Dear Rabbi and Susan, I have reached an impasse in my life. I come from a troubled family background and have had to step in and take charge of my parents’ life in a way that a child never should have to do. We are talking about dealing with mental illness and bankruptcy among other...
Can’t we all use more of both? Forging meaningful relationships takes effort, patience and time. When my husband and I moved to a new state, as we did twice in our marriage, I left behind close friends. I stay connected through the miracle of modern communication and these friends are still present in my heart,...
A ‘Your Mother’s Guidance’ post by Rebecca Masinter Names in the Bible are not just names, When the twins, Yaakov and Eisav (Jacob and Esau) are born, their names don’t only reflect their physical traits but spiritual ones as well. Eisav’s name is from the word “asui”, meaning, made or finished. Yaakov was named from...
A ‘Your Mother’s Guidance’ post by Rebecca Masinter While discussing the role of the Levites, Numbers 3:4 mentions Aaron’s sons Nadav and Avihu who had previously died. The verse says: “Nadav and Avihu died before God when they offered an alien fire before God in the Wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children…” This...
I am 32 and married 3 years ago. My husband and I do not like children and thus we choose to be childless. Is that okay? Jia Mun Dear Jia Mun, We aren’t sure what ‘okay’ means and we know almost nothing about you and your husband. From the fact that you wrote asking us,...
A friend of mine recently celebrated the long-awaited arrival of his first child and almost overnight he became a different man. He drove his car a bit more cautiously. His facial expression looked a little more mature. His approach to work seemed more focused. While lovingly cradling his infant, he said to me, “Rabbi, I...
