It’s A Wrap! My Debut In The Marshall Movie
 “Rolling….quiet on the set….action!â€
When Director Jay Kanzler shouted these words on the set of Marshall the Miracle Dog, it was my signal to get into character. Right on cue, I pretended to eat a garden salad and whisper gibberish to my acting companions Gina, Laura, and Julie. We were all extras in the diner scene, which was filmed at Cleveland Heath in Edwardsville, IL, a few weeks ago. This was our first experience working in a real movie. Â Needless to say, I enjoyed every minute of it, even if we had to drive an hour from home to be on location at the crack of dawn so that we could hurry up and wait another eight hours until it was our turn to be on set.
Hey, that’s show biz. And it was worth it.
Cleveland-Heath, a restaurant in Edwardsville,IL, was the location of the diner scene.
Being an extra in this movie, based on the book Marshall The Miracle Dog, was pure fun. I met some incredibly talented people and didn’t have to memorize any lines. For me, the hardest part was to find something “neutral†to wear, which sent me on a wild goose chase for a beige tshirt since everything in my closet is brightly colored with busy patterns. My teenage daughter told me I was “over-thinking†it, but I took my role every seriously.
Cameras filming the diner scene–take 50!
We’re the “extras,” having fun with Cyndi and Patti (in pink).
My job was to poke my fork into a piece of lettuce and make weird facial expressions, while reacting to the confrontation at the table in front of us. That’s where hottie actor Matthew Settle complained about his veggie burger to his gorgeous costar Shannon Elizabeth and the hilarious Patti Vasquez, who played the spunky waitress. It takes all day to shoot one scene that maybe lasts a few minutes by the time its edited and hits the big screen at the movie theatre. The lighting has to be just right; the actors have to nail their lines; the props have to be in the right place; makeup, hair, wardrobe has to be continually adjusted; the crew has to walk on their tiptoes and not make any background noise; and the director yells “Cut!†every time a construction truck drives by outside, and the scene has to be shot over again. And every minute costs money.
Actresses Shannon Elizabeth and Patti Vasquez rehearse a scene.
I didn’t mind the waiting around. When else will I get the chance to appear in a real Hollywood movie, even if my role was to sit at a sticky table in the corner, chew a piece of wilted arugula, and drool over “Doc Henry†who wore tight jeans and a flannel shirt.
Enjoying lunch with hottie Matthew Settle, who plays the veterinarian.
As the co-author of the Marshall upcoming children’s book series, I was lucky to be invited to the taping of several movie scenes, which mostly took place on the other side of the river because Illinois offers a tax credit to filmmakers. Having the movie made here instead of Hollywood means a lot to Cyndi Willenbrock, whose book by the same name is coming to life in front of her eyes.
Cyndi and Marshall celebrate their birthdays together on the set.
“From day one, our community has embraced Marshall and everyone has been so supportive. I wanted to keep the movie production right here and use as much local talent as possible,†said Cyndi, who makes a cameo appearance. “Thousands of people showed up for the open casting call, and when we needed extras in the baseball scene, our phones exploded with hundreds of texts and emails from people who wanted to be part of this truly amazing experience.â€
Indeed, being a part of the Marshall movie is a highlight of my summer, even if I got lost every time I tried to find a location.  For example, the hoarder scene took place in Troy, IL at a remote, rundown farmhouse that some say is haunted. This ranch looked custom built for the movie—only it was the real deal with overgrown weeds, a rusty tin roof and broken wood planks on the barn. Even the wild turkeys provided a natural soundtrack with a loud “gobble-gobble-gobble†every time the director yelled “Action!â€
Wild turkeys provided sound effects.
The hoarder scene took place in this working farm in Troy, IL.
For me, this particular dog scene was a real adventure that started before I even got there. I was only a few miles away and had to roll down my window and ask a couple strangers for directions. Finally, a sweet old lady with a grey bun offered to personally escort me in her Black Ford Fusion, so I followed her down a long dirt road until we eventually spotted all the trucks, tents, and equipment set up at the end of a neighborhood.
Actor Bill Chott, the hoarder’s husband, brings Marshall to the ranch.
Even though I wasn’t in this scene (although my son’s denim shirt was), it was my favorite one to observe because I got to play with all the dogs in the cast. And they are a bunch of characters, from the small-but-mighty, two-pound Yorkie named Zakary to the 140-pound English Mastiff named Ben, who plays a four-legged bully in the movie, but in real life is a softie.
Movie dogs Ben and Zakary.
These specially trained movie dogs come from a full service animal company called Paws for Effect in Los Angeles, and their owner Debbie Pearl drove a dozen of them across country in an 18-passenger van with the seats removed.
“We had so many dogs to choose from, so after reading the script I tried to pick a good variety of shapes, sizes and looks,” said Pearl, who carries a long pole with a treat on the end to get the dog’s attention. “Plus we wanted dogs that would go with the flow of things, be able to work together when food was around in some of the scenes on the floor and would be kissy for the attack scene.â€
Debbie and her adorable canine crew.
My new buddy Jami, a hairy terrier mix and snuggle bug.
Meeting Marie Harbers, from Love on a Leash, who originally trained Marshall to be a therapy dog.
They say the hardest movies to make involve young children and animals, but Debbie make it look effortless. By the way, most of her dogs are rescues, which makes them even more special.
“Our dogs are rescues from either the shelter,  a rescue group, or dogs that we have found wandering the streets or in the desert (people dump dogs out by where my ranch is in California). I believe that no dog should be homeless, I mean, no other animal is so devoted to man! So once we adopt the dog, we start the training process to get him ready for the big screen,†she said.
Marshall meets a new friend, Zakary.
One of the most dramatic scenes in the movie (and there are soooo great moments) is when Marshall (played by a loyal Labrador named Max), knocks open the barn door with his big paw and helps all his doggie friends escape.
Max learns how to limp like an injured dog.
Now here’s a little behind-the-scenes secret: Cyndi fills in as Lauren Holly’s stunt double and gets knocked on the ground by the dogs, who appear to attack her. What the dogs are really doing is licking Cyndi all over because she has meat flavored baby food smeared all over her face and clothes. Gross, but it works!
Stunt double Cyndi wears a braided wig and my son’s denim shirt for the hoarder scene.
Actors Lauren Holly, Lucas Carroll, and Bill Chott at the farm.
The next week, on a scorching summer afternoon, I headed to Leclaire Baseball Field, in Edwardsville, IL, to watch them film the baseball scene. It was a long, exhausting day for these ballplayers, while the blue sky, white clouds, and charming homes along the tree-lined street provided another perfect setting to film the movie.
In between takes, I noticed how the crew followed the lead actors with big umbrellas to protect them from the sun and provided chilled water bottles and frozen custard to cool them off. Meanwhile, the extras sat under a big tree and ate pizza and popsicles in the shade. Nobody complained. We were all so happy to be a part of this family film. Besides, now I have a new appreciation for the nameless faces of the extras who are in the background of movies.
Stay tuned for my upcoming blog that profiles some of the main cast members who are originally from St. Louis and are now on their way to becoming Hollywood movie stars!
To get an idea of what it was like to film the hoarder scene,  watch KSDK’s Leisa Zigman meet the dogs in the Marshall movie, right here!
Also, follow updates on the Marshall movie, book, and other happenings right here at www.marshallthemiracledog.com.
 
Marshall The Miracle Dog—The Book, The Movie, The Movement
Marshall The Miracle Dog.
One look at the yellow lab mix named Marshall, and you know this dog has a story. He hops around town with three legs, and a jagged baseball-size scar dents the side of his face. Nobody gawks at his appearance or makes fun of his disabilities—quite the contrary. People of all ages adore Marshall, who comfortably rests his chin on the leg of anyone who sits beside him on the floor and strokes his silky smooth fur.Â
Marshall’s fan club follows him wherever he goes.
Marshall makes friends wherever he goes, not despite his differences, but because of them. His chocolate brown eyes speak a thousand words. Among them are kindness, forgiveness, love, acceptance, faith, trust, hope, fate, and, above all else, miracles.Â
Marshall, “doggie director,” sports a bow tie collar on the movie set.
Our first kiss.
Marshall is a survivor. For years he suffered abuse and neglect in the filthy backyard of an animal hoarder in Marshall, Mo., where more than 60 starving dogs fought everyday over meager amounts of food. Whenever Marshall scrounged for a morsel of nourishment, the other dogs brutally attacked him. He was the weakest one in the pack, and he spent most of his life in fear. His bed was the hard dirt ground, where he cowered in a corner and hid from the others dogs.
When the Missouri Humane Society finally rescued these poor animals—and they were all victims—Marshal was barely clinging to life. His injuries were so severe, the veterinarian was forced to amputate his leg. Marshall was the worst cast of animal abuse the doctors had ever witnessed. During his dramatic rescue, Marshall died more than once on the operating table. Every time he was resuscitated, he proved his will to live.  Marshall’s courage to beat the odds is the first miracle in his story. The second miracle is what happened next.
Marshall found a forever home and began a new chapter in his life that would inspire all around him. To start with, he is the subject of a best-selling children’s picture book, Marshall The Miracle Dog.
Marshall is also the inspiration for a successful character education curriculum  called The Marshall Mentor Program, which teaches students about bullying prevention and making positive choices to help them navigate through the challenging adolescent years. And now, Marshall is a Hollywood movie star, not to mention a media celebrity. That’s right, Marshall’s story is being made into a major motion picture named after him, Marshall The Miracle Dog. This family movie, currently being filmed in Illinois and St. Louis, is described as a cross between  “Dolphin Tale and Marley and Me” and features a cast of celebrities, including Matthew Settle (Gossip Girls, Band of Brothers), Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie, That 70’s Show), and Lauren Holly (NICS, Motive, Dumb and Dumber). Stay tuned for more details about the movie, which is slated to open in theaters next year.
“Marshall’s message is to not give up five minutes before the miracle,” says Cyndi Willenbrock, who adopted Marshall in the summer of 2010 after learning about him on Animal Planet’s Confessions: Animal Hoarding. “The Marshall movie is all about friendship and courage.”
“When I first saw Marshall’s face on television, I felt an immediate connection. I related to his story, and I knew I had to meet him. Even though I already owned another dog, and I had no experience taking care of a special needs animal, I knew Marshall and I were meant to be together,†says Cyndi, whose demanding career as a medical supply salesperson left her with limited free time.
When Cyndi was able to finally bring Marshall home to meet her other rambunctious black lab mix named Mooshe, she didn’t know what she got herself into. Marshall was haunted by nightmares of his horrific past. He would wake up in the middle of the night terrified and shaking. Night after night, Cyndi held him in her arms and comforted him, assuring Marshall that he was safe and loved. They cried in each other’s arms until the bad dreams went away.
“Growing up, I sometimes felt alone and bullied by other kids, so I somehow understood Marshall’s pain. In the middle of the night, I started to jot down my thoughts in a journal, and before I knew it, I had written a children’s book. That’s how ‘Marshall The Miracle Dog’ was born,†she remembers.
Their friendship and bond grew stronger everyday. Clearly, they rescued each other. Immediately after adopting Marshall, Cyndi had him trained as a certified therapy dog so he would get used to being around other people and not be afraid to socialize with the world.
Soul mates Cyndi & Marshall celebrate the same birthday–June 9.
Cyndi also was determined to share Marshall’s story, and being an ambitious person who doesn’t take no for an answer, she made it happen in record time. She found an agent, who introduced her to a prominent children’s book editor, and they fell in love with Marshall’s true inspirational story that was definitely marketable in the book industry.
At first her agent advised Cyndi not to quit her day job because most authors don’t make a living selling books, but that soon changed. Marshall was in demand to appear at local schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and special events, meeting thousands of people on their whirlwind book tour.
“It wasn’t long before I decided to give up my six-figure salary and devote my life to spreading Marshall’s universal message. I use Marshall’s story to teach about the prevention of animal cruelty, as well as promote kindness and tolerance of others. Marshall has a unique way of connecting with people. It makes me feel so good to witness an autistic child who rarely socializes, or an Alzeimer’s patient who never communicates, reach out to Marshall and interact with him. Marshall gives me a real purpose in life.â€
Marshall touches people’s lives in different ways. For me, I first learned about Marshall two years ago when my daughter came home from Rockwood Valley Middle School and showed me a flyer that advertised Marshall and Cyndi’s upcoming anti-bullying pep assembly. As a writer and a dog lover, I’ve always been interested in working on a children’s book with a dog as the main character, so I was eager to meet the two of them. My daughter Sari was in eighth grade at the time and had no intention of letting me visit her school and embarrass her, so I gave her a check and asked her to buy the book for me and have Cyndi autograph it.
That evening after dinner, instead of watching TV, we sat at the kitchen table and took turns reading a page of the book. The story, written in such a real, emotional human context, grabbed our attention right away. By the time we got to the second page, we started to feel a lump in our throat and could barely speak the words. Marshall’s story resonated the kind of empathy that many kids have become numb to because of all the glorified violence and hatred in news and entertainment these days. We were engrossed in the story about how Marshall was bullied and tortured by other dogs, how he was afraid of rejection after he was adopted, how his bravery set an example for anyone facing adversity, and, finally, how love conquers all. The beautifully detailed illustrations capture each moment and enhance the story, thanks to the colored pencil drawings of artist Lauren Heimbaugh.
The happy ending left us hopeful, but Marshall never left my mind. As I cleaned the dishes and Sari started her homework, I felt compelled to reach out to Cyndi, so I wrote her a thank you note. In my email, I thanked her for giving my daughter and I a special moment together. The last time we read a book out loud together, she was in kindergarten, and now she was about to start high school. Marshall’s story gave us a sliver of time to share something special.
To my surprise, Cyndi responded to my email later that same night and suggested we get together for lunch later that week.  Well, needless to say, we hit it off right away. We told each other about our projects and passions, and she shared with me her big plans for Marshall, including a children’s book series and movie that she wanted me to be a part of.  Are you kidding me?! I felt like I hit the jackpot! Marshall’s story was so worthwhile–how could I say no? Since then, I’ve enjoyed working  every minute working with Cyndi, a dynamo and avid runner fueled by Starbucks coffee and power bars. Cyndi’s unstoppable energy and enthusiasm makes me believe that with a lot of hard work anything is possible.
“All Marshall wants is to be loved and to give love,” says Cyndi to crowds of people who showed up for the movie casting call last month. “If we all can be like dogs, this world will be an amazing, perfect place. To see Marshall story come to life on the big screen is a dream come true.”
And I’m honored to be a part of that dream.
Cyndi introduces Marshall to the two leading men, 12-year-old Matthew Carroll “Finn” and Matthew Settle “Doc Henry.”
Cyndi and I at a Marshall event.
In my next blog, read about my movie debut as an “extraâ€â€”let’s just say it involves at least 30 takes pretending to eat salad in a restaurant scene and drooling over a hottie.
Matthew Settle in the diner scene.
It’s a wrap! Having fun on the set with Cyndi, actress Patti Vasquez, and my friends the “extras.”
Don’t forget to follow Marshall The Miracle Dog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and keep up with the latest movie news on Marshall’s blog! Â
Thank You STL For Listening To Your Mother!
Co-Producer/Directors Ellie, Laura & Naomi
For the 2nd year in a row, I just want to say thank you to everyone who made LTYM STL 2014 a huge success. To those of you who submitted stories and trusted us with your words, we are grateful. To everyone who bravely auditioned, to those who made the cut and bared their soul on stage, to our family and friends who bought a ticket and cheered for us in the audience, we are touched by your kindness. To the many local businesses who generously supported us through sponsorships, thank you for believing in us. And to our national sponsors, BlogHer and Chevy—together we can grow this national movement to give Mother’s Day a microphone.
LTYM 2014 Cast & Sponsors.
Also, many thanks to the local TV/Radio media who gave us the limelight and helped us spread the word. We had a blast with Margie Ellisor at Fox2News, Virginia Kerr at Great Day St. Louis, and Brenda Fraser at BlogTalk Radio, as well as West NewsMagazine, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis Jewish Light, and more.
Everyone has a story to tell, and we are honored to bring our community a platform to share our stories in front of a live audience and make a difference. Better still, thanks to your ticket purchase, we were able to make a substantial donation to a worthwhile cause, Girls In The Know. Collectively, the 32 LTYM cities raised more than $26,000 for local charities this year–WHOO HOO!
While we all return to our previous lives and enjoy our summers, stay tuned in the coming weeks for videos posted on our LTYM YouTube channel, as well as our slideshow, special announcements, and a call for submissions for LTYM 2015! Â In case you didn’t get enough LTYM, here’s the blog I wrote for our website.Â
See ya in 2015 St. Louis!
The 2014 LTYM STL cast.
Our selfie!
And, finally, Â thank you to my teenagers, Sari and Jack, for putting up with me all these months while I worked nonstop on LTYM and made carryout dinner the norm because I was too busy writing, editing, strategizing, promoting, going to meetings, and hanging up flyers everywhere we went, from public bathroom stalls to coffee shops. Â Without you, well, I wouldn’t be a mom. I love you!!!
My kids, Sari & Jack, who made it all possible.
Pamper Yourself At Spa For The Soul
Mother’s Day may be over, but the upcoming Spa for the Soul is like a gift that keeps on giving. On Sunday, May 18, 5-8 p.m., join us for an evening  that is all about YOU!
The third annual Spa for the Soul, which takes place at The Butterfly House, 15193 Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield, brings together Jewish Women of all ages and backgrounds to learn, laugh, experience and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. The program includes mini massages, raffles, boutiques, and entertainment. Also, participants can take advantage of fun workshops, such as, Israeli dancing, Kabbalah of relaxation, and floral arrangements.
“The evening is dedicated to making women feel special and pampered, from the minute the program starts until it ends. Everyone will be handed a bubbly drink right when they arrive, and they will receive hand and shoulder massages, while relaxing music is being played. Before dinner is served, we will pass out warm, scented face and hand towels so our guests feel like royalty. We’ve planned a lot more surprises sure to make for the night memorable and worthwhile,†says Chanala Rubenfeld, Co-Director Chabad of Chesterfield.
Warm washcloths pamper the skin.
Of course, anyone who knows Chanala, mom of six boys, knows that when she throws a party, the food is always spectacular and an event in itself. The menu includes grilled chicken skewers, garlic knots, deli twirls, grilled veggies, hummus dip, dill dip, ratatouille salad, mini quiches, raspberry walnut salad, tri colored salad, grilled corn, and more. The gourmet dessert buffet tempts the tastebuds with chocolate mouse cake, date balls, moca mousse, and more, so wear an elastic waistband!
Here’s a peek from last year’s Spa for Soul decadence:
Gourmet desserts tempt the tastebuds.
Mimosas anyone?
Besides the decadent food, the other highlight of the evening is the guest speaker, Miriam Lipskier who is the co-founder and director of the Chabad Student Center at Emory University. This sought-after educator and mom of six children from Atlanta has led teen and adult education programs in Israel, Moscow, South Africa, and the United States. She will entertain and inspire the audience with her presentation on “I Am A Jewish Woman…Hear Me ROAR.â€Â Watch this dynamic speaker here!
Renowned Educator and Speaker Miriam Lipskier.
On top of all the food, activities, pampering, and inspirational learning, no one goes home empty handed! Â In fact, you might win one of the fabulous door prizes that include airline tickets, gym memberships, Cardinals baseball tickets, challah delivery for a year, jewelry and so much more.
So hurry, space is limited! Please resister by Friday so Chanala knows how much food to prepare. Tickets also are available at the door.
To RSVP  and for more info, go to www.ChabadOfChesterfield.com/spa or call 636.778.4000.
Ellie & Debbie indulge in last year’s Spa for the Soul.
Â
Motherhood Stories Make The Perfect Gift!
Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Look no further.  “Not Your Mother’s Book (NYMB)…On Being A Mom“ is chock full of sweet, nutty stories, kind of like a box of chocolate, only less fattening.
This irresistible anthology is a collection of 64 funny, edgy stories about raising children, from birth to the empty nest stage, so there’s something for every mom. The authors span the country and share how they face the challenges of motherhood head-on with humor, ingenuity, and, more often than not, a good wine.  NYMB is sure to bring a smile to your mom, mother-in-law, or even yourself.
I’m proud to be one of the NYMB contributors, and my piece titled, “The ABCs of ACTs,†is something every mom of a high schooler can relate to. In fact, I promise to share some helpful hints on how to reduce the stress of standardized tests, or at least laugh your way through it.
Continue reading
Take A Hike—With Torah Trailblazers
Maxine and her canine companions hit the trails.
Flowers bloom in St. Louis parks.
Finally, after a long, brutal winter, springtime has sprung! No more excuses–Mother Nature is calling, and it’s time to get active again in the great outdoors. Fortunately, a new St. Louis walking club called the Torah Trailblazers makes exercise fun and invigorating for the body, mind, and soul. Maxine Mirowitz, who taught a Torah-based Yoga program in the St. Louis community, will lead the group hikes, which take place at three local scenic parks.
Meramec River in Castlewood State Park.
Torah Trailblazers, made possible as one of the first recipients of the St. Louis Jewish Federation Innovation Grants in 2014, is open to men and women, 18 years and older, and takes place at three local scenic parks where limestone bluffs overlooking the Meramec River are a lot more interesting than jogging on a treadmill in front of the television.
Torah Trailblazers is truly a unique workout, allowing participants of all fitness levels to breathe in fresh air, burn calories, tone muscles, and, most importantly, open your head and heart to a Jewish teaching that can be applied to your everyday life.
“Torah translates in Hebrew as direction, teaching, or instruction. A trailblazer is a person who blazes a trail for others to follow through unsettled wilderness,†explains Mirowitz, whose dedication to health, wellness, and Judaism makes her the perfect leader for this fun activity.
Basically, each session lasts about two hours and includes walking and enjoying the breathtaking vistas, then a short lesson on spirituality (example from the Torah portion of the week or insights regarding a Jewish holiday), and finally concludes with a relaxing series of yoga postures. Obviously, Torah Trailbazers is more than a hike, it’s an adventure so that by the time you head back to your car, you feel like a new person ready to tackle the challenges of daily life.
Breathtaking views of Castlewood State Park.
“I realize that life is an eternal adventure. So a Torah Trailblazer is a fellow pathfinder of peace, inspired to navigate the world’s ever changing terrain to reveal vistas of clarity,†explains Mirowitz, who recently returned from Israel as one of the 25 Jewish Leaders to be the first to participate as a Hadassah Leadership Fellow. She is also an active member in Nishmah and the new St. Louis Jewish Women’s Society, an offshoot of Jewish Women’s Renaissance Program that she attended in 2010. She and her husband Steve (also known as Dever) are members of Bais Abraham shul and have studied at Aish Ha Torah for the last 30 years, and she is a recent enrollee of the Mussar Institute program offered at Central Agency for Jewish Education.
But what makes Mirowitz such a wise teacher about life is that she came face to face with death.
In November 2012, in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary, she and her husband embarked on a 12-day cruise, a wine immersion trip, from England with stops in France, Spain, and Portugal.
“About one week into the trip, a small bout of hiccups quickly developed into wrenching nausea and vomiting.  Experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain, I visited the ship’s medical office. Their first impression was that I had experienced a muscle strain between my ribs leading to anxiety. I was given some medication and went back to my room, where I continued to remain ill for the next three days before returning to the Dr.’s office,†she explains.
What followed developed into a very critically dangerous situation, and their children Jacob, Zachary, and Lee at home, as well as family and friends were notified via email of the life threatening emergency.
“When my esophagus ruptured on the cruise boat, four days passed before it was detected. By the time the lifeboat delivered me to the Portugal public hospital all of my major organs had gone into failure. I was given only a twenty percent chance to survive the surgery to close off the remaining small portion of healthy esophageal tissue in my neck area and insert a feeding tube into my stomach. For two weeks following I was monitored in an induced coma state fighting sepsis infection. Still unable to breathe on my own when I awakened, I had to be intubated. This lead to my vocal chords to be paralyzed so even when I no longer needed oxygen it was hard to speak. After 30 days an air ambulance delivered me from the ICU in Portugal to Mercy hospital,†she says.
Just a year ago, she was still unable to eat or drink anything by mouth. For a period of six months, she received liquid nutrition through a gastric feeding tube until last April when she was surgically reconstructed.
“Ironically all of these obstacles has led to immense inner freedom. When you undertake a fast you have an opportunity to liberate or express your soul. Initially I was afraid to accept my physical body’s limitations because I thought I would lose my identity (as I was no longer able to teach yoga). Instead it opened and freed my ability to love more deeply and show gratitude. Now I have a heightened sense of appreciation for my body and gratitude for my family, community, and Creator,” she says.
For someone who previously exercised everyday and ate a healthy, organic diet and even harvested her own garden, this was a huge change. But she was alive. Her near death experience transformed her life, literally, inside and out.
“The reconstruction of my esophagus reshaped my body as well as my identity. I had to relearn two of the most basic bodily functions—how to breathe and eat. Each breath is a celebration, as well as each bite. In Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) we are taught that one who takes pleasure in his portion is truly happy. The art of taking pleasure in what you have is based on the faith that the Almighty gives you exactly what you need,†says Mirowitz, who today loves to hike with her husband and their three rescue dogs, Ashby, Maya, and Millie.
Maxine walking with her dogs.
Today, she is healthy and strong and more committed than ever to share her passion for health and wellness and spirituality with others.
“Our job is to deeply appreciate and take pleasure in our portion every second of the day even under challenging circumstances. This concept of deep gratitude saved my body and soul from perishing. My existence still depends on skilled medical practitioners as well as my faith, family, and friends.â€
Her journey, “from trauma to transcendence,†is chronicled in her blog at caringbridge.org/visit/maxinemirowitz.
So, a project like Torah Trailblazers is something Mirowitz was destined to take on. Over the last eight years, she has assembled Torah inspired lessons, creating a “soulful field guide “or “Jewish life map†that she will teach on the walk.
“Since our first hike is April 20, during the week of Passover, the holiday of freedom, we will discuss spiritual freedom, having the ability to use your free will to grow and develop,†she says.
Learning about Torah, especially in a beautiful outdoor setting with limestone bluffs, creeks, and forested hills is an ideal way to strengthen your Jewish identity and enhances the learning experience.
“Three pathways can strengthen belief in Judaism. The first is to study Torah. It is said when you pray you speak to G-d, when you study Torah, G-d speaks to you. The second way is to pay attention to everyday miracles. Breathing seems so natural that it is easy to forget that all of our body’s systems are truly miracles. A third pathway to connect with our Creator is to observe G-d’s creations, the wonders of the natural world. The magnificence of nature awakens a sense of awe and wonder which leads us to the knowledge of G-d. Making a date to trail blaze in the woods reminds us that there is a G-d constantly running our world,†says Mirowitz..
“Meditation and other contemplative activities, such as hiking in nature, fosters a sense of purpose and direction in life.  Mindfulness promotes compassion toward ourselves, mankind, and the natural world, which are necessary ingredients for well-being,†she adds.
The class size is limited to 25 hikers and all denominations are welcome. Online registration is required and includes a signed consent form, so please visit www.Torahtrailblazers.com for more information and to reserve your spot.Â
Should you need to cancel please contact max@torahtrailblazers.com to make space available to other participants.
Stay tuned for more details on a family hike that will be scheduled in the fall located on a kid-friendly trail.
The hikes take place, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the following parks:
April 20: Castlwood State Park, in Ballwin
May 18: Â Russel E. Emmenegger Nature Park, in Kirwood
June 22: Flint Quarry Trail at West Tyson County Park, in Eureka.
So, get on the right path, have fun, be active, and join Torah Trailblazers today. For Mirowitz, being outdoors, recognizing God’s wonders, and being with positive people is nothing short of transformational.
Flint Quarry Trail at West Tyson County Park.
“I try not to focus on what my health crisis has taken away from me, rather what it has given me. Our youngest son Lee had lost touch with a childhood classmate Hannah (they were at Solomon Schechter from kindergarten through middle school) until she inquired about my health. Out of my medical mess a romance blossomed, and they were wed this past January. I long for a deeper connection than random chance. Torah Trailblazers is a field trip in nature to inspire introspection and connection. I am privileged to be your trip leader to inner peace, beauty, and serenity.â€
Leashed dogs are welcome at some parks.
The Salted Pig: BBQ Meets Southern Cuisine
How do you attract the Jewish crowd to a new restaurant called “The Salted Pig†when the name has nothing to do with koshering?
Well, first you offer outstanding food, generous portions, decent prices, a fun atmosphere, good service, and a convenient location. Then, you offer an infusion of flavors that tempts the customers’ taste buds with something out of the ordinary, such as award-winning barbecue and Nouvelle Southern cuisine that makes you want to come back again and again to try something new each time. Finally, you throw in the famous Del Pietro name for good measure.
Bacon cake served at The Salted Pig Grand Opening,
March 28, 2014
“We wanted to come up with a name that hasn’t been used before, which is hard to do because there are so many restaurants in St Louis,†explains Co-Owner Michael Del Pietro, whose successful line of Italian eateries includes Sugo’s, Babbos, Tavolo V, and Via Vino Enoteca. “We chose ‘The Salted Pig’ even though there’s so much more on our menu than pork chops and pulled pork.â€
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My Big Fat Orthodox Seder
Everyone, please welcome my guest blogger Ruchi Koval, who I met last month at the JWRP Leadership Conference, and we really hit it off! A mom of SEVEN, she is the creator of the humorous and insightful Out of The Orthobox, which teaches us about her Orthodox life in a spiritually uplifting, down-to-earth way that unites ALL Jewish women.
First, a bit about Ruchi:
Ruchi is co-founder and director of the Jewish Family Experience, a family education center and Sunday school located in Cleveland, Ohio. She is also a certified parenting coach, runs character-development groups for women, is a motivational speaker, and writes a popular blog on Judaism, www.outoftheorthobox.com. In her spare time, Ruchi enjoys reading, thinking about writing a book, putting on an Israeli accent, playing piano while singing loudly, and organizing closets. She does not enjoy cooking or sweeping her floors. Ruchi resides in her hometown of Cleveland with her husband and seven children.
Now here’s a peek into her Orthodox Passover seder: Continue reading
JWS Kicks Off Anti-Gossip Campaign
My favorite souvenir that I brought home from Israel this summer was not the sterling silver Star of David necklace. It was not the hamsa artwork or the Medjool dates that tasted like candy. It was a cheap rubber bracelet, bright orange, that clashed with every outfit and had these words printed in black: “Don’t Blame. Don’t Complain.â€
The moment we got off the plane, before our suitcases were unpacked, everyone in our group was given this stretchy wristband to remind us of an important lesson. A lesson that could change the way we think and how we live and treat others.
We were told to wear the bracelet every day, all day. Every time we complained about something or talked negatively, we had to switch it to the other wrist. Can you imagine? A bunch of Jewish women traveling across country together, and we’re not allowed to kvetch? What fun is that?
So at first it was a joke. I didn’t last five minutes before I was moving my new accessory back and forth whenever I made statements like:
 “I can’t get up that early for breakfast.â€
 “My feet are killing me.â€
 “She looks ridiculous wearing Keens with a long skirt.â€
“You’re crazy if you think I’m changing out of my wet swimsuit in an overheated, crowded bathroom at the Dead Sea in front of all these naked women.â€
I swear, I moved my bracelet so many times I had a skin rash. And that was only day one. Finally, I asked for an extra wristband and wore matching ones on both hands to make this exercise easier. I know, that’s cheating.  Maybe I should have worn them on my ankles as well.
All kidding aside, the truth is I was much more aware of how often I blamed and complained. I also paid more attention to what other people said and how it made me feel. What we verbalize and what we think truly has an impact on our psyche, our souls. And our words most definitely affect others. As parents, if we gossip and put other people down, our children will do the same. Where do you think bullying comes from?
So, it got me thinking, if I can’t talk negatively about something or someone, what can I talk about? I needed to reprogram my brain, and since it takes about 30 days to form a new habit, I had my work cut out for me. Fortunately, the Jewish Women’s Society provides the tools to reinforce values, such as kindness. At the launch of the JWS, we were given gossip charts, which allows us to keep track of how we use ethical speech. Kind of like a food journal for dieters. The idea is for us to be more accountable for our words and actions. The Jewish twist is that we make a commitment to speak more positively as an act of goodness and in the merit of a loved one. For example, if we know someone who is sick and needs healing, we practice our positive speech in his or her name, which gives us another purpose. I stuck mine on my refrigerator, so I see it often.
“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.â€
That quote comes from Eleanor Roosevelt, but actually the idea originates from a Jewish teaching.
In the law of Lashon Hara, which literally means “bad tongue,” we are forbidden to tell a negative statement about another person that damages their character, even if it’s true. The Rabbis know that criticizing people is part of human nature, which is why we need to practice turning our negative thoughts into positive ones.
The Netziv, a great Rabbi of the 1800’s, explained that there are four types of creations: inanimate objects, plant life, animals and finally, humans. We are defined as speakers, meaning that the distinctive feature that separates people from other living things is that we can communicate by speech. When we speak with a positive intent, we create good. When we speak negatively and are judgmental, our words can destroy a soul.
In fact, gossip hurts three people: The one who speaks it, the one who hears it, and the one who is being spoken about. When you think about it, that’s a lot of collateral damage, and it’s impossible to take back words.
We live in an era of social media that makes it so easy to spread gossip and bad feelings, so this lesson is more important than ever. Kids are killing themselves over bullying, and it’s got to stop.
Please join me in the 30-day challenge to turn negative talk into positive speech and spread goodness and kindness. It starts with ourselves, reaches to our families, community, world.
For a thought-provoking exploration of Lashon Hara and how gossip can be transformed into a more positive, meaningful life, please join the JWS and come to our inaugural class based on Lori Palatnik’s bestselling book, “Gossip: Ten Pathways to Eliminate From Your Life and Transform Your Soul.” The same class will be held on two days, pick which one is convenient for you. Monday, March 31, 9:30 a.m. or Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., at the JCC-Creve Coeur, Arts and Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive.
For more info on JWS and to RSVP to the class, please contact Peggy Umansky at 314-527-1719 or JWSociety@hotmail.com.
If you like what you read, please “like” my blog Mishegas of Motherhood, and let’s share our Jewish journey together.
JWS: Living The Values
“Living The Values” is the mission of JWS.
When I returned from my JWRP Israel trip last summer, I was determined to keep the energy and excitement going. Â My experience was, to say the least, spiritually uplifting and I wanted to stay connected to my “St Louis Soul Sistas” and meet new friends who were on the same journey of self growth and discovery. Â I wanted to continue learning and enrich my life with Jewish values that I could share with my family and my community. Then again, my idea of fun is sharing a bottle of kosher moscato and making challah with my girlfriends.
Well, the Jewish Women’s Society (JWS) of St. Louis does all that, and more. Already 60-plus members strong, the JWS is an exciting new organization that is looking for women like YOU! The JWS was created as an outgrowth of the JWRP, but you don’t have to be a JWRP participant to be a member of JWS–everyone is welcome!
Last month, we launched the JWS at the beautiful home of Sam and Marilyn Fox. The event was co-hosted with their daughters Cheri Fox and Pamela Fox Claman, and JWRP Founding Director Lori Palatnik was in town to help us kick off our new initiative to bring Jewish women of the St. Louis community together through educational campaigns,  special events, service projects, leadership opportunities, and more.
The 2013 JWRP “St. Louis Soul Sistas” celebrate launch of JWS with Lori Palatnik and Pamela Fox Claman.
“The Jewish women in St. Louis are really on fire after their JWRP experience. I’m very impressed that they started this new initiative, JWS, to keep the momentum going and involve other women in the community,†said Lori Palatnik, founding director of the JWRP, who was in town for the launch of the society.
The JWRP and Aish HaTorah St. Louis have sent more than 70 St. Louis moms to Israel since 2010, with another 14 women going this summer.
“Through its innovative follow-up programming and opportunities, the JWS has the potential to set a precedent for Jewish communities around the world,†Palatnik added.
The JWS is more than a membership organization. The JWS is a movement, and our mission is as follows:
 “Embrace the values of our Jewish heritage, emphasizing living harmoniously with self,  family and community.  The Society provides programs and support for Jewish Women of all backgrounds to strengthen their Jewish identity and their commitment to Jewish life in St Louis and Israel.â€
The JWS is excited to roll out a series of educational campaigns that allow participants to live what they learn. Each class focuses on different Jewish values, such as gratitude, kindness, humility, joy, and honesty. JWS members not only attend the class, but they can take advantage of the many tools, resources, progress charts, and service projects. The JWS also offers home study groups that can help people understand the value on a deeper level in a more intimate, ongoing learning experience.
“The JWS’s goal is to strengthen and invigorate these special values and the amazing richness and relevancy it has on our life by impacting our marriage, children, family, and community,†said Rabbi Yosef David, of Aish HaTorah St. Louis. “Members will be inspired to put into action what they learn until it becomes a reality.â€
The first class on Lashon Hara, or refraining from gossip and negative talk, will be offered on two dates: Monday, March 31, 9:30 a.m., or Monday, April 1, 7 p.m. Both classes are held at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald, Educational Director of Aish HaTorah St. Louis, will engage the audience in a conversation based on Palatnik’s book,  “Gossip: Ten Pathways to Eliminate It From Your Life and Transform Your Soul,†and all members will get their own copy of the bestseller.
“I’ve taught about Lashon Hara, which means gossip, to literally thousands of people, and this subject touches everyone. Even if we don’t speak gossip, hearing gossip still hurts us with its negativity. Learning the laws of Lashon Hara transforms a person because it makes you stop and think before you gossip or talk negatively, and that will change you and impact those around you. When we eliminate gossip, we have a choice: We can find something positive to say, we can remain silent, or talk about an inspirational idea, which impacts a person to live on a higher level,†said Greenwald.
Other upcoming campaigns include honoring our parents and elders and showing respect, taking care of the sick and less fortunate, and working on being happy with what we have and keeping a gratitude journal.
For more information on the benefits of a JWS membership, please call 314-527-1719, or JWSociety@hotmail.com
And stay tuned for next week’s blog on my own experience giving up gossip–it’s not as easy I thought.
Let’s share our Jewish journey together. “Like” my website Mishegas of Motherhood and stay updated on all JWS news.
