Tag: "Jewish mother"

The Secret to One Balebusta’s Success

The Secret to One Balebusta’s Success

She went from unable to make scrambled eggs to a Shabbat-dinner-making, Sukkah-decorating, Seder-creating, full-fledged balebusta.

Kvelling About Jewish Mothers On Screen

Kvelling About Jewish Mothers On Screen

Have you ever felt like your mother is exactly like one on TV or movies? Here’s a look at some of the best Jewish mother characters in film.

Minnesota Mamaleh: Judgement, Shmudgement

Minnesota Mamaleh: Judgement, Shmudgement

I see myself as so open minded. But in reality? I only really and truly seek out others who are like me. Ouch. That hurt.

Minnesota Mamaleh: On Balance

Minnesota Mamaleh: On Balance

My kids, my house, my husband, myself. What’s that last one again? I’m grasping for balance, friends.

The birthday present butterfly that just stayed with Chloe for a few lovely minutes.

Minnesota Mamaleh: “The B Word”

Blessed people. I’m talking about the word blessed. What did you think I was going to write about today?! Sheesh.

My mom and I in Israel in the 70s.

Minnesota Mamaleh: Clink! to Israel

My relationship with Israel is like any other– sometimes fabulous, sometimes painful. What kind of a connection do I want to foster between Israel and my kids?

Really, what's *not* to love?!

Minnesota Mamaleh: About a Mazik

Raising my boy feels so very different than my girls. A lot of it I’m still muddling through, but the mazik-cutie-pie-trouble-maker part of him? That, I love!

My Grandparents on vacation in 1955. My Safta is 27 years old here. What a fabulous looking couple, right?!

Minnesota Mamaleh: Against All Odds, My Grandmother’s Story

My Grandmother is a Holocaust survivor. This is her story. I am honored (and humbled) to tell it.

Minnesota Mamaleh: When It Comes To Religion, Think. Please.

Minnesota Mamaleh: When It Comes To Religion, Think. Please.

Taking the “just the way it is” out of religion and bringing honest-to-goodness thinking and questioning right back on in.

The Breens are free by Kayli. Just look at how bright and colorful we are!

Minnesota Mamaleh: Free is NOT Shtoopy

The concept of freedom. Of choices. And of using those choices wisely really resonated with us and became the gem of a lesson embedded within the rituals of Passover.

King Achashverosh needed a new wife. He married Esther. He didn't know that she was Jewish which was bad. Esther and her Uncle found out that Haman wanted to kill all of the Jews which was also bad. Haman was a bad, bad man.

Minnesota Mamaleh: Purim, Feminism and My Kids

I just love teachable moments, don’t you? Especially ones that lend themselves to teaching my girls how to be kick-butt adults. And if there’s finger puppets involved, all the better!

Yad B'Yad, Nelech Beyachad Hand in Hand, We'll Walk Together

Minnesota Mamaleh: The Heart of a Family

Somewhere amidst the wonderful mess that is a family is you as a couple. How do you keep it that way through diapers, sleepless nights and limited time together?

Minnesota Mamaleh: Out With the Old, In With the New

Minnesota Mamaleh: Out With the Old, In With the New

So does my family celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and the December 31st version as well? You bet we do! And while we have different memories and customs for both holidays, this year we made the connection between the two days for our kids and for ourselves.

Minnesota Mamaleh: Dear Public School Principal…

Minnesota Mamaleh: Dear Public School Principal…

There are two things on my mind on this cozy, snowy day. The first is how much I love hot chocolate stirred with candy canes and the second is how my sweet Kayli fared through her first holiday season at a public school.

Minnesota Mamaleh: Holiday Gifts

Minnesota Mamaleh: Holiday Gifts

Hanukah can be a time when gift giving gets out of control. This year, Jason and I tackled the problem head on and came up with creative ways to make family gifts more meaningful.

Minnesota Mamaleh: Sweetie, Can We Talk About Santa?

Minnesota Mamaleh: Sweetie, Can We Talk About Santa?

Yes, indeed you are still reading a Jewish blog, But let’s just face it people, Santa is a part of our world. He’s magical, friendly, brings presents and is absolutely everywhere during the holiday season.

Little Helpers

Minnesota Mamaleh: We’re Going WHERE for the Holidays?!

It’s the start of another holiday season and my inner teacher is bursting with joy. Decorations, themes, outfits! Oh my! But at the heart of every celebration is the eternal family question, who to celebrate with?

Minnesota Mamaleh: Your Baby, in the Army?

Veteran’s Day rolled around last week and incited a variety of emotions. Was anyone else’s facebook news feed teaming with complaints about not having the day off? Hmm…For most of us, Veteran’s Day gave a moment of pause to reflect upon people whom we love, admire and respect for committing and sometimes sacrificing themselves for our country and for us.

Minnesota Mamaleh: “Bestest” Family Time

Our life is kid-centered. We organize our day-to-day around our little ones and their activities. Zoo, Children’s Museum, Science Museum, we’re so there. BUT, I’m going to be honest with you here, we’re not necessarily as family-centered as we’d like to be. We’re not fantastic at everyday Family Time.

Minnesota Mamaleh: You Birth ‘Em, You Name ‘Em

In our married adventures my husband Jason and I have had our ups and downs in decision making. Sometimes I give. Sometimes he gives. And let’s just face it—sometimes we test each others’ limits just to see who will blink first. One of our biggest decisions together was naming our children. Such a big deal! We wanted something beautiful, meaningful, musical and well, to be honest, easy to pronounce.

Announcing “Minnesota Mamaleh”: Dishing on Being a Jewish mama in Minnesota

Announcing “Minnesota Mamaleh”: Dishing on Being a Jewish mama in Minnesota

I have used many, many words to define myself over the last three decades (dear lord, does that sound like a lot to anyone else?!). Daughter. Traveler. Mover. Home owner. Artist. Student. Teacher. Wife. Mom. Mama. Mommy. *Mommy* said in a sweet voice, a sleepy voice, a whiny voice, a yell, with an eye roll. Hmm.