An Interfaith Family Story: Feeling Left Out at My Daughter’s Bat Mitzvah (Your Teen Magazine)
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why this is happening,” I sobbed in front of the bat mitzvah tutor as we prepared for my daughter’s ritual transition into Jewish adulthood. My teenager’s eyes widened. “Mom, stop.” But I couldn’t stop crying. … Read More
I’m not ready for my Jewish child to stop believing in Santa (The Independent)
“Don’t believe everything you read on the internet,” I said. “There’s misinformation out there.” I typed Loch Ness Monster into her iPad search bar and flaunted the results. “See? Supporting evidence about Nessie’s existence either way.” She wiped her tears. “Is Santa … Read More
Our Family’s Interfaith Break-Fast Features Bagels and Lasagna (Kveller)
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE ON KVELLER “Happy Yom Kippur!” my mom shouted on speakerphone to my fiancé and his family. “Thank you,” they said. “Mom, Yom Kippur isn’t really happy,” I explained. We were staying at my future in-laws’ Long Island … Read More
This year, I finally found the mystery man who helped me on 9/11 (The Independent)
I ran blindly, trying to flee. My mind screamed at me to escape, to jump into the bay. And then there was David. CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE ON THE INDEPENDENT “I won’t let go of your hand. I promise,” … Read More
How to Apologize to Your Kids the Right Way—And Why It’s Important (Parents)
My first-grader had a recent school vacation that, in normal years, would have been a welcomed respite. But thanks to COVID-19, it meant five unstructured days with my seven-year-old while I worked. One afternoon, I suggested she start a pastel … Read More
How to Explain the Passover Story to Kids (PARENTS)
As the Catholic half of a Judeo-Christian interfaith couple, I learned a lot about Passover from my late mother-in-law because Passover’s themes held great significance for her. As an educator and a feminist, she taught me that anyone can find … Read More
Living in the Moment this Christmas Eve – NY Daily News
Preparations for “The Eve” spanned days when I was a kid, as they had for generations. Grandpa Tony invited everyone to his Italian pre-Christmas feast. Born into a family of 12 during the Great Depression, he couldn’t afford much. But … Read More
How to Explain the Story of Hanukkah to Kids (Parents Magazine)
The first night of Hanukkah 2020 is December 10, and this year more than any other is a great opportunity to take extra time to teach your family about the Jewish holiday that celebrates the power of light and miracles. … Read More
7 Menorah Crafts for Kids You’ll Want to Keep Forever (Parents Magazine)
From Legos to seashells, these menorah crafts make great keepsakes and use simple materials you probably already have on hand. Get tips for making them, plus our favorite store-bought menorahs for kids. Looking for a fun way to discuss the … Read More
Kids Can Learn to Rap From Home with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Freestyle Love Supreme Virtual Classes (Parents Magazine)
During quarantine, my daughter and I had an incredible experience learning to freestyle through Freestyle Love Supreme Academy. Now the improv troupe is offering virtual summer classes for kids and teens. Click here to read the article on Parents.com PHOTO … Read More