HOME & FAMILY

During the longest week of my life, when I was sitting shiva for my father, I made a mental note of how a mourner feels, and of some of the do's and don'ts for visitors whose sole intent is to comfort, in order to help other mourners in the future.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
The Uneducables
by R' Zvi Zobin

"Here, take a drink," Mr. Cohen started to pour the juice into Shimmy's cup. Suddenly, Shimmy grabbed the cup and pulled it away. Juice poured out onto the table and made a big orange stain on the tablecloth. Shimmy squealed in delight.

LETTERS, EITZES

In response to our recent articles on weddings:

Customs and Conventions
by A. Reader

Torah-style quality of life. Israeli secularists call it `elective poverty'. Well, so be it.

Braided Pathways
by Shira Levy

Synopsis: Gavriella, a young adolescent, has difficulty in adjusting to the varied demands of growing up, accepting a new lifestyle as a baalas teshuva and being the victim of a broken home.

Candle of the Soul
by Rosally Saltsman

"As much as we like to climb to spiritual heights, we are still subject to the laws of gravity."

CREATIVITY CORNER
The Family Sewing Circle: Nettlepoint
by Devora Piha

Remember the days of sitting around the sewing circle together with family or friends, sewing a quilt or crocheting sweaters and hats? It was a time for relaxation, conversation and creativity. Who does this now? We have inexpensive synthetic clothing.

Your Medical Questions Answered!
by Joseph B. Leibman, MD

Let's finish up with minerals. Chromium is a metal that is extremely poisonous unless taken in its conjugated form, when it becomes very safe. It is taken for controlling glucose levels in diabetics, lowering cholesterol, and weight loss. The evidence is not that great for the first two uses, and is poor for the third. It can be found naturally in whole grain products, brown rice, liver and cheese.

POET'S CORNER

Nocturne
by Rebbetzin Sylvia Susser, London

A ferocious face gleams darkly,
Savage as a mountain cat,
To destroy the House of Jacob,
With his G-d has made a pact.

Billowing black clouds envelop,
Holy highways overspread,
Bursting fire engulfing gladness,
Innocent bystanders dread.

Fragrant lily of the valley,
Torn and terror-tossed, at bay,
Shriveled petals spattered widely,
Desecrating pavements grey.

Guardian of the Master's Name,
Agonizing Israel -- heed.
Jerusalem, tormented. Show
Mercy! Justice -- intercede!