HOME & FAMILY

Kamtza and Bar Kamtza revisted and revised — may we merit to see such Ahavas Yisroel bring the Redemption, speedily in our days.

ASK THE SHADCHAN
Premarital Genetic Screening Jewish Heredity Issues
By Rebbetzin Nomi Travis

As a shadchan, I come across genetic issues more often than you would imagine. Some specific queries raised my interest in the subject. I found myself doing research about particular conditions and their medical consequences. Knowing what the situation entails, I am able to be a better intermediary. Although we would rather not face health and heredity issues, we know that they can't be ignored. While there has been increased awareness and even collective Dor Yesharim testing in large seminaries, there is still a wide lack of information.

WITH ALL OF ME
by SARA GLASER

Dear Readers,

We would like to present, in installments, a short but very worthwhile book by SARA GLASER, known to a wide public as the initiator of the Lifesaver's Guide — the book and the practical step-by-step lecture series — to more efficient housekeeping and living, which has the Approbation of HaRav Hagon R' Chaim Pinchos Sheinberg shlita and lbch'l Rabbi Nachman Bulman zt'l. Highly recommended, as well as the Hebrew version, Chochmas Noshim, with haskomos from Rov and Rebbetzin Weber of Neve Yaakov and the Belzer Rebbetzin.

Babe Among the Ruins

by Chedva Ofek

The Jew in constant wandering exile . . .

If I hadn't been with my mother and merited to immigrate to Israel many years previously, it is very doubtful whether my eyes would have been opened to the true light of the Torah.

In the Garden
by Rifca Goldberg

It looks like so many other gardens: A green picket fence surrounding shade trees, a grapevine gripping its way up a wooden terrace, a footpath with smooth stones carefully lining both sides. The smells of ripe fruit intermingle fragrantly and the slightest of breezes ripples through the overgrown grass.

Keep Trying
by Avraham Tzvi Schwartz

KEEP SMILING inspirational pieces by Avraham Tzvi Schwartz (author of Handful of Light and other works)

Good Fat, Bad Fat — Remember Your A-B-Cs!
by Dr. Reuven Bruner, Ph.D.

Our bodies are designed so that we need some fat in order to run efficiently. In addition to providing us with needed energy, and to help brain, nerve, and hormone develop, fat also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins which is why it's important to include some fat in our diet, and also that we take any multivitamin and mineral supplement with a meal that contains some fat.

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

The USA leads the world in mental illness. Is this a surprise? Take a high-powered society where possessions are everything, and you have all the makings for mental illness. True Israel is also a stressful place to live, but people support each other emotionally here in better ways, and the spiritual side of things makes for a healthier lifestyle. By the way, Americans, watch it on another thing you are getting from your neighbors. Be smart — stay away from fast food.

POET'S CORNER

House
by Devora Levy

Entered through portals
of copper and gold
wide stairways
leading closer to Heaven.

Large bordered tablets
of sun-warmed pink stone
Form sentinels rising
around spacious courtyards.

Facades of white marble
veined with blue-green
shimmer in sunlight
like waves on the sea.

Above the proud pillars
Roofs crowned with gold
Signifying
the abode of the King.

Royal treasures abound
of choice jewels and metals
Donated with love
the Monarch to serve.

A secret chamber
of charitable bounty
For anonymous taking
by all those in need

Center of the universe
Focal point of the world
Standing proud on the apex
of Moriah's Mount.

Razed to the ground
Fire-torched and trampled
Piles of crushed stone
One lone wall remains.

A playground for foxes
where once burnt sweet spices
The sound of glad song
Has turned into tears

The King's loving subjects
Maintain their long vigil
Knowing the House
will rise again soon.