Editorial & Commentary

It often feels like I am living in a world that was not designed for me.

G‑d can give us a family, a car, a house and a job, and I may not enjoy any of it. Why? Because no matter how good it is now, the shakiness of what about tomorrow steals the show and scares me.

When we’re away, we are more willing to entertain different perspectives. We are friendlier, less judgmental and more open-minded.

Did the Sanhedrin ever imagine that centuries later there would be observant Jews standing here in the same spot, continuing to live by their calendar? Did they realize that the rulings that they last issued would ensure the continuity of Judaism?

Not every hit is a homer, but every hit counts.

Having as many options as we do does not contribute to our peace of mind or tranquility.

You can always find something nice to say about a person if you play detective and look good and hard.

There are so many commandments! Each one is so full of intricate details. So much to learn and do. Where do you start?

By acting out our appreciation towards the people we interact with, we can build up to truly feeling gratitude to G‑d.

Abstract ideas are experienced, theoretical concepts enlivened.

The G‑dy soul has a secret weapon.

I must not allow myself to get so caught up in the decisions and demands before me that I forget that my human input is merely a physical container into which G‑d’s blessings can flow.

When we expect our relationship with G‑d to be transactional, when we view G‑d as a cosmic bellhop paying a quid pro quo for our “virtuous” behavior, then neither do we.

Healthy shame is quite wonderful because when used properly, its vulnerability and humility can lead to closeness.

It’s not often that we learn of the complexity of someone’s circumstances or what role we play in seemingly random occurrences.

Growing up, I thought of Bible stories as little more than fairytales. When I was finally able to get glimpses into the vast richness of the Torah, I found that the Torah could provide enlightenment on multiple levels simultaneously.

Before we can work on loving and giving to others, we have to love ourselves.

The kosher status of the food we eat has a tremendous impact on our spiritual sensitivity.

While my day-to-day involvement in Chabad activities and programs has waxed and waned depending on what my children were up at that particular period of time (think colicky babies), there is one area that I never wanted to cut back on: the time I invested in personal relationships with community members.

Due to the potent power of our words, they can also be used to create tremendous destruction.

While it’s true that everything is directed from Above, the one thing that isn’t are our choices and reactions, and to a large extent, they help determine our destiny.

You don’t have to be a Torah scholar or expert chef to host a Friday-night dinner or Saturday lunch.

In the past few years, I have coached and mentored many women, and I am seeing a common trend among many—the fear of being judged, the fear of appearing “not normal,” fears of imperfection, and feeling misunderstood and alone.

My pain was heavily compounded by feeling like no one else knew what I was going through or could possibly understand it, so I suffered in solitude.

The dancing that had previously felt like a dishonor to the grief and sorrow now took its place in juxtaposition to the celebration. With unbelievable inner strength, he had carved out a space in his heart for both emotions to rest.

We do all kinds of things to make ourselves happy, but if we don’t fulfill our basic needs, then nothing will work and nothing will help.

Studies show that social interactions, even if very brief, leave us feeling more satisfied and happy.

When your success is linked to the success of others, you have a greater chance of success because you’re working for the common good.

There are so many stress triggers in our often overwhelming lives. Living an authentic Jewish life helps reduce our stress while heightening our spirituality.

While feeling bitter may be justified in our eyes, it’s not a way to endear ourselves to others or improve our predicament. Moreover, it punishes us more than anyone else.

What’s special about an act of kindness is that it can be done anywhere, anytime, by anyone. It is the ultimate equalizer.

I am an oasis of peace and serenity, a home to so many, a place of refuge for a nation that flees; I am the source of controversy and conflict, of fighting and bloodshed, a land that weeps in fear and pain while suffering constant beatings from the world.

It was at that moment—when she described something as “silly” instead of using a term that was a little saltier—that it struck me. My new friend never swore.

We think that it only happens to us. But most of the issues people grapple with happen to everyone. That's why G‑d sets up a system of living that help us avoid the pitfalls most people deal with.

Our sages tell us that peace is the greatest blessing, and that it’s what G‑d wants most for and from us.

"Only I can be who I was created to be, and do what I was created to do."

Recognize your weak spots, but don’t avoid them.

Surround yourself with harmonious people. You become like the people you spend the most time with.

Is your friend fuming because you disappointed them for the 100th time? Are you running late again? Did you tell an itsy-bitsy “white lie”?

Aren’t we all looking for greater spirituality in our lives?

Anyone with any knowledge about the natural way of trees would say it should have died.

As my daughter grows and reaches new milestones, I cannot help but watch my reactions to her with a kind of curiosity.

By improving my relationship with myself, there is a ripple effect in my home and an improvement in my relationships with others.

We’re given a message through advertising and social media that you can or should do it all. We’re being sold that success is doing everything right, and, of course, doing all that as you appear beautiful and calm.

Yelling causes damage, irreparable damage, to the environment, to our relationships, to our psyches and nervous systems, and to our mental and physical health.