A few months ago, back when the weather was still decent and people were walking around, an acquaintance of mine who lives nearby was out taking a Shabbos walk with some of her children. I happened to be outside my house at the time and we were making pleasant small talk, and she mentioned to… Continue reading Shabbos Candle Lighting Challenge
“One who exerts himself on Erev Shabbos will be able to eat on Shabbos. But if not, what will he eat?” (Avodah Zara 3a, Rashi) Every week, we make Shabbos. We’re supposed to plan for it the whole week long, in some small way each day. Washing the tablecloth, the napkins, planning a menu, shopping, making the food.… Continue reading Fail To Plan, Plan To Fail
A couple Shabboses ago my husband and I had a discussion about what it means to fulfill your potential. I always think big REALLY BIG (though, honestly, not so super big) and so if I’m not doing something that’s reaching a lot of people I feel like I’m not doing all I can. But then we… Continue reading Filling Up Our Cardboard Boxes
A lot of my writing lately has been focused on things that I find difficult, or that I have struggled with. I think it’s important to explore these topics, but when it’s gotten to the point where writing about how much I appreciate Shabbos feels subversive, I realize that I need to think about balance!… Continue reading Shabbos and Creativity
Every Friday slightly before sundown, I light five candles. One for me, one for my husband and one for each of my children. I cover my eyes and say a blessing, and with that action, usher in 25 hours of rejuvenation, connection and rest. It’s like a spiritual spa every week. And boy, do I… Continue reading Top Five Reasons to Keep Shabbos
Before I publish this post, I must say that I am completely consumed by the escalating situation in Israel. I feel funny posting about anything else. So, because mitzvos help protect us, these are good Psalms to say at a time like this: 130, 121, 83, 20, 91 & 143. Also, check out the Shmira… Continue reading Shul Experiences
Shortly after I moved, one of my friends asked me when I was going to make a menu plan again. “After I finish unpacking,” was my reply. However, wandering the aisles of my new grocery store (I love you, Seven Mile!) with considerably less focus than usual was not super pleasant, or productive. Cue heroic… Continue reading Menu Plan, week of July 17th
Whew! I hope everyone had a good Shavuos, and ate at least a little cheesecake (I actually didn’t get any, but I’ve made my peace with that). Between Shabbos and Yom Tov and Shabbos again, I feel like I haven’t blogged in absolutely ages. But here we are again, it’s Tuesday, and I have a… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Don’t Ever Give Up
Since we’re moving in less than a month (Aaaaahhhhhh!), my June menu plan’s focus is on using up everything that I have in my house. In the fridge, the freezer, the cupboards (I found a ridiculous amount of corn meal. Go figure). I was not looking forward to this inventory of items. At all. I… Continue reading June Menu Plan
Okay, no pun intended, though I am decidedly on the “right” wing of Judaism. Hahaha. Really, this post is about assessing what direction you (or me) are moving in. In seminary I learned that if you’re not moving up spiritually, you’re moving down. There is no such thing as a plateau. But, hey, no pressure,… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Going in the Right Direction
Rivki Silver ~ thoughts & music 