Organic Co-Op Promotes Healthy Eating, Environment
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. Continue reading
Torah Yoga: A ‘Kosher’ Workout For Body & Soul
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. Continue reading
Mom Tries Camping Again, Only In A Sukkah
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. Continue reading
Fasting on Yom Kippur Feeds the Soul
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. Continue reading
Families Seek Forgiveness on Rosh Hashana
While other religions talk about sin and confession, Judaism has its own way of cleansing the soul. It’s called the Days of Awe, a spiritual journey that begins in the Hebrew month of Elul, which directly precedes Rosh Hashanah.
Rosh Hashana is the Hebrew word for “head of the year†and occurs on the first days of Tishri. Rosh Hashana begins the period called teshuvah, Hebrew for “returning to God,†or Ten Days of Repentance. It’s a time for serious introspection, a time to reflect on how we’ve behaved over the past year, and how we can do better in the next one. It’s a time to ask forgiveness for saying or doing something hurtful to a loved one. It’s a joyful yet solemn time to make amends and do whatever it takes to move on and learn by our mistakes. When we make peace with God and another human being, we make peace with ourselves. Sounds like free therapy, only sweeter. Continue reading
“Mishegas of Motherhood” Celebrates #100 Milestone
This week’s “Mishegas of Motherhood” is special for me because it represents my one-hundredth column. That’s right, 100 times I wrote a story that had something to do with being a Jewish mom, although I’ve also been known to digress and talk about food, my marriage, and my dog. Since the parenting humor column was first published in March 2006, “Mishegas of Motherhood” has become a household name, at least at my house. Even so, I realize “Mishegas of Motherhood” is a mouthful to say and an even longer title to spell out. That’s why I would like to propose the abbreviated title for “Mishegas of Motherhood” as “M.O.M.” What do you think?
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Getting Fit Makes Sense For Moms
Ever since I joined a new health club, I’ve lost touch with reality. It all started when I allowed a personal trainer named Chad to pinch my body fat in places that my own husband is not allowed to go near.
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Bar Mitzvah Photos Say A Thousand Words
I don’t consider myself a procrastinator, unless, of course, the chore has something to do with cleaning out the freezer. When I have a job to do, I get it done. Usually.
For example, my son asks me to find him a girdle to wear at football practice. Done. Sari requests a kosher salami sandwich with mayonnaise in her school lunch. Done. My husband’s trousers are ready for pickup at the dry cleaners. Done. The dog needs a haircut. Done. I have to write a story on the benefits of Torah yoga. Done.
One thing I can’t seem to get done is my son’s bar mitzvah photo album.
Back to School Time: Moms Are Off to a Running Start
For many parents, shopping for school supplies is a test of endurance, requiring mental and physical stamina. On the heels of the summer Olympics, I can’t help but to compare this competitive back-to-school ritual to an athletic race.
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Jewish Food Pantry Feeds Body & Souls
The first thing my kids do when they get home from school or summer camp is head to the kitchen for a snack. Before I have a chance to ask them, “How was your day?”, they tear into a granola bar, devour a bowl of cereal, and polish off the leftover chicken parmesan before they finally come up for air and ask me, “What’s for dinner”?
My kids are lucky. They always have something to eat and drink. It?s easy to take for granted that our refrigerator and pantry are full with healthy food. An important lesson to teach our children is that many kids are not as fortunate. A lot of them are hungry because of various economic hardships that make it difficult for their parents to afford food in their bellies, let alone fuel in their gas tanks.