I Also Don’t Like to Work Hard: My Passover Epiphany

BS”D Yesterday, I realized that I don’t like to work hard. I already figured out that I’m not a career woman. And that’s cool. But when I gave up yesterday after three seconds of trying to get a months-old splatter of applesauce sludge off my living room floor, it hit me: I am freaking lazy.  This … Continue reading →

Recounting the Journey

BS”D Dudes, I know that parshas Matos-Massei is so yesterday, but I got somethin’ to say about it, so ya’ll are gonna listen. ‘Kay? This past week’s Torah portion recounts the forty-two pit-stops taken by the Israelites on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The narrative flow from the previous parsha literally stops so the Torah can tell … Continue reading →

I’m a Huge Failure

BS”D Tomorrow is Gimmel Tammuz, the anniversary of the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. I can’t believe it’s been an entire year since I wrote my last Gimmel Tammuz piece – it seems like literally yesterday. In Chassidic practice, every occasion is occasion for introspection, be it bitter, sweet, or bittersweet. (“Eff, I just burned … Continue reading →

Well Hey There, Square One!

BS”D Well, looks like G-d wants me to practice what I’ve been preaching up in hurr the past few blog posts: my husband and I found out a few days ago that the shlichus (Jewish outreach job) we were slated to start next week isn’t happening anymore. It’s a big disappointment, but what can I … Continue reading →

Defying the Darkness

BS”D I’d like to start this post by wishing you a light-filled Hanukkah and by asking G-d, “What in the hell is going on?” In the past week, I’ve had to say “Baruch Dayan haEmes” (Blessed is the True Judge – said upon hearing that someone has passed away, or other especially bad news, G-d … Continue reading →

Ye Olde Sin City

BS”D Did you know that ancient Egypt was the original Vegas? Sex everywhere, shady business deals, corrupt politicians, magic (of the black variety), decadent food, high fashion, and I’m pretty sure Celine Dion had a show there. Not exactly an oasis of G-dliness. Ye Olde Sin City is the backdrop of this week’s Torah portion, … Continue reading →

To the Place that I Will Tell You

BS”D Hello again, Light & Coffee-ers! Since this week we hit the 30-day mark from Dovi’s arrival in Olam HaZeh, I’m wo-manning up and putting myself back on a schedule – which, lucky for you, includes ending my blogging maternity leave. (And by “lucky for you” I mean “lucky for me”). I’ve actually been meaning … Continue reading →

Repairing the Irreparable: Yom Kippur (Guest Post by Rabbi Dan Lewin)

BS”D As we move from “the Day of Judgment” to “the Day of Atonement” there are two buzz words that pervade the prayers and literature surrounding this ten day period: teshuva (repentance) and kapparah (atonement.) Often confused, teshuva is our effort; kaparah is theresult. Outwardly, the mitzvah of teshuva involves two components- regret over the past, and resolve for … Continue reading →

Jubilation is Our Obligation! (Elul InspiroChunk #5)

BS”D Okay, okay. I know it’s not Elul anymore, but these lil’ chunks o’ inspiration are going to continue to be called “Elul InspiroChunks” until the High Holiday season is over. So just deal with it. Anyway, I hope you all had an amazing Rosh Hashana and are gearing up for that once-a-year trip through … Continue reading →

In Which I Recount My First Encounter With a Shofar (Elul InspiroChunk #4)

BS”D The first time I encountered the majestic and soul-stirring cry of the shofar (the ram’s horn sounded on Rosh Hashana), I hadn’t yet discovered G-d or Judaism. In fact, I was quite preoccupied with food. It was a few weeks into my freshman year at Ithaca College. I had just settled down for lunch in … Continue reading →