It was a small room, a corner really, decorated with rich fabrics and gold tassels. There was an air of royalty, palpable with every bated breath. We entered slowly, wondering how we had come to be before this holy man. He was sitting on a throne behind a table sagging under the weight of sorrows … Continue reading Cry With Me, Laugh With Me
I Am Doubt, Hear Me Roar
It was about bechira, naturally. I was in third grade. I asked the usual question and got called an apikorus because I said it didn't make sense. In fourth grade it was about nevuah in fifth grade, har sinai, in sixth, yetzer hara, and in seventh I got tired so I stopped asking with my … Continue reading I Am Doubt, Hear Me Roar
De-valuate
Today, we met with a panel of fierce-looking Israeli professional women with thick eyebrows. They are going to decide what to do with our daughter. They asked us to describe her. We did. They asked the gannenet to describe her. She did. And then they deliberated in front of us. Bewildered is not enough of … Continue reading De-valuate
Time of My Life
My parents just celebrated the birth of their ninth grandchild. Nine children, all in the span of five years, and they’ve only just begun. I am so happy for my sister, and thrilled for my parents who have evolved into this role so beautifully. And yet…gulp…they have evolved into this role…without a thought, a word … Continue reading Time of My Life
Mother Terrors
“DAI! DAI! ANI LO ROTZEH!” The screams jolt through me, pushing me upwards in a panic. I race towards her room and stumble at the doorway. It’s quiet. She is still on her bed, breathing evenly in a deep, dark sleep. I sit down heavily at the table. My arms support my head while my … Continue reading Mother Terrors
Colloquially Speaking 