Life lessons

Simchas! In Jewish life, we’re taught to mark time not just by dates and seasons, but by simchas—joyous occasions that remind us of what really matters. The word simcha (שִׂמְחָה) means joy, and in Jewish tradition, it goes far beyond fleeting happiness. A simcha is a moment of deep, spiritual joy, often shared with loved ones and rooted in community, tradition, and gratitude. What Counts as a Simcha? A simcha can be many things: A baby naming or brit milah A bar or bat mitzvah A wedding A milestone birthday or anniversary Even a housewarming or the completion of a meaningful journey Each simcha becomes an opportunity to pause, reflect, and elevate...

March is a month of celebration, and not just because winter is (hopefully) on its way out. It’s Women’s History Month and Purim—a double dose of inspiration, courage, and history.   While one celebrates women’s achievements throughout history, the other tells the story of Esther, the ultimate queen of bravery and the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia.  Turns out, these two occasions have a lot in common.

Bashert: Love, Destiny, and the Light That Guides Us When we talk about love, romance, and marriage in Judaism, one word always seems to find its way into the conversation— bashert. It’s a Yiddish word often translated as fated, inevitable, or preordained, and it’s most commonly used to describe a soulmate. But at its core, bashert simply means destiny. The idea of bashert is about much more than just being in the right place at the right time. It’s the belief that certain things—especially love—are meant to be. That each of us has a path, and when we follow it,...

For the past 30 years, I’ve had the joy of designing and crafting handmade glass Hanukiahs (Hanukkah Menorahs). Knowing that my menorahs are part of so many families' cherished holiday traditions makes the work incredibly rewarding. But, I’ll admit, it had been a while since I cleaned the wax off my own menorah. This year, I finally decided to tackle the task—and I'm here to share some simple and effective tips to help you do the same.  Whether you're a seasoned menorah cleaner or a reluctant one like me, these steps will make the process easier. What You’ll Need:Warm waterA...

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to travel through Southern Spain, and along the way, I uncovered a rich history that left me both humbled and fascinated. It was a history that, unfortunately, hasn’t always been kind to the Jewish people. Growing up in a neighborhood in New York, I was surrounded by families who were either Jewish or Italian. Most of the Jewish families I knew were Ashkenazi, with roots in Eastern Europe, and I have to admit—I wasn’t particularly aware of the Sephardic Jews or the deep, complex history they share with Spain. The Sephardic Jews’ story is...