Information overload. The stress piles on and the mountain of work seems insurmountable. We live in times of exciting inventions and technological developments that are supposed to make our lives easier while more productive. However, many people feel that they are...
Life is filled with stumbling blocks. Things often do not go as planned. A great deal of this is beyond our control. Situations such as weather, glitches in technology, health issues, accidents, unexpected delays and life changing events will happen. There is one...
Celebrations (smachot) highlight happy occasions and milestones such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and weddings. They are special times we look forward to with great anticipation for many years. Over the last few decades, however, both making a simcha (celebratory occasion)...
Despair. Hopelessness. Feelings of low self-worth. Lack of productivity. These words and phrases may describe the thoughts of someone who is clinically depressed. But, they can also describe the moods of many people during the winter season and on rainy days. In much...
Chance encounters make life so fascinating - the new friends you meet or the old friends you run into at the grocery store, on public transportation, at weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or even while taking a walk. These events often lead to long-lasting friendships, new...
“No.” It is a very short word, only two letters and it carries a lot of power. As children, we became aware of its power early and used it a lot. It's a natural part of becoming self-aware and figuring out our power over our world. We did not like it when adults used...
Endless hours. Drudgery. Tedium. Boredom. Sounds like a description of a speech or a program one does not enjoy or a job we do not want to do, right? Unfortunately, these words also often describe an observance that is widely practiced - attending High Holy Day...
As we go through the challenges of a busy week, we look forward to turning off the noise of work and technology and focusing on spending quality time with family and friends. Our more festive and relaxing Shabbat meals achieve these aims. Reaching out to invite guests...
BooksWorth a lookWhen Rabbis Abuse By Dr. Elana Maryles Sztokman (Lioness Books, ISBN 9781957712017) Review by Hannah HellerWe are proud of our Jewish heritage and it is an honor to be part of the Jewish community. Well, that is most of the time. Like any other...
There is nothing like that feeling of relief and relaxation when we light Shabbat candles on Friday night. We have turned off all the technology and school and work commitments. It’s a 25-hour opportunity to tune out the rest of the world and to focus on family and...