HOME & FAMILY

(Based on a true story)

Libby was one of those girls who had everything going for her. Her family was respected and well established. Her siblings had made excellent shidduchim. She was known to be a fine teacher. She had presence, attractive features, and a charming personality. Her character traits were refined and she had, above all, a good reputation. [And even some respectable savings in the bank.] No one was more surprised then she was when time passed by and she was still single.

Until When?
by Sarah

"This actually happened to me two nights ago!" the author tells me.

A powerful `Shivisi . . . lenegdi' word picture for awaiting Moshiach!

The Joy of the Berachah
by Esther Weil

Part III

"They contribute, they participate, they do, they bring up, they help . . . " Who are they?

That's how Hadassa (an alias) describes children of blessedly large families. Our generation has merited a real blessing, where families with fourteen or eighteen children are not rare. We wanted to hear how children in such families feel. How they give and how they receive; what experiences they have and what memories they cherish and how the parents fit into the picture.

MODERN DAY MESHOLIM AND MUSSAR
Home Sweet Home
by Bayla Gimmel

I saw myself as a facilitator . . . With my new attitude, staying home became quite enjoyable.

Car Care
by Carol Unger

The Torah says that one should live near Talmidei Chachomim, do business with them, marry one's daughters to them, but I don't think it has anything to say about crashing into their cars.

The Highest Commodity
by Risa Rotman

This summer I felt obligated to take my younger kids out for a big outing while the older kids were away at camp. It didn't seem fair that every day the younger ones would watch as the older ones packed up with extra nosh, swimming gear, and board a bus and were off, while they stayed home to color pictures or visit the same neighborhood parks.

A `Big' Story, a Bus Story, and, of course, a Gemach Story
by Sheindel Weinbach

Aren't we all waiting, breaths held, for a Grand Finale, for the curtain rising on a new era called The Era of Moshiach? (Even if it be `disproportionate' to our merit . . . ) For that time when, with hindsight, we will be able to smile and nod knowingly, "Oz yimolei s'chok pinu . . . " .

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

I believe your prayers helped, and my father has been released from the hospital and is in rehab. This gives us an opportunity to discuss more aspects of his care.

POETS' CORNER

By the End of the Day
By Mindy Aber Barad

By the end of the day
Even the heat is tired
Although no less heavy, the wind
Tries in vain
To blow it away
To push the heavy heat
But barely gives it a nudge
Clouds try
But they too
Become heavy with heat
And burden us from above

By the end of such
A grumbling day
The soul seeks to return
To the Garden
With its leafy shade
And deep pools that reflect
The Eternal Light