I returned from Mumbai only a few days before terrorists attacked the very hotel where I had been staying, as well as the Chabad House where I had eaten many meals. Since learning of my narrow escape, my mind has been trying – without success - to make sense of things.

You've probably heard the various commentaries discussing the after effects of Adam and Eve's sin. How suddenly, Evil and Good were no longer absolutely clear; how everything was now a confused mixture of good and bad which had to be painstakingly identified and separated... Well that's how last Shabbat felt at the OU convention. It was a heady and loving mixture of joy - people, sheurim, prayers and gourmet food - mixed with foreboding, anxiety and apprehension. Smiles and good cheer side by side with tears and leaden hearts.

I saw a glimpse of the Jewish future in the Land of Israel. And it was bright. I am not exaggerating; I emerged from that day glowing and extremely positive about what is in store for our young nation beginning its 61st year of return to Jewish sovereignty in the Holy Land...Those of us living here during these trying times have developed an almost split personality regarding the notion that the modern state represents, “The first flowering of redemption.” We look at the past and marvel at where we were in history and how far we have come.

Before their arrival in Israel, Ethiopian Jews yearned to return to Zion. Today, some 80% of the Beta Israel (meaning House of Israel) community has fulfilled that dream and is living in Israel. Each year, on the 29th of Cheshvan, they descend on Jerusalem by the thousands to mark the celebration of Sigd, an ancient holiday that commemorates the acceptance of the Torah...

It is pompous, insensitive and callous to write. But perhaps it is more pompous, more insensitive, more callous not to. Words are most inadequate. Sometimes inadequacy is all we have. This is one of those times.

Many years ago I picked up a small book, a collection of life wisdom, in the airport...Although I liked much of the advice the book contained, one of the things in the book that has always stuck with me was one that said to "let your children overhear you saying complimentary things about them to other adults". I've always tried to do that... but until recently I didn't realize there was a corollary.

Jerusalem was just beginning to close down on erev Yom Kippur as my husband and I made out way to the hospital to see our daughter and her newborn son. The food for our seudah mafseket (the meal before the Fast) was in the oven and we wanted to give our daughter and new grandson the traditional pre Yom Kippur blessing...

Twins. Pairs. Alike or different. Foils and counterparts. Mirror images and mirrors of self. Two.