A Grandparent's View

View from the Shore

Don’t feel stressed

if your house is a mess,

and you’re not your best,

and the children are whining

and the toilet’s overflowing,

because it’s all par for the course

when you’re a parent!

So take a deep breath

and dive right in.

The waters may be choppy

but you know how to swim.

While I stand on shore (whether near or far)

and watch with pride,

remembering the times (were they so long ago?)

when you were at my side.

Kitchen Olympics

The Jewish holiday of Passover is the Olympics of Jewish Cooking all over the world. Maybe we should have different events to mark its importance! We can even send out a torch in the shape of an egg beater or a potato masher that will visit all the countries where Jews live today.

Before you compete for a medal, however, recognize all the preparations that need to take place. You're in training for months, making sure that you have the proper tools and necessary stamina. The end is drawing near. Do you still want to compete?

I prefer to view Passover or any major holiday as an annual challenge to myself, irrespective of others who participate. It's my job to (1) prepare for it, both physically and mentally, and (2) improve on last year's preparation, with new recipes for food and emotional well-being.

Happy Holiday, everyone!