My family and I live in Charleston, South Carolina. Just saying those words when I visit my family in the Five Towns, where I grew up, elicits stares of shock. At least when we lived in Houston, Texas, where my husband served as an assistant Rabbi before he assumed the pulpit in Charleston, New Yorkers

The Nine Days are not my favorite time of year. I imagine this is the case for most people. It’s hot outside, the kids are bored and we can’t take them swimming. The food options are limited. And with the pileup of laundry, our houses are a mess. Hence, lots of stressed out Moms. But