Seven things about Sukkot

I've adapted this idea from an earlier meme called "Eight things about me." (A meme is a cross between a chain letter and a themed blog post.) I changed the number to seven, in honor of the seven days of Sukkot (Tabernacles festival).My husband likes to quote the midrash where one of the nations … [Read more...]

Guest Post: Did the Tooth Fairy Come Yet?

Please welcome my 13yo daughter's first ever guest post. She took the pictures too.My little brother's tooth finally fell out today. I made him a box to put it in, which was supposed to be an envelope, except I forgot how to make them. I still remember some of my teeth that fell out. I was told, … [Read more...]

Marketing to First Graders

I just spent ten minutes explaining to my son that we are not interested in a children's magazine despite all the stories, puzzles and games it contains. He was shown a copy in class, and brought home an envelope. Direct marketing to first graders is assur (prohibited) in my book. I don't care how … [Read more...]

The New School Year and What I’m Not Blogging About

I won't be blogging about: My conversation with the principal about the school supply list. After she asked me twice whether I have a baaya kalkalit (financial issue) I said that I have permission to complain about unnecessary expenses even if I'm not desperate enough to ask for a … [Read more...]

Finally, Eight Things about Me

I can't even remember who tagged me anymore, but thanks to whoever it was! I see that Aidel Maidel tagged me again. Okay, I just checked and Frumhouse taged me first, some time in June.I used to be great at Jewish geography. Give me a US or Canadian city, and I could come up with a few names of Jews … [Read more...]

A Cooking Legacy

While in college, my friend Tzippy and her family generously hosted me for many a Shabbat and Yom Tov. Tzippy's mother didn't expect her to help in the kitchen; she told her that she would have plenty of time later, and now she should study and have fun. The mother was right; Tzippy did get married … [Read more...]

My kids and cooperation

Sephardi Lady asked me here whether I overestimate or underestimate the amount of help my kids can give. It seems that they always have plenty of time to read, go on the computer and play with friends, and study occasionally, so I guess they are not overworked. I suspect they would not agree! Of … [Read more...]

My Answers

Raggedy Mom pointed out that I didn't answer all of the questions myself. I'm glad I waited to read the other responses as they helped me clarify my own thoughts. For married women, do you dress by the same standards as you did when you got married? Yes, as I mentioned in the original … [Read more...]

A Family Trait

Today my five-year-old son reached a milestone, exhibiting for the first time a traditional family trait that he shares with his siblings and some first cousins. Like their parents before them, the kids in my extended family never let their teachers get away with giving incorrect information in … [Read more...]

Pesach Roundup

I plan on this being my last Pesach-related post. Thanks to a pre-Yom Tov discussion with our offspring, we enjoyed the last day of the holiday. Two out of our five guests actually showed up. On erev chag, I went around to the neighbors collecting potatoes, which they were happy to donate to the … [Read more...]