Jewish Women Speak

I have never done anything quite like this, but I've joined group of Orthodox Jewish women who write about relevant topics or questions presented to the group and share via their blogs.
I will eventually host one of these here for my readers (it's a round robin type initiative), but in the meantime, if you're interested in my opinions, which I dole out often, head over to Rebecca Klempner's blog.
The topic at hand is how much we, as Jewish women, engage in pop culture.

Orthodox Women Talk: Roundtable about media consumption: READ ALL THE RESPONSES INCLUDING MINE BY CLICKING HERE.

Let me know what you think!

New Chapter

I am moving on and accepting a new role in a nonprofit! I have enjoyed my year working from home. I wish working from home could be the norm! I am however really looking forward to the new challenge ahead. My new job (which is part-time) utilizes my skills in management, communications and development in a nonprofit where I can be part of helping others and improving lives. I am not going to go into detail here on the position before I even start... You'll have to ask me personally for more details. The one thing I will say is that I am already surprised by the team feeling and collaboration within the new organization and I look forward to working in a place that values its staff above all.

My journey is just beginning but I think this is a good  move personally and professionally. Wish me luck!

The Rarity of Terror: A Mother's Perspective

When bad things happen to us (terrorists strike, illness, death and tragedy), moms and dads have to weigh what and how much to tell their children. Our children will react according to their own levels of undertanding and their developmental ages. 

When my kids were younger, they were none the wiser. I did not tell my children anything. As they have grown, however, I now take care to be the first to tell my children about current events that apply to them, especially when it's big enough that they will hear about it in school. This morning I found myself telling the kids about the terror attack in the Synagogue in Har Nof, Jerusalem.

One rule of thumb that I have learned from various sources (organizations, psychologists, parents) is to explain to children that what occurred is "RARE." It is uncommon and unliekly to happen to them. Children who are approximately 6 and older can comprehend the concept of COMMON vs. RARE. Teach your kids they are safe because this is RARE and far from home.

I struggle with weighing the rarity of these terror attacks. 

9/11: See that building just over the river? Terrorits flew into that very site. Why? I cannot explain evil. Yes, it was in New York City where your father and grandparents work. No, it is RARE and won't happen again.

Boston bombing: At a Marathon finish line. Not Daddy's New York City Marathon, which Jeremy ran several times, but a different Marathon in Boston.

Palestinians driving onto train platforms and waiting areas: Cars, children, a baby flung from her stroller!

Har Nof Terror Attack: Men praying peacefully on a regular morning at a local synagogue. Synagogue - not ours, a different one in Israel. Someone else's daddy. Many children remain bereft. Only a block from where Mommy lived for a year when she was your age (second grade).

How RARE are these occurances? 

There are so many more examples but I prefer not to think about them, about how close to home they hit. Guns, axes, construction vehicles, babies, daddies, friends.

How can we claim that terror is RARE?

May G-d bring us comfort and peace so that we no longer have to explain the atrocities of this world to our young children.