Monday, December 29, 2008

Pass Along


Read this letter to the editor on YWN, and had to re-post it here. It is short, to the point and so true.
Dear U.N., E.U. and all other Anti-Semitic organizations out there.

Speaking for Israel and Jews all over, I would like to express my sincerest apologies. It appears to me that we have upset you, for we had the audacity to defend ourselves against the Arab murderers who are only trying to do what you want them to do, namely kill us all.

Now I know this must be hard to accept, I mean for years now your organizations have been working tirelessly around the clock to attain world peace. By world peace I of course mean a world without an Israel in it. I’m sure it kills you every year when you receive a new globe for your desk with all the new countries, and you still see a tiny Israel there. How dare we continue to exist? When the world clearly does not want us around!

I can bring you proof of that fact by listing thousands of incidents throughout history in which the Jews were killed mercilessly for no reason other then being Jewish. But I won’t since that is too much to type - instead I’ll bring you the past few months.

For the past few months, day after day, rockets continuously land in Jewish towns; on schools, nurseries, prayer halls and many other such military locations. Yet for some reason the U.N., E.U. or any other international committee haven’t even had a thought about mentioning the rockets, forget about condemning them.

But lo and behold when after the Jewish Sabbath I look online for the news and what do I see? Israel had the Chutzpa to defend itself. How dare we? Who are we, as a country to even think about it? To try and stop a peaceful people living in Gaza, (which by the way in an election, practically unanimously voted in a terrorist organization in as government) from their lifelong dream of driving my people into the sea? How dare we?

Thankfully, you in the U.N., E.U., BBC. CNN, and all other Anti-Semitic organizations out there, didn’t let us down. Why in a matter of minutes you were out and condemning Israels aggression and unprovoked attack against innocent Palestinians. Your responses were amazing and expected, considering your well-known rabid hatred for Jews. Immediately condemning us, and demanding that we stop immediately, and yet you somehow forgot that just last week in one day over a hundred rockets landed in Israel.

The fact that your average Jew living in Israel has friends who have no parents, buried siblings, are missing limbs, or traumatized for life due to the peaceful Arabs, you couldn’t care less about that. But the second we fight back, a nation which is well known for letting others kill us while we give them the money and weapons which with to do so, you world out there go crazy and condemn us to the hottest fires hell has to offer.

Well in that case, what I have to say to all you Jew hatters out there is “TOUGH LUCK”. Because for the first time in many years I am actually proud of Israel and what they are doing, and to them I say, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BECAUSE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

Submitted to YWN via email by Levi K.

YWN Original Post

Monday, December 15, 2008

Wow, just wow

Read this story online, and had to share because it is just so bizarre. It really points out there are deeper problems in the world than just the economy.

Holland Township, NJ - Shop Rite Refuses Customer Request To Make A Birthday Cake With The Name "Adolf Hitler" On It

So at this point you are probably thinking this is just a joke...nope it is the real deal.

Holland Township family angry that supermarket won't personalize cake for their son.

Think that is bad? Now read the whole story, and really be disgusted.

Would love to hear some comments on this from you.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Devotion & Passion


This week's parsha is a continuation of the life of Abraham. Telling of his complete and total devotion to the Jewish people. In my own life and community this example is one of great significance, particularly now.

In our lives we have to be passionate about something. We have to have a devotion to something. Whether is be our family, job or community, or all the above. What is life without feeling so strongly about one of them that we would fight for it?

We are not here simply to have external pleasures and creature comforts, and call those things our life. If all those things are gone what do you have? There has to be a fire within to give us life. To what do you feel devoted and passionate about?

Without that we are just going through the motions, and not living to your life's potential. Good Shabbos!

This week's parsha is Chayei Sara.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

B"H

Not been posting lately because I've had so much on my mind, but nothing I can really put into words easily.

I'm troubled by the situations in my community, the fact my son is in Afghanistan, and now troubled with the next 4 years in the U.S. government.

Busy with teaching, contracts, fundraising, family and everything in between. Even joined two new swaps to try to find time for me. I

Be well, everyone.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Shabbos In The Sukkah!

This week is parsha Chol HaMoed Sukkos.

We will be having Shabbos dinner in our Sukkah, and it is perfect weather for the evening. Love fall and winter!

The last few weeks have been chock full of yom tovim, and Shabbos always comes when you need a break most.

Good shabbos, and yom tov.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

I gotta say...

Here I am breaking one of my own rules, but I feel compelled to say something.

One of my big rules is discussing politics. It is something that people should never discuss with each other unless they are in complete agreement.

Like during football season my husband and I cannot watch it together. He is from Texas, and therefore a devout Dallas Cowboy fan. Me on the other hand am a Washington Redskin fan because of being in Virginia. See the problem? Luckily, my husband and I see eye to eye on politics.

This years presidential election is one that is a real bone of contention with most people. Tonight though I read and saw something on WorldNetDaily.com that completely, and totally terrifies me.

ELECTION 2008
Farrakhan on Obama: 'The Messiah is absolutely speaking'
'Barack has captured the youth,' will bring about 'universal change'
There is a complete article, but the video posted with it is the cherry on top of my nightmare. Whether you are an Obama supporter or not, you have to see how frightening this is.

Louis Farrakhan is a hate monger who incites racial, and religious discourse. In particular he has a dislike for the Jews. Barack Obama has affiliations with 2 people who dislike Jews and whites. Louis Farrakhan and Reverend Wright. We won't even go into William Ayres right now.

With some of the things being revealed about the friends of Barak Obama it seems to me there are too many unknowns about this man to have him elected. Especially being Jewish and white.

Are you scared? I seriously am, and had to say.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Excercise in Futility


This weeks' portion is a song, a poem that Moses teaches to the Jewish people. It retells the story of the 40 years in the desert, and all its trials and tribulations. Part of the lesson was learning the futility of rebelling against Hashem.

The portion then ends with Moshe being told to ascend Mount Nevo to see the Promised Land before he dies, and is gathered to his people.

Learning that all things are in the hands of the Almighty is one of the most difficult lessons in life to learn. For everyone. But I will tell you this...life is a LOT less stressful when you realize Hashem is indeed in control. In fact I would say I have gotten less gray hair in the last few years figuring that out.

Good Shabbos!

This weeks' parsha is Ha'azinu.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

October is...

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Anyone who has read here in the past most likely knows I am passionate about informing people about breast cancer awareness.


Some background, and some facts
:

This year in America, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at the rate of 1 every 3 minutes, and 43,300 will die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. However, this is not only a disease that affects women. In the U.S. a1one 600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 400 will die this year. If breast cancer is detected early, the five year survival rate exceeds 95%. Self breast exams and mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.

What does all of this mean? It means for myself and many others breast cancer either is already or will become personal, this year. For me it has started already with the loss of my Mother on April 1, 2005, as well as my maternal Grandmother June 20, 2003. The reality for me also means that my sister's and myself have an increased risk of breast cancer 5 fold that of the average person due to our family history, being of Ashkenazic decent and just the fact we are women.

So I wanted to pass along some great links for information.
Help Give Free Mammograms by clicking
Get BC Facts
ACS Informs
How to do a self breast exam

For more information just do a search. I don't link to specific fundraising sites because that could take to infinity, and beyond. However, giving is always needed for researching a cure. So find an organization that you believe in, and donate.

Lastly, please schedule your mammograms.

Friday, October 3, 2008

So Close You Can See It

How many times in your life have you worked so hard for something to have it come within your reach, and miss it by seconds? The feelings you have for all your work, time and effort only to miss the brass ring.

So imagine someone who has made a 40 year effort toward a goal, only to be told that you will not be able to have the one thing you yearn for. This is what happened to Moses.

It's the 7th day of Adar, 2488, the last day of Moshe's life. Exactly 120 years earlier the world was graced with the birth of a child who brought redemption to his people and the light of Torah to the world. He became a prophet of unparalleled greatness who led his nation through a miraculous 40 year journey to the edge of the promised land.
And we think we have it tough. We live in a world where everything is easy, and instantaneous. Moshe waited all his life to enter Jerusalem, only to learn he would die before setting foot in the Promised Land. Yet still, he continued to do the work of Hashem, and prepare the Jewish people for what lay ahead.

Today we are not strong enough to stand on our own. We need agencies, government, talking heads, newspapers, etc. to tell us what to do, where to go, what to think, how to live. Still we claim we are standing on our own. We're independent modern society of people who make our own choices. Yeah, right.

Our world would be so much better off if we lived by the example Moshe set.
  • Don't be selfish
  • Think of others before yourself
  • Trust and love G-d
  • Do what is right
  • Have a love of self from knowing who you are, and where you are going.
This week is Shabbos Shuva, and the Parsha is Vayeilech.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Last Shabbos of the Year

Wow, that sounds weird doesn't it? Hard to believe we are at the new year again.

Becoming a frum Jew is not a choice anyone should take lightly. It is not easy, or popular. However, it is a journey I would do all over again, and again.

The other day I said something that I've never said in my life. I love my life. Sounds simple, but at no time have I been able to say that before wholeheartedly.

Don't get me wrong I liked my life, and can even say how truly fortunate I have been. But to be able to say that every aspect of my life I love, is an amazing feeling! It is all due to being ba'al teshuva. Baruch Hashem!

A good Shabbos, and a very sweet year in 5769.

This weeks parsha is Netzovim.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Had to Share! CLOWN Humor!

In the morning I peruse many news sites to get caught up on everything. I go to the Jewish news sites, the local paper for obituaries, and then I get all the national/international news.

This morning among all the doom, gloom and state of affairs I go the biggest laugh. So I had to share it cause I know everyone will understand.





So check it out:
Naked Clown Calendar

Bozo in the buff — all year long!

Seeking to raise money for MS research, 16 graduates from the Clown Conservatory have unveiled its 2009 naked clown calendar, which features the jolly jokesters posing in nothing but their birthday suits.
LOL!!! Please tell me who does not get the joke here!?

Naked calendars in general are not in my line of thinking, and would have been skimmed over but clowns??? Most people find clowns creepy, scary and bring back bad childhood memories! After I laughed for a good two minutes I did read on to find they are shedding the clown shoes for a good cause.

The proceeds from the calendar benefit the Judy Finelli Fund, which supports research and advocacy for cures and treatment of MS.
Now personally I would not buy the calendar cause that would be beyond creepy. Even verging on a little twisted, but hey it is for a good cause. So I'll link you in case you want some nude clowns on your wall. LOL!!!!!
The Naked Clown Calendar for MS Research

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Beautiful Things

Anyone who reads here knows I have Turrets of art, and craft work. I love it ALL!!!

Over on Flickr I have the pleasure of seeing so many beautiful things from people I've come to know through their work. Such talent you would not believe. So I wanted to post a sampling of the treasures I see, and in no particular order.

Beauty in glass, Polymer clay and tile:


Beauty in fabric, thread and needles:



Seeing all the amazing things people create and the talent they posses, is like having a museum of my very own everyday. I love creative souls!

Good Shabbos, and this week's parsha Ki Savo.

Friday, September 12, 2008

How Can You Spot the Gefilte Fish in the Ocean?

He's the one with the carrot stuck to him...

If you have never had gefilte fish let me give you a few words of wisdom.
  • Don't eat the kind in the jar with the "gel". It is not worth the effort to open the jar.
  • Do eat it like any other kind of fish. Because that's what it is, fish. So use your lemon juice, tartar sauce or even cocktail sauce.
  • If you're not Jewish chances are you won't like gefilte fish. I think it is in our DNA that we automatically like it.
There is a platter I made for my Shabbos gefilte fish, and it always makes me smile.

The idea comes from the wonderfully fun book Judaikitsch: Tchotchkes, Schmattes and Nosherei, and was done at one of those paint your own pottery places. Totally fun!

Of course the lettering is a goof on the Latin name for the gefilte fish, but something about the paos and kippah crack me up. I'm easily amused.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Shabbos!

This week's parsha is Ki Setze.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

7 Years Ago Today

Please, don't forget why my son and thousands of other men, and women are serving our country in the various branches of the military.
Freedom is our national treasure, and we do have to protect it.

G-d bless America.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

I Break Stuff to Make Stuff

Who did that song, "Break up to make up, that's all we do"? That is similar to me and my mosaics. Yeah, I break things so I can simply put them back together again. Silly huh?

Mosaics were first introduced to me on the internet when I was searching for some crafting/art inspiration. The mosaic I came across was a incredible looking, and had such symmetry. Which being the anal perfectionist that I am it appealed to me right away. And no, I do not recall the mosaic. Figures huh?

Now some 2 years later this month I still love seeing, and playing with pieces of pottery, china, glass and other bits. It is like doing a jigsaw puzzle, but there is no box top picture to refer to for answers.

Today I wanted to post a few of my mosaic pieces, and in no particular order here they are.


Blue Flowers ( real creative on the name thing aren't I?), was a swap gift. This was one of my favorites, and it was hard to ship it off.

Shul Cart (there's that name thing again), was a collaboration between me and my dad. He built the cart, and I mosaiced the top. It was very rewarding on many levels.

Flow was my first glass on glass mosaic. It was created for my living room window. I went on to create two lamps for the same room in the same type of design, and colors.

The Sun and Moon mirrors were created for our bedroom. The celestial bodies have many connotations for us personally, and I love looking at them everyday.

So there you have a few of my mosaics. Creating them is something I love so much, but have so little time for lately. But I really have to work on that name thing...

Friday, September 5, 2008

Shabbos with Hurricane Hanna

This Shabbos should prove to be a rather wet, and nasty one weather wise. Hurricane Hanna is due to arrive in time for some cholent for lunch on Saturday. Although just now she is a measly tropical storm.

Hurricanes are never welcome particularly to those of us on the east coast, but when they are coming for Shabbos it presents a whole new set of things to add to your before Shabbos starts "To Do List". But it is funny we always seem to take it in stride, and even make jokes about it.

Rain gear for walking to and from Shul.
Have towels at the ready for drying off ourselves, and guests.
Plan on a hat or snood instead of the shietal.

and the list goes on...

Since I'm not a fan of the unexpected guest, sure is nice to know Hanna is coming. So the cholent pot is on, and no matter the weather Shabbos day will still be beautiful as well as welcome.

This week's parsha is Shoftim.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Play Me a Melody

After several weeks of doing nothing creative, I finally finished the mosaic guitar I had started the first of July. It was all done except for the grout, but sat in the bat cave waiting for two weeks.

Grout color is always the most difficult choice for me to make. So I made up my mind I was going to finish it and move on, and try to find my creative energy again. This is the outcome.


The materials used were sheet music, crash/tempered glass, MAC glue, acrylic paint, grout, mirror, Lucite, stained glass and dye. All in all I am pleased with the piece, in particular the technical side of the work, just not sure what to do with it now. Ideas?

This piece made me take a step back and realize I need to take a break form mosaics. Although I love doing them I'm just not sure I am as good at them as I would like. Being a perfectionist that is a hard one. Do I sound whiny? Cause now I'm annoying myself...

On a different note it is Erev Shabbos! And of course I am in the process of getting everything done. So I gotta jet back to work.

This week's parsha is Re'eh.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Please Meet Gilad Shalit

On Thursday, Gilad Shalit’s family will mark his third birthday (he will be be 22), while he is being held in Hamas captivity. Among those expected to take part in the family event are the parents of Eldad Regev HY”D and Ehud Goldwasser HY”D, whose bodies were recently released by Hizbullah in a prisoner exchange deal.

This young man graduated with distinction from Manor Kabri High School. Gilad began military service in the Israel Defense Forces in July 2005, and “despite a low medical profile, he preferred to serve in a combat unit, following his elder brother Yoel into the armored corps.

Gilad was captured early on Sunday morning, 25 June 2006, by Palestinians who attacked an Israeli army post on the Israeli side of the southern Gaza Strip border after having crossed through an underground tunnel near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Gilad had an injury to his left shoulder, and hand from an RPG that hit his personnel carrier. He was 19 at the time.


There have been rescue attempts, but to no avail. There have been letters sent to the Shalit family, that have been confirmed to be his handwritting. Even as recent as June of this year.

In July 2008 a prisoner exchange was made with Hamas for the return of Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser. The Hamas prisoners were returned from Israel alive, but Eldad and Ehud were not.


On this Thursday please think of Gilad, and pray for his safe return. Soon.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Applesauce

Due to a combination of not having much spare time, nor the inclination I've not been creating anything for about two weeks. So cooking in preparation for Shabbos was about as close as I've come to being creative.

My Dad loves applesauce. There can be 20 different things on the Shabbos table, but one of those better be my homemade applesauce or the meal will not be complete for him.

In my effort to keep it from becoming boring I've got about three to four recipe versions of applesauce to rotate through. Some with raisins, some with cranberry, some with nuts, some with pears.

This weeks recipe is made from 5 Granny Smith apples, 1/4 cup turbinado sugar, dash of fresh nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 cup of plump raisins and about 2 T. of water. Cook in a sauce pan till apples are just starting to get soft. We like ours chunky. ~: )

Now people who come here for a meal know there will be some form of applesauce on our table. The kids always love it, and it is sometimes the only thing the picky eaters will have.

This week's parsha is Eikev.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Deep Breath, and a Sigh of Relief

This week has been a very difficult one for our community as a whole, and for almost every individual. This particular event has the potential to devastate whole families, and indeed affect our community negatively.

At times like this when you become even more thankful for your faith, and come to realize indeed how much Hashem is in control. Well, now comes the time to take that breath breath the sigh of relief, and relax for Shabbos.

Tonight I have 15 guests for Shabbos dinner, and tomorrow 10 for lunch. Baruch Hashem it shall be full of D'var Torah, davening, good company and zemiros.

This week's parsha is Vaeschanan.

Good Shabbos.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Social Faux Pas - Got TP on your shoe

Embarrassing moments in public. We've all had them at one time or another. Those times when you wish a giant hole would swallow you up to save you from the embarrassment. These are the moments when you are shocked and horrified at what a goober you have made of yourself in public. First you look around real quick to see if anyone saw you ,then try to carry on as though nothing has happened.

Turn it around when you are witness instead of subject, and this can make for some side splitting amusement. There are those surprise faux pas that you rarely see, but then there are the ones most everyone has seen.

Here are some classics:

1) Your at a nice restaurant having a great dinner. There is an attractive woman who makes her way across the room to the restroom. This is the woman that everyone notices, and she knows she looks great, too. As she emerges from the restroom to make her elegant walk back to her table you notice the trail following her. As you look down you realize she has TP stuck to her $545.00 Manolo Blahnik shoe. Instantly you giggle, and have to point this social faux pas out to all at your table.

2)
Your at work, and one of your male co-workers comes into your office. As you discuss some work related issue you happen to notice that his fly is unzipped. You try to keep your eyes away from that general region so when he does realize his social faux pas he does not know that you knew. What's worse is you see him make his way back to his desk, and stops to speak to a few other men in the office. Not one tells homeslice that his fly is open. Why is that? So sometime later this poor guy finds his fly open, and thinks back to when he last unzipped. Only to come to the conclusion that is was hours ago, and everyone has seen it and never mentioned it to him.

3) Another classic would be when you see the car going down the road with the dress or coat shut in the door. On most occasions this is when the weather is really bad and the object of clothing is most likely ruined when they get to their final destination.

4)
And who has not seen the poor unsuspecting woman come out of the bathroom with her skirt tucked neatly into her pantyhose. What a nice shot that is from behind.

Social faux pas are life's way of letting us know that we not only should laugh at ourselves, but others as well. For if we take ourselves or life too serious that is when the faux pas will befall you.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Life Lesson

Over the last couple of months I've learned a hard lesson.

When becoming frum I expected to be able to leave certain types of people behind. One of those would be not to have to deal with people within my community who don't live a Torah observant life. Unfortunately I've found that to not be true.

Somehow it seems fitting that with Tisha B'Av being Sunday that I should be experiencing a deep sadness for my realization. So in learning this I shall feel the sadness on Sunday, as well as the disappointment. As with anything such as this you have to learn from it, and take that forward.

However, today is erev Shabbos, and I'm in my usual flurry of activity in preparation for the most beautiful day of the week. Then when Shabbos is over and our fast begins along, with the mourning of the destruction of the Temples, I will also mourn the loss of finding that people are people no matter where you go.

This week's parsha is Devarim.

Good Shabbos to everyone, as well as a good and meaningful fast.

Monday, August 4, 2008

What is Art?


If you know what the picture is, thank an art teacher.

The girls high school asked me to teach art this year...OY VEY!

So this is taking a lot of recall on my part since I've not been in art school for years! Kind of scary actually.

I'm trying to work out my curriculum, and supplies list to turn into the board. It is a lot tougher than I originally had thought it would be.

The hardest part for me right now is the lesson plans. Trying to create them without having more crafting, than art. I really find myself trying to discern more which is which, and really who decides what is art and what is craft? I'm soooo confused!

Embarking on teaching art (thank goodness it is only 1 day per week), to teenage girls will be not only a challenge, but an extreme joy. I'm looking forward to this probably more than they.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Gearing Up!


Thursday is always my day to begin cooking for Shabbos. I love this time.

There is something so very special about preparing my home for guests to come and share meals, zemiros and Torah. Sharing their Shabbos time with our family is a gift.

So today I shop, bake, cook, clean, etc. and love every moment. This week's parsha is Masei.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Mammogram Time! Yeah!

Today was my every 6 month mammogram check. I wanted to share some methods I use to prepare for my mammograms. Then you can try them, too!

Exercise#1: Visit your garage at 3:00 a.m. when the temperature of the cement floor is just about 25 - 30 degrees. Take off all your warm clothes and lay comfortably on the floor with one breast under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Turn over and repeat for the other breast.

Exercise #2: Place in the freezer two metal bookends overnight. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends against either side of your one breast. Smash the bookends together as hard as you can. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do it again.

Exercise #3: Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast between the door and the main box. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut as hard as possible and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds (while you hold your breath). Repeat again in case the first time wasn't effective enough.

Seriously ladies.
  • If you're over 39 you should be having yearly mammograms.
  • Every woman should be doing self breast exams, monthly.
  • Know the risk factors, and see how many of them you can include or exclude yourself from. Keep your doctor informed of any of these risk factors you do fall under.
  • If digital mammograms are available in your area get one. They cost no more than the regular imaging, are covered by insurances also and detect much smaller, much sooner.
This is very important for all women.

Also click here if you want to give free mammograms to women who would not get them otherwise:

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Hello, Is this seat taken?

My father is 76, and was diagnosed with PD in 1999. It is my belief though that he had symptoms for about 5 years prior.

My Dad has always been a health nut. He did advanced aerobics for 15 years. Windsurfed, rode and showed Tennessee Walking horses. Ate well and overall took good care of himself. So when he was diagnosed it was such a shock for everyone.

Here we are almost 10 years later, and he is doing reasonably well. Better than most people his age without PD, in part to the fact he did take care of himself. Even now he still goes to the gym 2 - 3 times per week, using the treadmill and doing weight training.

Over the last few years he even took up doing woodworking. Making things with his hands for others. His big (size 13 ring), beautiful, gentleman and father hands.

Now though, there has been more change in him over the last year than before. In part I blame his age to this much change in the brief time span. Most people don't even notice the changes, but since I see him all the time I see them. And it makes me sad.

To me PD is one of those people who comes into a restaurant alone that is not so crowded. However, for whatever reason does not want to sit alone. So PD decides to sit with someone else, and taps you on the shoulder when you least expect it. "Excuse me, is this seat taken?"