year? When we think of the many things we want for ourselves and our loved ones this coming year, the prayer checklist can become ridiculously long. Besides, our Sages teach that the theme of Rosh Hashanah is not about making personal requests,…
Before You Complain About Your Kids…Read This
Infertility taught something very important to this new mom. By Shevy Levine I wish I could say, See the miracle within, I don’t think you can grasp, The gift you’ve been given… It’s been a while since I penned those words and I can’t recall which expecting woman inspired them. The poem remains unfinished though…
Through Infertility, Adoption; Divorce, and Custody Battles: Meet Three Unconventional Jewish Moms Doing Their Best
Motherhood: It’s not always what you expect. For these three women, it’s been an uphill road, but they’ve braved the challenges. Motherhood is a beautiful thing. And it seems like such a natural process. But sometimes it’s not the straightforward, simple road we all expect to drive. Sometimes motherhood starts in unexpected ways, and…
How I Learned to Be Grateful for 100 Things Every Day
When you learn to be grateful, you also learn to be happy. By Carol Ungar The fitness cognoscenti famously claim that an early morning brisk walk gets the day off to a great start. But, when I started my day that way, I felt guilty. I loved the feeling of moving through the brisk…
3 Reasons to Smile
While working on my latest book about smiles, I learned a thing or two about turning that frown upside down. By Sarah Massry, M.S. ED I learned to count the blessings in my life While my sister and I were working on A Smile is Catchy, we consulted with a veteran principal. After reading our…
What Are the Three Things That Kids Need the Most?
Fill your children up with love, respect, and security. Sounds too simple? Read on. I was once asked to answer the question, “What’s the best parenting advice you ever got?” by a fellow writer who was compiling an article on the topic. Here’s an excerpt of the response I gave: “The one statement that I…
Can Anxiety Disorders and Emunah Co-Exist?
Meet Bari Mitzmann, and hear her incredible story, about how she views her disorder and how it strengthens her emunah. By Bari Mitzmann My name is Bari Mitzmann, and I have an anxiety disorder. I have always been a high-strung overachiever. I got stuff done, was always on time, and pushed myself to the…