Mosaic Manifesto

Best of 2009? Me? Really?

2010-01-12T19:08:00.001-05:00

Yes! :)

Two of my projects posted on Craftster were voted best of 2009!

I'm a Craftster Best of 2009 Winner!

Conquer Those Fears

2010-01-11T19:03:00.003-05:00

No matter who you are, we all have fears. Last week I decided to beat one of my fears. Now, this was not anything major, but simply a fear of failure.

My fear of failure was in trying to make something, and having it be a complete bust. Now mind you I am no stranger to making and failing, so this was not a baseless fear.

So what was this thing I was afraid of failing at? Making Bobka. You can stop laughing now.

Seriously I've wanted to make bobka, but was afraid it would be a a huge cooking fail. Well, low and behold it was a success!

The recipe made four loaves, and they are all gone!

Lesson learned: Go slay those dragons! ~: )

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T13:58:00.003-05:00

Hope you all have a safe and thankful day.

New completed project from me, too.

The Coke Went

2009-11-22T23:31:00.002-05:00

This is a fun game to take photographs of a coke can when I go places. It reminds me to take my camera, and to actually use it!
Here is the first:

The Coke went to the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington DC.

Mammograms

2009-11-18T21:47:00.003-05:00

As most people know yesterday new recommendations concerning mammograms have been released by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-appointed, independent panel of medical professionals whose recommendations inform decisions by health professionals and insurers.

This panel recommended that all American women without a family history of breast cancer receive a mammogram every two years between the ages of 50 and 74. The report does not recommend routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. Also the report recommends doctors stop advising women to do self-breast exams.

First, please consult your doctor before making changes based on this report, and second know the facts.

The Mayo Clinic and the American Cancer Society continue to recommend screenings for women 40 years of age and older. "Mayo Clinic will continue to evaluate new data on mammography and breast cancer detection as information is made available. But at this time...Mayo Clinic physicians feel it is in the best interests of their patients to offer routine screening mammography."

Women need to protect themselves, and unfortunately this government group has made a wrong call.

Life's Been Busy

2009-11-15T07:37:00.004-05:00

B"H
No posts from me in quite sometime.It's a wonder anyone even checks here anymore! Well, just to get me on track here are a few items I've made during my break from posting.

Some Aprons for friends:

These are fun to make, and the original idea came from my Grandmother z'l.

A mosaic scale I was commissioned to create:

A friend saw the scale I made for my bathroom and asked me to create one for her daughter in law. Her daughter in law has been battling an eating disorder for 10 years, so this was a special project for me. Even the bottom is mosaiced.

And a necklace I made for me! Love turquoise.

Welcome back to you, and me. Hope to post about 1 - 2 per week.

August = It's Mammogram time

2009-08-26T08:14:00.001-04:00

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:

Inspirations

2009-07-13T12:34:00.006-04:00

When in a creative rut I look to the people whose art I admire. They inspire me and push me to try do better/more. There are soooo many, but here are just a few I picked at random:

This is NT Candy one of the fabulous mosaic artists on Flickr.

Another one of the people who inspire me:

Carol Shelkin, who also did the amazing mosaic portrait of my Mother for me.

Suzanne Steeves, Lynne - AKA Siriusmosaics , Karen Sasine , Irit Levy and last for the list today Crystal Thomas.

These are just a few of the people who do mosaics, and I can only dream of being in their league. But I love watching their projects! Hope you do, too!

Family Masks

2009-06-10T07:36:00.003-04:00

The female members of my family have a tradition of taking our picture with facial mask on, while on vacation. Yes, we are wacky! But we are a fun crew.

Now I cannot confirm the use of margaritas before these shots are taken. ~;)

Here are some sample family masks shots:

Here's to summer and family vacations! Be safe and have fun!

My Hero

2009-05-22T10:20:00.004-04:00

When you see this image of Spc. Zachery Boyd, 19 years old in his pink "I Love NY" boxers, and flip flops in a makeshift bunker what do you see?

When this image first appeared some reporters made fun of this young man. To me this soldier is my hero.

At 19 he is in another country fighting for our freedom, safety and rights. Spc. Boyd is awakened and has only seconds to get his gear, and head to the bunker to engage in a fire fight with Taliban militants. He grabs what he knows he needs: flack jacket, helmet and gun. For me that is what I would grab also. My last concern would be for how I am dressed.

Thank you Specialist Zachery Boyd from Fort Worth, Texas.Hoaah!!!!!!!

Hate or Fear, What's the difference?

2009-04-20T11:26:00.005-04:00

Anti-Semitism - noun: a person who discriminates against or is prejudiced or hostile toward Jews.

I've always been a believer in saying things like they are, and not mincing words. The definition above is just a nice way to say hate. Because isn't that what anti-Semitic behavior is after all?

Just read an article today on how Anti-Semitic hate crimes have risen sharply in the last 5 months, and most especially since Israel had Operation Cast Lead, to defend itself. This past Shabbos we experienced anti-semitism first hand in our community.

Racist and anti-Semitic stickers were placed on our Shul, other synagogues in our area and cars Friday night/Saturday morning sometime. Luckily some of the men from our community removed them before any of the children saw the on our shul.

Interesting how this act happened only a few days before the U.N. Racism Conference. Which has been boycotted by United States, Australia, Germany, Canada, Israel, Italy, Sweden, Poland and the Netherlands. There may be others, but this is the list I found. Note that England and France did NOT boycott. And they wonder why those countries are havens for terrorists.

The conference is a follow-up to the contentious 2001 conference in the South African city of Durban which was dominated by clashes over the Middle East and the legacy of slavery. The U.S. and Israel walked out midway through that eight-day meeting over a draft resolution that singled out Israel for criticism and likened Zionism the movement to establish and maintain a Jewish state, to racism.

Today at the conference Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was allowed to give a speech. To which U.N. diplomats walked out. Surprise! Why did they allow this person to speak? Then he said somethings that were racist, anti-Israel and anti-U.S., so some of them walked out. Why did they not see this coming is beyond me.

Some European diplomats immediately walked out of the room when Ahmadinejad said Israel was created on the "pretext of Jewish suffering" from World War II.

Ahmadinejad has always contended that the Holocaust did not happen. It is not really some revelation that he would speak about it again, given a world forum.

Another excerpt of Ahmadinejad's speech:

In a rambling speech, Ahmadinejad on Monday pointed the finger at the United States, Europe and Israel and said they were destabilizing the entire world.

So not only does he hate Israel and the Jews, but now everyone else is on his list of people to hate. Except I guess for North Korea, who is helping him in his quest for nukes.

After all of this the glaring question is why? Why has this man been allowed to get where he is? Why do we tolerate him testing and building nuclear weapons? Why does our President even suggest the idea of having "talks" with him? Why is he given the platform at a multi-nation conference to say the very things we knew he would? Why?

In this time why do people still hate? What are they afraid of? Is there really a difference in the two? Given the condition of our world don't we as a people have more constructive things to do with our time than to waste it on something so non-productive.

You know what is even less productive than hating, is expecting a different result. We all know people who are that consumed with hate never get passed it. It consumes them like a fire burning a piece of paper. Nothing else matters to them, and nothing will stand in the way of accomplishing the goal of removing the object of their discontent. Nothing.

Great Video

2009-04-13T18:42:00.006-04:00

This is from Aish.com, and it is a must see. So right for our times!

5 Ways to Misery

Birkat haChamah 5769, B'nai Israel Congregation

2009-04-08T08:29:00.002-04:00

It's Not Just About Matzo

2009-04-06T08:51:00.004-04:00

As I get down to the very last preparations (YEAH!!!) in my home for Passover, many things come to mind about this time of year. This year in particular has a special event added to the calendar.

The sun rose for the very first time on Wednesday, the fourth day of creation. This Wednesday we will be witnessing the sunrise just as it appeared on that very first Wednesday of creation. In the Jewish calendar this occurs only once every twenty-eight years. The last time that the vernal equinox occurred on a Wednesday was in 1981; the next occurrence will not take place until 2037. This even is called Birkat haChammah.

Birkat haChammah is indeed a rare event—an event that recurs only every twenty-eight years. Even rarer is the occurrence of Birkat haChammah on the fourteenth day of Nisan, erev Pesach, as will be the case this Wednesday. On the morning of the Vernal equinox Jews around the world will make a special blessing, thanking Hashem for creating the sun.

This convergence of the renewal of the sun’s creation (the vernal equinox) and the maturing of the Jewish people (Pesach) is particularly rare. It last occurred in 1925 and the time before that was way back in 1309 (in medieval times). We have over 500 years to wait until 2541 – the next time that a Wednesday Vernal Equinox occurs on the day before Pesach.

We learn that when the sun and moon were first created they were equal in size and importance. The moon complained: "How can two kings rule at the same time." The sun listened to the moon’s complaint but did not say a word. Hashem rewarded the Sun for being satisfied with the job it had been given and made it superior to the moon. As we know now the light of the moon is now nothing but a reflection of the sun.

So many things to learn and contemplate this time of year. Everything is renewing itself, and reminding us of the blessings given to us. Just for a moment think about how incredible it all is, and your heart will almost burst.

Happy Pesach to everyone!

Freedom Tower Name Changed

2009-03-27T12:15:00.004-04:00

The further away our country gets away from 9/11 the less I recognize it.

The Port Authority, the agency that owns the building at Ground Zero, said Thursday that the signature skyscraper replacing the Twin Towers destroyed on Sept. 11, 2001, will be more commonly known as One World Trade Center.

The reason for the name swapping? One World Trade Center is more marketable, said Steve Sigmund, a spokesman for the Port Authority.

The 102-story building, under construction at the 16-acre site, was named the Freedom Tower in the first Ground Zero master plan. At the time, officials said the tallest, most symbolic of five planned towers at the site would demonstrate the nation's triumph over terrorism.

This week the "war on terror" was changed to some PC term. So now marketing is more important than 3,000 people who died? What is going on with America/Americans? When did we stop caring? Our country is in the proverbial hand basket.

What happened to the nation that flew their American flags? Who stopped to help one another? Who cared if we had troops in other countries fighting the war so we could remain free, and safe? Where are those people!?

More and more I am literally afraid for our country, people and future. If you also are feeling this way I encourage you to check out:The 912 Project. Join if you want, but at least read some of the things other people are doing, and saying.

May G-d help us, and good Shabbos.

Spring = Flour

2009-03-18T15:35:00.008-04:00

Yes, you read that right. Flour.

Getting ready for Pesach (Passover) we have to use up all our flour/chometz. Today I made extra challah in an effort to get a jump on my Pesach preparations and use up my flour.

This post has a second purpose, too. A ringing endorsement of a flour brand. King Arthur Flour. In this time when companies are struggling I wanted to do my part to say what a great product I've found.

This flour is such a quality product and comes from a company that clearly cares what they are putting out into the stores, it is so worth the time to let others (or at least the one person who may read this post), know.

Making challah (bread) is a huge part of my baking every week. With this flour I've found a significant difference in the results achieved. Using the same recipe I've used for a very long time, the challah comes out so much lighter and better tasting, even my guests have noticed.

The proof is in the pictures:

Yummy!!!

Memories

2009-03-16T22:39:00.004-04:00

Today is the 3rd anniversary (yahrzeit) of my Mother's passing. She was beautiful, smart and so very talented! Such an amazing person in so many ways.

Here are a couple of pictures of her that I wanted to share.

Yes, that is one of the pet skunks she had on the leash. Showed this to someone recently, and they got such a kick out of it. My Mom was a unique person.

Post From: For Zion's Sake

2009-03-15T22:07:00.001-04:00

The Vanishing Diaspora Jew
Since the destruction of the Second Temple until very recently, the masses of the Jewish people did not dwell in the Land of Israel. For 2000 years. the majority of Jews dwelled in the Diaspora, among non-Jews. Jews were dispersed in far flung places such as Poland, Morocco, Iran, Ethiopia and even China. They spoke different languages, like Yiddish, Ladino or the local tongue, and differed very much in customs, cuisine and clothing from other Jews in other exiles. Yet, despite intense persecution, massacres, pogroms, suffering and poverty, the Jewish nation survived intact, the many generation since Sinai until the today. Through the force of their dedication and commitment to Judaism, they were able to withstand the most brutal and horrible of circumstances.

Generally, the second or third generation of immigrants assimilates quite fully into the host culture. The only reminder of their origins may be the occasional family cultural celebration, a grandparent with a heavy accent or maybe a trip back to their home country. It is incredible that Jews, dispersed and separated for 2000 years, did not assimilate but always maintained their own identity. Away from their land, with no country to go back to, Jews were able to survive.

Within the span of several generations, a new and frightening trend has emerged. All Jews, until a hundred or so years ago, were religiously observant, fully and wholly committed to Judaism. Because of this, Jews were able to survive the harsh Diaspora. However, today assimilation is taking a frightening toll on Jewish communities in the United States, Canada, Russia and Western Europe.

Consider the following statistics*:

Jewish identity is declining sharply.

Of 5.6 million Jews, 2 million American Jews live in households identified as non-Jewish

60% of Jews below 40 years of age live in households identified as non-Jewish

20% of Jews over 60 years of age live in households identified as non-Jewish

Intermarriage rates are increasing dramatically.

Before 1965, 10% of Jews who married, did so outside the faith.

Since 1985, 52% of Jews who married have done so outside the faith.

Children are being raised as non-Jews.

1 million, or 54% of all American Jewish children under the age of 18 are being raised as non-Jews or with no religion.

Fertility Rates are not high enough to replenish the religion.

The average fertility rate of American Jewish women is 1.4 children per household. The replacement level is 2.1 children.

Less emphasis is being placed on a Jewish education.

In 1962, 540,000 Jewish children were attending afternoon weekend schools, and 60,000 were enrolled in day schools. By 1990, fewer than 240,000 Jewish children attended afternoon /weekend schools and 140,000 attended day schools.

NET LOSS -- 220,000 Jewish children.

Traditional Shabbat observance is extremely low.

Only 36% of Jewish households light the Shabbat Candles.

Of the population that consists of people who were born Jewish and are Jewish by choice, only 11% attend synagogue weekly.

* All Statistics taken from Council of Jewish Federations' 1990 National Jewish Population Survey. This is the most comprehensive source of American Jewish data available

The Jewish population worldwide is sharply decreasing, ravaged by the scourges of intermarriage and assimilation. A census taken before Rosh HaShana 5769 found that the Jewish population worldwide increased by 70 000, only due to natural increase in Israel. A very shocking study found that within 3 generations, 97% of non-Orthodox Jewry in the United States will be extinct.

This is a tragedy of epic proportions. The nation that stood at Sinai and received G-d's Torah barely knows about Purim and Shavuot. The Chosen People eat cheeseburgers, not even knowing that they might be unkosher! Taught by the Jewish Establishment Organizers that "thou shalt melt", Jewish parents sent their kids to public schools, creating a generation of Jewish illiterates who know little more that Fiddler on the Roof, gefilte fish and a Yiddish expression or two. This is the most pressing threat facing the Jewish people today. The apathy of young Jews and their total disconnect and alienation from Judaism should frighten and worry every single Jews who is committed to the future of his people.

During Israel's recent operation in Gaza, Jewish leaders were extremely concerned over the alarming increase in anti-Israel around the world. Not to deny the seriousness of these anti-semitic attacks, the biggest danger threatening the Jewish today comes not from anti-semitism but from assimilation and intermarriage. There is a silent Holocaust going on in the Diaspora as young Jews marry outside of the faith, their Jewishness completely irrelevant to them, a mere accident of birth. Yet, the Jewish leaders are completely silent, doing nothing to try and reach out to our brothers and sisters who are slowly drowning in goyishkeit. If these current rates continue, the future does not bode well for Jewish continuity.

Raised in completely secular environments devoid of spirituality, young Jews look for meaning in other paths and belief systems. They travel to India and live in ashrams, or become Buddhists or Zen followers. These alienated Jews make easy prey for missionary groups like Jews for Jesus who thrive on Jewish illiteracy and ignorance. Most have only the faintest inklings of Jewish rituals, a quick show at "temple" on the high holidays, boring and irrelevant classes at Hebrew School, or a family seder. They have never been exposed to the incredible spirituality in Judaism and are often amazed when they discover that Judaism has a deep spiritual legacy. Intermarriage is only the last step in complete assimilation, finalizing the irrevocable break with the tradition and lineage that extends to Sinai and before, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. For generations of Jews, the question of "why be Jewish?" is unimportant. They were sent to public schools, encouraged to interfaith and integrate with non-Jews and now their own Jewish identities are nil.

To any Jew who is reading this article, I beg them please to seriously consider their own Judaism. Their ancestors gave their lives in order that they should live as Jews. Imagine their great-great grandfathers in the shtetls of Ukraine or the juderias of Spain, and how much it would pain them to know that they overcame pogroms and Inquisitions, Crusades and Auschwitz, only for their children to willingly give up their Judaism. Please, I beg you to return home, to your roots and to your people.

May HaShem merit that all of His children should come home very soon.

Where's Your Money?

2009-03-13T09:18:00.004-04:00

Normally I don't post things with any kind of questionable language, but today I make an exception.

Jon Stewart interviewed Jim Cramer the guy from CNBC's Fast money about his show, and comments he made about his part in the state of our Wall Street. Today Jon Stewart is my hero!

There are 3 parts to the interview, but so worth the watch!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Pt. 2

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Interview Outtake Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

When people on television get honest we all benefit from the real questions. Jon Stewart clearly is angry over this whole situation, and I applaud him for standing up to be counted.

Purim!

2009-03-11T08:27:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was Purim, and it was lots of fun!

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. Again, someone tried to kill off the Jews.

On Purim we have 3 major obligations we must fulfill.
1. Hear the Book of Esther 2 times. Once in the evening, and once in the morning.
2. Giving monetary donations (tzedukah) to the poor and needy.
3. Giving Mishloch Manos (gifts of food) to friends, family and community.

We also celebrate Purim by having a Purim Seuda, Purim feast is during the day of Purim. There's that theme again of 'They Tried to Kill Us,We Won,Let's Eat!'

And Purim is the one holiday or time of the year where Jews are commanded to drink. According to the Talmud, a person is required to drink until he cannot tell the difference between "cursed be Haman" and "blessed be Mordecai". Now this does not mean the person is supposed to become intoxicated to the point of not following commandments, but to relax and enjoy.

Some of the students from two of our schools came by to collect money donations. This is always one of my favorite parts!

They sing, or have a skit, rhyme, poem, etc. They have on costumes, and it is fun! Here are the groups we had this year.
Yeshivas Aish Kodesh

Bina Girls High School

Hope you had a freilichen Purim!

It's A Bris! Everybody...Whence

2009-02-23T09:53:00.004-05:00

Bris Milah is the covenant G-d established with the Jewish people. The words, bris milah, mean "Covenant of Circumcision". It is the sign attesting to the everlasting covenant that G-d established with Abraham (who was 99 years old when he circumcised himself!), and his descendants (Genesis 17). It was then reiterated through Moses 500 years later: "And on the 8th day he shall have his foreskin circumcised" (Leviticus 12:3).

The bris also is when the name of the baby boy is announced for the first time after the circumcision, and many brachas (blessings). The father gives his son a name that usually is from the Torah or Parsha for the week. This little angel is Neftali. Such a life renewing moment!

Though we all feel for the baby boy as he cries everyone in the room has a heart that is full. Full of the blessings for the child's life, his family and all Jews.

Watching the mother is particularly hard. Just 8 days past giving birth, she can only watch from the mechitza as her son cries. We all know she is not only feeling a strong pull to hold and comfort her infant, but such joy and closeness to Hashem that could only be understood by other mothers.

The whole process takes about 20 minutes. Most of which is spent by the congregants reading tehillim, and blessings for the baby and family, and the Mohel describing the process.

Then of course we eat. Jews and food just seem to go together! Seriously, it is a mitzvah to take part in a bris, and the seudah that follows.

Welcome Neftali Scwhartz!

Too Long

2009-02-18T12:33:00.003-05:00

Been far too long since I've been able to create something. Between fundraising, teaching, contracts, and having pneumonia there has just been no time.

Well, last night while in the basement doing laundry I peeked around the corner to my area where I mosaic. Suddenly I had to sit down and work on a project that has been sitting in the same spot for 3 months. Dang, it felt good!!!

This is not a very artistic creation, but one that I've had in mind to do. So about 32 months ago I gathered all the things to make it, and there it sat. Till now.

Here are a few images of the work/progress so far.

My goal is to finish this project by the end of next week. Not sure if I can do that with everything going on, but anytime I can steal is going into this.

Feels good to make something again.

History is Repeating

2009-01-29T08:56:00.004-05:00

When I first started this blog it was not my intent to post anything political. It was a place for me to share my artistic pursuits. However, I've come to the conclusion that if it is on my mind and in my heart, it is worth posting about. If for no other reason but to get it off my chest.

Does anyone remember Neville Chamberlain from your history lessons?

Neville Chamberlain was British Prime Minister from 1937 - 1940. He was best known for his appeasement foreign policy, and of course the Munich Agreement he sign with German Chancellor, Adolf Hitler, in 1938.

In this "agreement" that Chamberlain was so pleased for having gotten Herr Hitler's signature on, was supposed to make peace with a dictator who already had begun to put his plan into action. This whole process just bought Hitler time, and made him look legitimate. We all know how that turned out.

This morning I find that President Obama is, and has been since November, penning a letter to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. News of this literally made me cry. With Israel in the precarious position it is in, this is the last thing we need.

History is repeating itself, and no one seems to be in power who wants to stop it. Why? Can anyone please tell me why no one wants to stop this train wreck from happening?

Former Presidents Carter and Clinton tried to do the same thing with Iran. Each attempt was a failure. The developing foreign policies of the new President are not looking to supportive of Israel or Jews in general.

This also concerns me on another front. The U.S. military. My son needs a President who will give him the support he needs while he is defending our country. Currently in Afghanistan for the rest of his 15 month deployment, he should be assured his country is there for him. Not the man who is supporting terrorist worldwide, and building nuclear weapons. Even after being told by the U.N to stop!

Everything going on in the world now is headed in one direction, and personally I'm afraid for all of us.

Israel Tehillim List

2009-01-09T09:56:00.007-05:00

This is the most up to date list I can find for those soldiers who are wounded and missing. This list also includes civilians who have been wounded. If you have other names please post in comments to add to list.

Good Shabbos, and please say tehillim 83, 130 and 142.

Gilad ben Aviva Shalit - kidnapped Israeli soldier that Hamas claims was injured in air raids on Gaza;
Li'el Hoshea ben Miriam – critical (enoshot) head injuries;
Wahal Mijan – critical (enosh), has metal shards in his brain, has had 3 operations & doctors are battling to save his life;
Ben ben Netiva – critical (enosh) with head injuries & has had 1 hand amputated & doctors are battling to save his other hand;
Neriya ben Rivka – very serious head injury;
Noam ben Aliza - one leg amputated; doctors fighting to save the other;
Yosef Chaim ben Ziva – very seriously injured on the entire left side of his body- regained consciousness yesterday BH;
Dvir ben Laya - seriously injured in his legs;
Raphael ben Dina – very seriously injured;
Elishama Shalom ben Rivka Leah
Oren ben Chaya – seriously injured shoulder & hand – has had 1 finger amputated;
Ronen Chai ben Leah – seriously injured
Ron ben Havatzelet – seriously injured with shrapnel over all of his body;
Eitan ben Sarah – very serious leg injury;
Gal ben Hedva – seriously injured with shrapnel to his jaw & mouth;
Ran ben Merril – moderate shoulder injury;
Idan ben Nadi – moderate shrapnel injuries;
Yitzchak ben Navah - moderate shoulder injury;
Netanel ben Navah - moderate shrapnel wounds to a lower extremity;
Ohad ben Bracha – moderate facial injuries;
Maxim ben Olga - light lower leg injury, operation to remove shrapnel;
Yisrael ben Ilana - light shrapnel injury to an ear;
Yo'ad Ido ben Frieda Elka- light shrapnel injuries;
Idan ben Liora - light shrapnel injuries;
Nadav ben Miriam (Maria) - light shrapnel injuries;
Sagi ben Osnat – light shrapnel injuries to his leg;
Omer ben Dorit – light shrapnel injuries to legs;
Evgeny ben Elizabeth – leg injury
Lior ben Mazal
Oleg Dizengoff
Avi Cohen
Roni Rapaport
Yaakov Wolf - hit by shrapnel in his neck that miraculously missed his jugular vein BH
Moshe ben Eidi – head injury

Wounded civilians:
Gavriel ben Sarah from Sderot – child in severe shock from kassam attack;
Yakov ben Rivka - very seriously injured from kassam rocket;
Bat El Hila bat Phoebe – moderately injured from kassam rocket that
fell in Netivot
Gila bat Odelia – moderately injured by kassam attack in Netivot

Kidnapped & Missing Soldiers:

Ron ben Batya (Arad)
Guy ben Rina (Hever)
Tzvi ben Pninah (Feldman),
Yekutiel Yehuda Nachman ben Sarah (Katz),
Zecharia Shlomo ben Miriam (Baumel)

This week's Parsha is Vayechi.
Gaza: Faces of War

Eretz Yisrael Needs You

2009-01-08T12:33:00.005-05:00

The picture at the left shows an IDF soldier davening Shacharis in his tefillin. This breaks my heart.

Though he is fighting a battle almost no thinks can be won, or the rest thinks Israel has no right to fight at all, he still makes sure he puts on his tefillin to daven. G-d bless him, and all the IDF troops.

For those people who want to do something to help Eretz Yisrael, and the IDF troops I want to share this information my Rav, Rabbi Chaim Silver, passed on to us last night at our communities Kinus tefillah prayer service.

“Operation Tefillah, Torah & Troops,” has been launched. Endorsed and guided by Rabbi Simcha HaCohen Kook, the Chief Rabbi of Rehovot, Israel, and the Bostoner Rebbe (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Horowitz) of Har Nof, Israel, people from around the world are partnered with soldiers in the IDF. Each person who takes part in “Operation Tefillah, Torah & Troops” is paired with an Israeli soldier, and is responsible to say tefillot (prayers), learn Torah, and do special acts of chesed (kindness) on behalf of that soldier.

Rabbi Kook and the Bostoner Rebbe note that this concept is one that has been a part of the Jewish people for thousands of years. When Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) led the Jewish people to war with the nation of Midyon, for every person who went to battle, there was a designated person who was responsible for praying and learning for him. Throughout his reign, David HaMelech (King David) utilized this practice as well.

To participate in “Operation Tefillah, Torah & Troops” and receive the name of an Israeli soldier who needs your prayers, send an e-mail to the office of Rabbi Kook at maortlmo@gmail.com.

For those who cannot for whatever reason commit to this much, you can still daven tehillim. In particular: Psalm 83, 130 and 142.

Every tefillah makes a difference! It’s the least we can do.

Pass Along

2008-12-29T07:53:00.003-05:00

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

Wow, just wow

2008-12-15T22:11:00.004-05:00

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.

Devotion & Passion

2008-11-21T07:56:00.003-05:00

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.

B"H

2008-11-05T09:00:00.003-05:00

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.

Shabbos In The Sukkah!

2008-10-17T16:29:00.003-04:00

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.

I gotta say...

2008-10-11T20:36:00.007-04:00

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.

Excercise in Futility

2008-10-10T16:06:00.002-04:00

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.

October is...

2008-10-05T07:48:00.006-04:00

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.

So Close You Can See It

2008-10-03T15:17:00.004-04:00

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.

Last Shabbos of the Year

2008-09-26T16:22:00.005-04:00

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.

Had to Share! CLOWN Humor!

2008-09-25T07:53:00.003-04:00

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

Beautiful Things

2008-09-18T22:19:00.002-04:00

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.

How Can You Spot the Gefilte Fish in the Ocean?

2008-09-12T12:32:00.006-04:00

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.

7 Years Ago Today

2008-09-10T19:43:00.012-04:00

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.

I Break Stuff to Make Stuff

2008-09-09T06:25:00.012-04:00

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...

Shabbos with Hurricane Hanna

2008-09-05T09:12:00.008-04:00

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.

Play Me a Melody

2008-08-29T11:07:00.006-04:00

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.

Please Meet Gilad Shalit

2008-08-25T09:56:00.010-04:00

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.

Applesauce

2008-08-21T18:36:00.003-04:00

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.

Deep Breath, and a Sigh of Relief

2008-08-15T14:16:00.005-04:00

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.

Social Faux Pas - Got TP on your shoe

2008-08-12T18:25:00.003-04:00

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.

Life Lesson

2008-08-08T06:49:00.009-04:00

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.

What is Art?

2008-08-04T10:35:00.008-04:00

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.

Gearing Up!

2008-07-31T07:07:00.005-04:00

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.

Mammogram Time! Yeah!

2008-07-29T12:12:00.008-04:00

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:

Hello, Is this seat taken?

2008-07-03T06:37:00.001-04:00

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?"