The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University has released two extremely important studies. “Beyond Welcoming: Engaging Intermarried Couples in Jewish Life,” based on a large survey of inmarried and intermarried couples, aims to “identify the critical levers for promoting meaningful Jewish involvement by young intermarried couples.” “We’ll Cross That Bridge When We…
Read More
Kids & Family
The Matzo Chronicles
My kids’ generation are the anti-clutter role models we need
What a difference three generations make. Our grandparents came to America with nothing. Now our generation owns so much, we are possession obsessed. We…
Music
Spotify’s Jewish music makes me feel like a kid again
When searching for songs for a playlist I was putting together for my kids on Spotify, I came across a tune — “Pana HaGeshem” (“The Rain has Gone Away”)…
Mixed & Matched
Does the perfect synagogue exist?
Dear Dawn: I saw your response in J. to someone in the Bay Area wanting a Conservative shul where the men wear kippahs and would accept his half-Jewish…
Parenting
Our family mitzvah: picking fresh produce for those in need
Gleaning is one of our favorite family volunteer activities, though few people seem to know about it. The concept is pretty simple — and pretty old. When…
Parenting
2019 Brooklyn is not the kids’ paradise of my dreams
Every year, a few kids from my son’s grade at his Brooklyn public elementary school move away. Some relocate to other parts of the country, but a good…
The Matzo Chronicles
Memorable moments from my mishmash mixed marriage
Ours is a mixed marriage, the type rabbis and many mamas decry. We are admittedly not two of a kind. He is the son of devout Catholics. I am the daughter…
Parenting
I taught my kids everything I know. Except for the stuff they taught me.
Fortunately, our kids have mastered some basic life skills. They know their way around a grocery store and the kitchen. They know how to make eye contact,…
Parenting
I’ve made peace with my teens’ clutter, and I think I’m going to miss it
My hubby and I live with teenagers — which means we live with a lot of stuff. Our kitchen table is not used as a place to gather for meals (that happens…