HOME & FAMILY

Nichum Aveilim -- for whom? To absolve us of our social duty? Or to offer genuine comfort to the mourners. To provide merit for the deceased himself in his final Judgment by recounting his good deeds.

A simple, universal plea...

Ears That Hear
by Blumy Shain

What is chessed?

Many of us think that it involves going to old age homes, attending funerals, or dancing at mitzva-weddings. These are certainly fine acts of kindness and no one can measure their value or reward. But we often fail to realize the big opportunities right in front of our noses (or ears). We don't have to go far to look for them.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Enlightenment about Light
by R' Zvi Zobin

e all value light and realize its importance for seeing around us, but its significance extends far beyond simply being able to see what is in front of our eyes.

What I Did on My Summer Vacation
by Rosally Saltsman

I spent the summer abroad for two months. As I prepared to leave, I felt a bit guilty as I saw myself taking off from Israel, to begin with, and from my spiritual work as well as my professional work -- to have a holiday. While the only `work' I did being on vacation was confined to writing a couple of articles and collecting ideas for others, my spiritual `vacation' turned out to be a spirtual workout I hadn't expected.

The Perfectionist
by A. Ross

What is a perfectionist? That rather depends on whom you ask. Some feel it is a negative trait; others think of it as a positive attribute. The definition of a perfectionist is one who wishes to attain perfection in all that he undertakes, although there may be seemingly easy-going individuals who are perfectionists in one particular field.

Poet's Corner

A Week in the Life

by Ruth Lewis

Laundry-hanging, sorting socks,
picking up the Lego blocks,
shopping, buying (baby's crying)
cleaning, mixing, hemming, fixing,
cooking, cleaning, ironing, folding,
running errands, baby-holding,
homework-helping (baby's yelping)
toddler-watching -- kissing, potching,
letter-writing (kids are fighting),
pushing, pinching, kicking, biting,
pulling hair and jumping, springing,
doorbell, telephone are ringing.

Scrub the countertops and floors,
bathrooms, windows, sinks and doors,
clean the cabinets, 'fridge and stove
and give the kids a lot of love.
Teach them how to share and care,
and don't forget to comb their hair.
Get them washed and dried and fed,
in pajamas, off to bed.

Have you got that done? Why, then,
you can do it all again.

Sifting, measuring, kneading, baking,
find the time for challah-making.

Three-year-old in need of hanky
Six-year-old in need of spanky.
Are they quiet? Are they playing?
Daven -- think of what you're saying.
Sweep, dust, polish, finish mending,
(There's a job that's never-ending).
Watch your neighbor's lively bunch.
Got a hunch you just burned lunch.

Friday morning, wake up early,
plunge into the hurly-burly.
All the vegetables need peeling,
dishes piled up to the ceiling.
Hustle, bustle,
hurry, scurry.
So few hours -- baths and showers.
Each day's a test; so do your best.
Now fall into your Shabbos nest.

And rest.

We were so excited to have heard again from Ruth after a long break that we quickly sent off a note to confirm and urge her to keep on

Writing, writing, writing, writing,
Stop the boys and girls from fighting,
Put some squiggles down on paper,
In between the change of diaper.
Watch your rhythm, watch the rhyme,
Get the kids to school on time.
Catch inspiration on the run,
Writing, rhyming's so much fun!
Express yourself as a good Jewess,
And thanks for writing, Mrs. Lewis!

*

For the next poem, just imagine a guitar and a strumming beat. Slow and easy. Subliminal message. From an upcoming cassette by Eliezer Kosoy

Such a Power

We all have something unique,
It's a G-d-given gift, the ability to speak,
Yes, we need to pay attention to everything we say,
'Cause a tongue is more powerful than a sword,
It can even kill far away.
You can use your words like jewels
Or spit 'em like fools...
Build or destroy? Which will you choose?

We've got such a power...

Sticks and stones could only hurt my bones
But harmful speech cuts so deep and breaks up many homes.
Words are for healing and expressing a feeling...
A broken man was feeling low,
He's smiling now because you said `hello'
My grandpa once said, "A word is like a bird,
"Once you let it go, it's gonna fly, fly away."
Encouraging a friend is such a simple thing to do,
A few soft and gentle words could be all it takes
To get him through.

We've got such a power...

We are the soldiers of a special generation,
With a mighty task of speech rectification,
And we have an obligation
To open up ourselves and bring out inspiration.

If we accept upon ourself to be watchful of our mouth
An end to this bitter exile will surely come about,
It's so very close now, yes, we're near the finish line
If we get to work and break the hurt
We'll be there in no time.
The walls of our Home are just about complete,
You and I can sanctify and bring redemption
Through our speech.

We've got such a power... Yes, we've got such a power...