Nitzevet, Mother Of King David: A Bold Voice Of Silence
Shavuot marks the birthday of King David and for this reason it is customary in many communities to read Megillat Ruth since Ruth was his great-grandmother.
Why Husbands Should Buy Their Wives Flowers
Shavuot is considered the time when we "married" G-d or cemented our relationship with Him after our "courtship" on Pesach, during the Exodus from Egypt. The Luchot (Tablets with the Ten Commandments) is compared to our Ketubah (marriage contract) and explains the responsibilities of each of us in this relationship.
Everyone Has a Story
When I was invited a few months ago to lecture at a European retreat in Davos, Switzerland, that was hosted in the same luxury venue where the world economic leaders (including former president Bill Clinton) had met for their own economic summit a few years ago, I knew there was no way I'd refuse. The resort weekend was organized by Rabbi Sholom Liberow, director of the European Jewish Study Network (EJSN) and his wonderful wife, Leah.
Miriam – Tambourines Of Rebellion
Bitter was the daily fare of the Jewish slaves in their Egyptian exile.
Silent Messages
It is almost exactly one year since my father-in-law, Rabbi Yankel Weisberg, passed away.
Rachel And Leah – Two Destinies, Two Worlds
Rachel and Leah - two sisters, two wives of Yaakov, and two of the Matriarchs of our People;
Feminine Soul
Dear Mrs. Weisberg,
I enjoy your column and was deeply touched by the "bittersweet" simcha at the bris of your friend's Down Syndrome child that you wrote about several months ago.
Words Whispered on a Dark Russian Night
From the moment that our eyes met and locked on Friday, at the first lecture that I gave at the retreat organized by the EJSN (European Jewish Study Network) in Davos, Switzerland, I sensed that we would be speaking more throughout the weekend.
Soulmates Or Stalemates? Men Are From Chochmah; Women Are From Binah (Part...
After a long and taxing day at work, followed by the usual battle with rush hour traffic, Joe finally arrived home.
Zeidy Pinchas’ Sefer Torah
This is the story of a very special Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll), purchased shortly after the
Second World War by my maternal zeide (grandfather), Rabbi Pinchas Sudak, when he and
his family were on their dangerous trek escaping from Communist Russia.
Woman And The Forbidden Fruit
The sin of the Etz HaDa'at, the Tree of Knowledge is one of the most perplexing episodes in the Torah.
Wonder Detergent
Last week, I bought a new brand of detergent.
It promises to remove all stains, even those stubborn, impossible to remove ones--or your money back. Guaranteed.
Have You Ever Stuffed Tissues Down A Sink Drain?
She looks at me with those large brown eyes. I try to decipher her expression. There's a hint of sadness, doubt and even fear. She averts her gaze, trying to deny her act, as if she's trying to take it back.
Wonder Detergent
Last week, I bought a new brand of detergent.
It promises to remove all stains, even those stubborn, impossible to remove ones--or your money back. Guaranteed.
Why Did G-d Create Bullies?
He looks at me with such a wistful expression in his clear blue eyes. His young shoulders are sagging and he appears to be carrying the world's burdens.
Praying For The Guy Behind You: Profile Of A Passionate Soldier
Margalit Mogilevsky and I share a carpool to bring our daughters to school every morning. We speak occasionally about technical arrangements, usually light and insignificant talk about accommodating slight changes in our schedule.
As Sweet As Candy
At this time of year, honey, and the sweetness it represents, plays a major role in our celebrations.
Religion Is Not A Quick Fix
Not only was I raised in a "religious" home, but with my father serving for the last 50 years as the rabbi of our − at first fledging, and now, vibrant − Toronto community, I was given the endearing designation of being "the rabbi's daughter."
Stalemates Or Soulmates? Chochma/Bina Dichotomy Part II: “Joe, We Need to Talk!”
Joe is sitting in the den. The remote control keeps his hands busy while his unseeing eyes gaze straight ahead.
Have You Ever Stuffed Tissues Down A Sink Drain?
She looks at me with those large brown eyes. I try to decipher her expression. There's a hint of sadness, doubt and even fear. She averts her gaze, trying to deny her act, as if she's trying to take it back.
Do You Live In A Fish Bowl?
Several months ago, at a children's rally, my 10-year-old son was the lucky winner of a raffle. His prize? A plump goldfish. It came in a plastic bag filled with water.
Senseless Love
One month ago, humanity woke up to a very dark world.
The Road Trip
We're on one of those really long family road trips. The kind that parenting experts advise will imprint fond memories on your children's psyche. (How's that for guilt?) And the kind on which you never leave home without a bottle of Tylenol and your favorite cup of strongly caffeinated, black coffee.
Barren Beauty
Ever since I can remember, my husband's practice has been, like many men, to buy me a lovely bouquet of flowers for Shabbat.
The Road Trip
We're on one of those really long family road trips. The kind that parenting experts advise will imprint fond memories on your children's psyche. (How's that for guilt?) And the kind on which you never leave home without a bottle of Tylenol and your favorite cup of strongly caffeinated, black coffee.
Words Whispered on a Dark Russian Night
From the moment that our eyes met and locked on Friday, at the first lecture that I gave at the retreat organized by the EJSN (European Jewish Study Network) in Davos, Switzerland, I sensed that we would be speaking more throughout the weekend.
A Mother’s Soldier: A Candid Discussion with a Toronto Mother About Her Son...
War. Guns. Bullets. Combat Officers. Tanks. Paratroopers. Unfortunately, we've all become far too familiar with these terms.
Why Did G-d Create Bullies?
He looks at me with such a wistful expression in his clear blue eyes. His young shoulders are sagging and he appears to be carrying the world's burdens.
Where Will Gilad Shalit be This Passover? An Open Letter to Jewish Mothers Across...
Dear Sisters,
As the holiday of Passover approaches, many of us are busy planning for the holiday. Many of us will be hosting large Seders, with our own families, our extended families, friends and acquaintances. For me, I eagerly count down the days, waiting for my married daughter and her wonderful husband to come and spend this joyous time with us. I am honored, too, that my parents will be joining our Seders, providing memories that I know my children will cherish for a lifetime.
When You Mess Up
Ever wonder what might have happened had the first Adam reacted differently?
I don't mean if Adam hadn't have eaten the forbidden fruit. I believe that somehow, on some level, that was a necessary component to our being human. We're not meant to be perfect angels, or mechanical robots, always following directions explicitly, and always doing the right thing. Temptation and failings, challenges and adventure are meant to be a part of our human journey.