How do we turn our “Vacation” into a real “Bein Hazemanim?” It’s that time of year that has children all over celebrating, and many adults too. Even if you aren’t a teacher, there is something exhilarating about summer vacation, whether it’s the ability to sleep a little bit later, fewer buses to catch, less homework…
inspiration
Yes, You Are a Good Mom
Lots of moms are hard on themselves and it isn’t productive. You can change your thought process and turn the narrative around. “Maybe I’m Just A Bad Mommy…” This statement makes my heart hurt. Sometimes, I receive emails from mothers: “What if my kid isn’t complex. What if I’m just a bad mom…” If this is a…
How to Raise Children Who Feel Happiness in Their Torah Life
As mothers, the way we interact with our children can mean everything in the way they view life as a Torah Jew. One of most moving pieces I’ve read about the unforgettable Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein zt”l was a young woman’s account of how he radically changed her perspective on living a Torah life. He did…
Echoes of Rabbi Wallerstein’s Words
What I learned from the most memorable of Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein’s zt”l shiurim. I am nowhere near able to capture or summarize who was Rabbi Wallerstein, what he did, nor even what we learn from him and the scope of what we have lost. I am just compelled to share some notes from my files…
11 Ways to Conquer (and Enjoy) Cleaning for Pesach
Let’s put the joy, meaning and fulfillment into our Pesach cleaning. We are all doing it anyway, and getting so much sechar in the process, we may as well make the most of it and turn the experience into a positive one all around. I have surprisingly fond memories of Pesach cleaning growing up. This…
Having Chashivus HaTorah: What is Our Role?
What does “Encouraging a Husband” really mean? What is our responsibility when we’re told to encourage our husbands to learn? What kind of encouragement actually works? Interview with Rebbetzin Shula Sternbuch, originally appeared in NShei HaSiyum, published by Agudah Yisrael on the occasion of the 13th Siyum HaShas at Metlife Stadium on January 1, 2020….
What Kind of Mask Do You Wear?
This Purim, let’s take a peak at ourselves beneath the facade. As Purim dawns, the young and young at heart will don their masks and transform their persona into the hero, villain or neutral character of their choice. And we of the more adult variety smile indulgently as they pretend to be someone they are…
Are You Good at Receiving? (Funny Question?)
You might think that is a funny question. But, in truth, some of us are really not good at it. Ever wonder why some people get the help they need when they need it, without having to twist anyone’s arm off to get it? Ever wonder why some people just receive gifts, constantly? Receiving is…
What Does a New Year for Trees Have to Do with Me?
What should we be thinking about and davening for on this day? Tu B’shvat It’s a minor holiday, barely acknowledged, moderately celebrated. For many of us, it passes us by without us even noticing. But what is it all about? “It’s the Rosh Hashanah for the trees,” we have been taught since first grade, maybe earlier. The…
What Does The Mother You Thought You’d Be Look Like?
How to let go of the ideal and strive in a more productive way. The mother I thought I would be… “The mother I thought I would be” is always put together, always patient, always ready to listen with baked goods in the oven, clean house, clean clothes, and a clean car. She is creative and organized; she works full time and also…
