By Michelle Bortnik Issue of January 29, 2010/ 14 Shvat 5770 Seconds count when responding to a fire but when extra assistance is needed sometimes even a response from far away is warranted … more

by Alan Jay Gerber Issue of May 14, 2010/ 1 Sivan 5770 A holiday that celebrates the giving of the Ten Commandments surely deserves literary notice and this week’s essay will be devoted to … more

The Kosher Bookworm Issue of September 3, 2010/ 24 Elul 5770 The classical rabbinic writings of teshuvah, repentance, are found in great number on the shelves of Jewish libraries worldwide. … more

Dear Aviva, I am very good friends with Rachel, who is very good friends with Tamara. Tamara and I don’t get along. We are all aware of the dynamic, and until now, we would be respectful towards each other. Recently Tamara has been making very biting comments to me. I never bite back, but I do tear up very often. I was wondering what you thought about me approaching Rachel and asking her to say something to Tamara. -Bawling Buddy more

With the advent of the Jewish month of Shevat, and Shabbat Shirah, can an early spring be not too far behind? With this warm thought in mind our focus for the next two weeks will be upon several literary works that hopefully will give you a clearer picture concerning the importance that this time of year represents in the Jewish tradition. more

If you read my posts or emails then you know I’m a night owl. I find the wee hours to be inspiring. Maybe it’s the mystery or romanticism of the dark, but, writing at 1 A.M., my ideas flow quickly from my brain out through my fingers to the keyboard onto the glowing screen. more

With the advent of the school year, the need to link school, community and family efforts to combat a modern day scourge of children is once again literally brought to the table. more

At some point over lunch on Shabbat, the story of my husband Jerry’s first car accident came up. My sister-in-law, Shirley, while trying to catch her breath, because she was laughing so hard, turned to me and said “this is you’re article for next week’s paper.” And so it is.... more

Last week’s horrible bombing at the Boston Marathon brought out the best of people and the worst of people. Bostonians were incredible the way they helped the injured, cooperated with the police and united in spirit. The police, FBI and law enforcement were amazing the way they tracked down the two terrorists in just a few days. more

Last month, my daughter’s car lease was up. So we began researching cars that were safe, reasonably priced and of course “cool.” In my days, we drove whatever car was available. In 1980, I was thrilled to get the 1970 Bonneville that belonged to my uncle Morris, a”h. That car was the size of a small yacht. I think it had more room inside than some Manhattan apartments. It got me to where I had to go and I was thankful for it. more