Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock lately, you’re probably aware of the “Hit A Jew Day” incident that occurred a couple of weeks ago at a Parkway middle school and sparked an ongoing heated emotional discussion within the Jewish and secular communities. Whether this unfortunate act of ignorance was meant as an innocent prank or a religious attack, the Anti-Defamation League took it seriously and so did the local and national media, which wasted no time reporting the controversial event. Even as anti-Semitism is supposedly on the rise during difficult economic times, this widespread concern about a group of six graders singling out Jewish students during an unofficial “spirit week” represents the growing acceptance of zero tolerance in our society. The instigators were immediately suspended, and the bystanders who knew what was going on and didn’t report the problem to administrators were disciplined as well. This blatant insult to Jewish students wasn’t ignored. Everyone learned a critical lesson, hopefully. (more…)

Many moms can relate to my predicament. I go to the grocery store at least three times a week and still have nothing to show for dinner except maybe canned tuna and boxed macaroni and cheese. Even if I run into the supermarket for just peanut butter, I end up loading my cart all over again and spend more money than my electric bill.

In these hard economic times, my food budget needs to go on a diet. Not only that, I want my family to eat more nutritiously and appreciate what they put in their mouths. On the heels of Sukkot, in which we harvest from the earth and give thanks for our abundance, I want my kitchen table to “go green” now more than ever. (more…)

Finally, I discovered a healthy way to energize my body and calm my nerves. Best of all, the remedy for an overworked mom requires neither a shot of espresso or sedative. It’s called Torah yoga—the ultimate “me” time.

A good excuse to focus on myself for an hour, Torah yoga unites the mind, body, heart, and soul. Talk about multi-tasking. (more…)

Yom Kippur starts out as the most solemn holiday of the Jewish year, but it ends with one of the happiest celebrations. Once we break the fast with a bite of cheese blintze and devilled egg, it’s time to move the party outdoors and hammer in the first post of the sukkah, an outdoor hut that marks the beginning of the next holiday, Sukkot. (more…)

Whoever says that wearing white after Labor Day is a fashion faux paux must not be Jewish. During the fall holiday season, white clothing is actually encouraged at Yom Kippur services because it symbolizes purity. Notice the rabbi’s special white robe. Also acceptable on the holiest day of the year are sneakers and rubber flip-flops! Never again will I balk at Sari’s white sandals or force Jack to squeeze into leather loafers that are two sizes too small. (more…)