Shidduchim requires us to hold an amazing paradox: there is so much we can do — an endless number of things — and there is nothing we can do. The Brisker Rav famously said that hishtadlus in shidduchim is unnecessary, and it is permitted for our nerves. There will always be more hishtadlus we can think of, yet we know …
My roommate once made such a wise observation. She said that sometimes, a yeshua we need comes like a bolt out of nowhere. And other times, we look back at the road we have travelled and realized the yeshua has been unfolding all along. I was an eighth grade yearbook editor and the theme we chose was “Journeys.” Our …
I guess I’m in nostalgia mode because I am thinking how fun it would be to have a 90’s-themed Shabbos party (I grew up in the 90’s…). We need: Bazooka gum Stella D’oro (“streimel”) fudge cookies Red Hots Lemonheads Tangy Taffy with sparkles and watermelon seeds (anyone remember those?) Tofutti Cuties that are impossible to unwrap without tearing words …
I recently discovered a podcast devoted to all things Anne of Green Gables and it gave me an idea. I want to form a book club dedicated to rereading the entire Anne of Green Gables series and discussing each book through adult eyes. We would meet every six weeks for a year to sip raspberry cordial 😉 and revisit Echo …
I realized that the main thing keeping me doing hishtadlus in shidduchim is the belief that there is an ending to all of this and the ending is good. Continuing to show up, try again, and inch along is a manifestation of that belief. I can’t make a miracle, but I can continue trying to place myself in its path. …
I told my uncle about a dilemma I have regarding guys who are interested in going out with me but who are not what I am looking for. I continue to struggle to find the balance between thoroughness and diligence, which feel productive and self-determined, and guilt and anxiety, which disempower me and make me feel compelled to do things …
What might it be like to get to know someone through writing letters instead of dating? Couldn’t that be a nice change, and revealing in refreshing ways? I think I could be more real and true to myself given the time to formulate what I want to say and the safety of the page to say it.(And wouldn’t this make …
My sister pointed out that timing can mean the difference between success or failure. If you want to buy a house, but you can’t afford it, then even if you find a great house in a great neighborhood at an objectively good price, it’s not good for you. It will be a headache and a strain and you will risk …
Apartment living made me more aware of the changing seasons. Having responsibilities in a house can do that. In the spring, we installed A/C units, in the fall we removed them. Before fall turned to winter, we filled the oil tank, then we prayed for nice weather all winter long so the boiler wouldn’t burn through the oil too …
Forever ago, I wrote bucket lists for winter, spring, and summer. I finally present to you a list for fall: Go apple picking. Warm up beside a fire pit. Bake a pie. Buy a sweater you will wear over and over again (I have this and love it). Make a pot of soup. Rake the leaves. Invite a friend …
