How To Combat Bullying in the Jewish Community

This year I again attended the conference, Shedding Light on the Darkness of Abuse, sponsored by the Tahel Jerusalem Crisis Center for Women and Children. The conference addressed a wide range of issues relating to treatment and prevention of abuse. The conference also addressed abuse by peers, … [Read more...]

We Can’t Afford to Wait Until 12th Grade: Sexuality Awareness in the Religious Community

We judge a society not only by what they talk about, but also by what they don't talk about. This was the theme of an event on sexuality in the religious community, organized by Tzohar. Rabbis belonging to Tzohar conduct Orthodox weddings throughout the country, with an emphasis on a meaningful, … [Read more...]

Guiding Couples Through Infertility

This post originally appeared in February, 2010. I am republishing it today because Racheli Sprecher Frankel, whose talk I summarized below, is the mother of 16-year-old Naftali Frankel. Last Thursday, Naftali and two other young boys were hitching rides home when they were kidnapped by Hamas … [Read more...]

Help for Parents During Rocket Attacks in Israel

I've been catching up after my trip and am still absorbing the fact that Israel is at war again in the south. My sons, who have finished their army service, have not been called up for reserve duty. We've talked within the family about what to do in case of a warning siren. We've heard some booms … [Read more...]

Flexible Maternity Leave: Good for Mothers, Babies or Employers?

The Neta Center (Women for Bettering Their Future) has proposed altering the laws surrounding maternity leave. Currently, maternity leave lasts for 14 weeks. If the mother has been working in the same position for the previous 10 months, she receives a monthly salary from the National Insurance … [Read more...]

Mommy from Beersheva: “No Hate, War, or Politics”

Mommy from Beersheva, mom to Sarit, 4.5 and Aviv, 2.5, responded to my post earlier today on coping with rocket attacks: I guess so far we've been pretty lucky in keeping anxiety levels low.  I'm not sure if it's something we are doing "right" or blind luck. A few things that help us: We … [Read more...]

Helping Kids Cope with Rocket Attacks from Gaza

        Update:  Mommy from Beersheva responds. Thirty-nine rockets were volleyed on southern Israel last night from Gaza. One Israeli was killed, and several are hospitalized with light injuries. This picture, by Yogev Shlomovitz  of Ynet, and shows a rocket … [Read more...]

When Should Babies Start Solid Foods?

A reader writes: So Tipat Chalav is now advising to give all babies tastes of food beginning at *4* *months*, because if we "wait" until 6 months some babies get more attached to the bottle and might resist integrating solids into their diet.Isn't there some statistic about breastmilk-only for 6 … [Read more...]

Is the “Breastfeeding Doll” Tznius?

The breastfeeding doll has arrived in the US. First produced in Spain, it has become quite popular in Europe.   The doll is made by Berjuan Toys, a company out of Spain. It comes with a special halter top that has two flowers where nipples would be. When a little girl puts on the top and … [Read more...]

Breastfeeding Basics with Christina Smillie

Many years ago I was asked to visit a new mother having trouble breastfeeding her baby. Not having much experience, I called a colleague for advice. The instructions she gave me for the mother went something like this: Sit in a straight-backed chair, with a pillow behind your back. Rest your feet on … [Read more...]