Contrary to popular misconception, the Jewish community has struggled with addiction just as much as every other community. As Chairman of the Assembly’s Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee, I have heard too many tragic stories. One community teen is addicted to painkillers he first found in his parent’s medicine cabinet, another young man habitually “shul hops” to take advantage of the whiskey at his community’s kiddushim.
Noting the short time frame until the April 1st deadline to pass the New York State budget, Lt. Governor Robert Duffy and several other legislators urged the OU Advocacy-Teach NYS delegations that came to Albany recently to “keep up the pressure” on elected officials and remind them to support the initiatives that help Jewish education with consistent and persistent lobbying until the budget is passed.
Different Jewish communities around the world prepare fresh, intensely flavorful recipes on Passover. Try some of these traditional dishes to spice up your own meals this Passover!
IMDB’s (Internet Movie Data Base) plot summary for the film Aftermath is just one sentence: A Polish man who returns home after the death of his father unearths a secret about the now-deceased Jewish residents of his village. From that brief description, one would never guess that the movie is a tense, must-see, gripping thriller based on true events.
What does refusnik mean? It was an unofficial term for individuals, typically—but not exclusively—Soviet Jews, who were denied permission to leave the country. Over time, it has entered colloquial English meaning a person who refuses to do something, especially by way of protest.
In today’s world desires are met almost immediately. We all enjoy having instant answers from the Internet, skipping commercials, and next-day shipping, but we should know that in this climate of speedy satisfaction, it’s much harder to strengthen that part of the brain that controls one’s impulses. The reason it is important to have well developed impulse control is because there are links between this ability and success, as well as the reverse: studies show a connection between poor impulse control and addiction. Without giving up the convenience of a more efficient lifestyle, there are ways to develop one’s impulse control.
Judaism is a system for living that is built on obligations as opposed to rights. This is especially true with respect to the Jewish approach to marriage. Obligations foster responsibility and giving. Rights foster a sense of entitlement which can lead to irresponsibility. In Judaism, one is not entitled to anything. Everything good we have is a gift.
Books in hand, students walked briskly, with their parents not far behind, to begin fun, yet intense, discussions at the 3rd and 4th Grade Parent/Child Book Clubs. These evenings, geared towards fostering and encouraging a child’s love of reading, were brought to fruition by PKRE (Parents and Kids Reading for Enjoyment).
When we see a beautiful girl, many of us say “she’s so pretty; she doesn’t need makeup.” I disagree. The most beautiful woman in the world can still be enhanced with a little blush and mascara. When you think about it, even the models that are on the covers of the most famous beauty magazines not only have a full face of makeup, but their pictures are always touched up and air brushed. We have an obsession with looking natural and natural is good, however there are tricks to use, so you can look like the girl next door, while still wearing cosmetics.
Dear Body,
I love and respect you, but I don’t want my life to revolve around you. You’ve been with me for as long as I can remember. When I was little I remember how much I loved to swing with you towards the sky and run with you across the baseball field at school. You carried me down ski slopes and to the depths of the lake in the summer. You miraculously held my children and brought them into the world. You have quietly borne the pain of my pre-dawn spinning classes and insane runs through snow.
Sibling rivalry is one of the toughest challenges of parenting. Even my attorney friends don’t feel equipped to mediate the conflicts that arise over who gets to press the button in the elevator, or what to do when the juice in their children’s cups are not exactly even.
Years ago, a devoted group of men from our community saw our desperate need for a school. Not just any school, but a yeshivah that would instill in our youth the right education, engrave in our girls the mesorah (heritage)of our people, and teach them the ways of the Torah. Their dream became reality.
An unforgettable saga, “The Debt of Tamar” spans generations, exploring the themes of love, loss, family and faith. From 16th century Portugal to modern-day Manhattan, it begs the question, how do we embrace not only the legacy of our forefathers, but also, the power within ourselves to forge ahead with our own destinies?
Fish Oil and BedsoresAnyone who has ever had a bedsore knows that they are very uncomfortable. Worse, they also pose life-threatening dangers. Now there’s good news for those confined to their bed. An Israeli research team recently announced that common fish oil helps heal pressure sores and may also alleviate pain.
