Social Inappropriateness
Socially inappropriate behavior is part and parcel of chronic illness.
Letting Our Adult Children Be Adults
As parents, it is our job to help our children develop and grow into adulthood in small steps.
Rabbi Pinchas Zarcynsky Arrives In Warsaw
The Jewish community in Poland has been growing both in size and spirituality.
Joined Accounts And Other Signature Stories
When we first marry, we assume life will be wonderful. We rarely think about or discuss potential problems or the possibility of illness darkening our doorstep.
Heaven’s Gate: Wooden Synagogues of Poland
The synagogue buildings that survived are among the last remaining vestiges of Jewish life in Poland today.
Making Lemonade The Positive Memories
I just got off the phone with my oldest grandson. He is four.
Those Darn Cell Phones
Whenever I have a speaking engagement, I always ask people to turn on their cell phones.
Sweet Home Savannah
There's the old joke about two Jews deserted on an island who build three shuls. Like many attempts at humor, there is a certain degree of truth to this adage.
What To Look For When Looking Into Long Term Care Policies (Part 4)
Last week I discussed some of the things that Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance is, some that it's not, and why it is important.
You’re So Strong!
Loss is a personal and monumental event. It is different for everyone who experiences it.
Friendship: A Tribute To My Dear Friend Irene Klass, z”l
An unlikely friendship we formed
Hard to define or explain
Never bound by rules or age
Rather by mutual ideas and thoughts
Holocaust Educational Web Sites
Last week's anniversary of Kristallnacht reminded us that the Shoah happened in a relatively cultured society.
The Old Shtetl Ozarów
The village of Ozarów is located in the Kielce region. The Ozarów cemetery dates back almost 400 years and is one of the few remaining Jewish cemeteries in Poland.
Let Me Tell You What You Need To Do (Part Two)
Last week I began sharing a well-intentioned letter that was e-mailed to a well spouse and her hospitalized husband.
Brzostek Rediscovers Its Jewish Past
The mayor of Brzostek, a Galician shtetl to the east of Tarnow and not far from Pilzno, has recently agreed to restore the memory of the Jews to his town. The Jewish cemetery is to be fenced and a monument erected there, and an additional plaque in memory of the Jews who used to live there is to be unveiled in the town center. The plaque will be unveiled and the cemetery rededicated in a ceremony to take place on Sunday June 14, 2009.
Let Me Tell You What You Need To Do! (Part Three)
For the last two weeks I have been sharing parts of a well-meaning but inappropriate, advice-filled, e-mail that was sent to a well spouse through a third party.
More Responses On The Topic Of Chronic Illness and Shidduchim
For the last two weeks I have shared your responses, suggestions and experiences about marrying into a family wherein there is a parent who has a chronic illness. This was prompted by a letter I received from a woman who wrote that her daughter is having difficulty getting dates because her father has Multiple Sclerosis. Below are more letters from readers who wanted to share their experience and offer help.
Jan Karski Honored In N.Y.
A Manhattan street corner has been named after a Polish World War II hero who brought early eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust to the West. Madison Avenue at 37th Street was designated Jan Karski Corner. A statue of him stands there, in front of the Polish Consulate.
Virtual Shtetl Portal
The Museum Of The History Of Polish Jews is proud to announce the launching of the Virtual Shtetl website, which is devoted to the local history of Jews. Although at the moment of its launch the portal is primarily a source of information, its future is based on the interaction of web surfers using Web 2.0 technology. The medium created will constitute a bridge between the history of Polish Jewish towns and the contemporary, multicultural world.
Accessibility And Our Community (Part 2)
Last week, I wrote about the need to make Jewish institutions open to all Jews.
Special Summershpiel Edition
Question: What's on your Summer reading list?
Dealing With The System
Last week I wrote about the inability for two well spouses in different circumstances to handle an illness crisis in the same way.
Why Long Term Care Insurance? (Part 3)
When my generation was young, I believed the only insurance that people cared about was life insurance.
Jewish Historical Institute Photo Project
Whenever I go to Poland I make a point of visiting the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw.
The Jewish Festival In Krakow
This summer, from June 23 to July 1, the city of Krakow will play host to the 17th annual Jewish Cultural Festival, which as usual, is expected to be a resounding success.
Cheder Center In Krakow
I am constantly asked if there are things to do in Poland other then those that are Holocaust related.
In Praise Of Bubby
The Gemara in Brachos says that one is not allowed to add his own praises of Hashem while davening. The Gemara explains that by doing so it could seem that what one added was the only praise missing, and that there are no more praises of Hashem. Similarly, Bubby, for one to try to mention all of your praises would be impossible. With that said I would like to mention a few points, without implying that this is all there is to be said.
Logical Consequences
One of the many forms of discipline that is used in both homes and schools that is very effective is known as "logical consequences".
The Power of an Apology
We want people to behave toward us in a certain way. When they don't, we get angry.