“Blessed be G-d, Blessed be He; Blessed be the One who Gave the Torah to His people Israel, Blessed be He. Corresponding to four sons did the Torah speak; one [who is] wise, one [who is] evil, one who is innocent and one who doesn’t know to ask.”  (Passover Haggadah) The section of the Four Sons is

It’s that time of year again. Although, Rosh Hashana, the time, we as Jews, reassess our values and goals is way past, many people use the start of the secular calendar similarly, to refresh and assess their goals for 2021. This is actually the perfect time to create a mission statement for your family. The

When my children were small and my parents would come visit, their suitcases was usually full of gifts. Embarrassingly, as soon as they walked in the door, my children would dutifully give a hug and kiss and then promptly ask, “Where’s my present?” even before my parents coats were off. I am not the only

The pandemic continues, far longer than we have imagined it. We are spending a lot of time with our families. A lot of togetherness can be hard. One mom wrote the following. I love my child but I feel like I have a hard time liking her. Her personality clashes with mine and I feel

Everyone is a little bit nervous about money these days and feeling the pinch. Budgets are being revamped and regular shopping habits are being curbed. If we are concerned, then it goes without saying that our kids are feeling it too. They might even ask us some uncomfortable questions: “Do we have enough money?” “Are

Adina Soclof’s series on teaching kids to be respectful continues: Catch up with parts I and II here.

Things must have shifted in society-at-large and my pediatric office is a small microcosm where a different phenomenon is emerging.  Allow me to explain.  Pediatricians are, for the most part, warm, friendly, kids-centric people.  Not every child wants to come to the pediatrician’s office.  That’s normal, also for the most part.     So years

“Yikes, Dr. Lightman. Chanukkah is coming. There’s a family get together. Yes, it’s fun but…my kids are not picture perfect. My extended family might see my children acting out. What’s a parent to do?” I remember those days. Somehow, our kids don’t “perform” just because we ring a bell. Family get togethers can be loaded

Mom or dad is pushing the stroller down the bundle of joy inside the stroller.  One hand of the parent pushes the stroller while the other hand holds a cell phone.  Something engaging must be on that piece of glorified plastic because rather than interacting with the child, the parent is preoccupied with whatever is

Covenant & Conversation: Family Edition is a new and exciting initiative from The Office of Rabbi Sacks for 5779.  Written as an accompaniment to Rabbi Sacks’ weekly Covenant & Conversation essay, the Family Edition is aimed at connecting older children and teenagers with his ideas and thoughts on the parsha. Each element of the Family Edition is progressively more advanced; The Core Idea is appropriate