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…
inspiration
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…
21 Invaluable Tips on Doing Chesed
Did you ever think that there is a better and best way to help? ‘אשרי משכיל אל דל ביום רעה ימלטהו ה [Tehilim 41:2] The pasuk means that we need to use our wisdom to help people in the smartest way. Here are some thoughts and tips on helping wisely. Tzedakah versus Chesed Tzedaka is with…
Do You Love Where You Live?
We can find the beauty and the charm in the place we call home. I was at an outdoor social for my kid’s school. It was on a cute little farm on the outskirts of Bozeman and as I watched the kids run around, I felt this feeling wash over me, I LOVE WHERE I…
8 Lights for 8 Nights: Don’t Miss the Real Chanukah
The eight life lessons of Chanukah, one at a time. Note from BCP: This year, to help us refocus our values, we’re posting a thought every single night that will remind us of the essence of the chag. Light Number One: The Light of Ruchnius The entire essence of the Greek nation was the worship…
You Have a Fresh Start This Rosh Hashanah: Start By Loving Who You Are
There’s something about a new year, fresh chances, that is inherently inspiring. Like that student in her starched uniform shirt on the very first day of school, we feel a sense of conviction to do it right this time. That’s not to say that we’ve been doing it all wrong, of course, but you know,…
Why Even a Mess Is a Blessing
This is my new perspective on dealing with all the bumps that come with motherhood. On a recent Motzaei Shabbos, I experienced an epiphanic moment. I had just finished reciting G-tt fun Avraham, the tefillah where I beseeched the Ribono shel Olam to send us a week of bracha, hatzlacha, and an array of blessings….
Observing the Torah is Not Only a Ticket to Gan Eden.
How could we survive the struggles of life without it? It’s no news to any of us that the essence of Shavuos is infinitely more profound than elaborate tablescapes and delectable dairy goodies (though making the Yom Tov as pleasant and joyous as possible is important too). So we know that it’s the day on…
BCP Readers Share Their 30+ Favorite Jewish Podcasts
We asked our followers which Jewish Podcasts they enjoy. This is a roundup of your responses! Disclaimer: We didn’t personally listen to the podcasts on this list and we don’t take any responsibility for the content and hashkafos these podcasts share. All of the descriptions below are the actual descriptions given by the podcast host…
So Many Emotions, So Many Emotions. What Are We Supposed to Feel After a Tragedy?
What a heartrending parsha all of us in klal Yisrael are experiencing together these days. From every corner of the world, Yidden have been touched, deeply moved, profoundly impacted, by the indescribable tragedy. All of us are in mourning, each in our own way. Some of us are crying copious tears, our eyelids heavy and…
