Life lessons

International Women's Day isn't just another date on the calendar; it's a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit of women everywhere. It's a day to honor the trailblazers who shattered glass ceilings, the activists who fought tirelessly for gender equality, and the everyday heroes who inspire us with their courage and determination. One of the most beautiful aspects of International Women's Day is its universality. It's a day that transcends borders, cultures, and languages, bringing together people from all walks of life to champion the rights and freedoms of women. Whether you're in New York or Nairobi,...

My beloved father had a saying "The mind can only absorb what the tuchus can endure."  Although I have found this quote attributed to many different people, I like to think that its wisdom is pure yiddishkeit.  In the treasure trove of cultural acumen, Yiddish proverbs stand out as pearls of insight, summing up the collective experiences and humor of the Jewish people. These succinct and often humorous expressions have been passed down through generations, offering timeless guidance and a touch of Yiddish charm. Here are just a few of these memorable proverbs: "You should grow like an onion with your...

In Judaism, remembrance plays a profound role in connecting generations and honoring the memories of departed loved ones. When my mother passed away a few years ago a friend said to me that our parents are the guiding light in our lives. This is so true and lighting the yarzheit reminds me of that. Several years earlier when my father passed I looked for a yahrzeit candle and realized that they were mainly the jelly jar food store variety. Naturally I went into my studio and created one. And although I know that some people prefer the traditional candle, I...

In honor of all the Jewish Mamalas, Tantes and Bubbies (and let's not forget the Machatunim), the ones who are with us today, and the ones in blessed memory, let's celebrate Mother's Day with a little humor! What do you get when 500 Jewish mothers convert to Catholicism?Critical Mass.What do a Jewish mother-in-law and 60 Minutes have in common?They both always start with tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk...Mona Lisa's Jewish Mother: "After all the money your father and I spent on braces, this you call a smile?"Mama invited 16 people for Sabbath dinner. At the table, she...

The "Woman of Valor" saying is derived from a Hebrew poem called "Eishet Chayil," which appears in the Book of Proverbs in the Hebrew Bible. The poem is a hymn of praise to the virtues and accomplishments of a virtuous woman. It describes her as someone who possesses inner strength, wisdom, and compassion. The "Eishet Chayil" poem has been recited and revered in Jewish homes for centuries, often as a tribute to wives and mothers.But the concept of the "Woman of Valor" is not limited to Jewish tradition alone. Similar expressions exist in various cultures and religions around the world....