Friday Light

Join The Worldwide FridayLight Album!

2012-01-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

Join The Worldwide FridayLight Album!

FridayLight has teamed up with Album+, an up and coming realtime photo sharing software. Using their new app to build a worldwide photo album of FridayLighter's photos, we're going to build the world's largest candle-lighting photo album!

The app is available for Android and iPhone users!

It's very easy to be a part of this effort and help us celebrate a global army of lighters.

Here's how:

Download the "Album Plus" app for your iPhone or Android.
Choose "Select Manually" to find the FridayLight "event"
Enter code "PEACE" (Make sure there are no spaces!)
Start snapping away! Your image will automatically be included in the FridayLight album.

READY, SET, GO!
Take pictures of your candle sticks, your table set for Friday night, yummy Shabbat foods—you name it! Even a picture of the sunset would fit right in.

Thought To Light By January 20th 2012

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

We remember the story of Exodus everyday to remind ourselves that G-d defeated the Egyptians and liberated us from a seemingly endless exile. But how is this truly relevant to us today? The truth is, we still all have our exiles; our burdens, our constraints. Remembering the deliverance from Egypt reminds us that G-d can just as easily redeem us from our own personal limitations. Light tonight and recognize the Divine hand that is ready and waiting to turn your darkness into light.

FridayLighters Write: Friday Night

2012-01-16T17:05:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY NIGHT

By Catherine Cronin

Photo shot in Montauk Long Island NY.

My husband Michael, myself and Joseph my son summer 2011

Friday night candle lighting connects me to G-d. It allows me a few moments to ask Him to bless my family and protect us, and guide us during our lifetime. It gives me the knowledge that there is something bigger than me, that loves me, and is listening to what I have to say. It gives me the opportunity to connect with those whom I love that are no longer on this earth. Friday night candle lighting is a blessing that cannot be done any other time of the week. It opens that door into a world that we cannot see but know in our hearts that it is everywhere around us, and awaits us joining it at a future date.

FridayLighter Recipe: Yellow Rice Salad

2012-01-16T16:32:00.001-08:00

Submitted by Karen Rubin Brown

Hi~

I love this contest that you are holding. Here is my recipe for the second entry.....

Thanks in advance!!!

Yellow Rice Salad

8 servings

1 10-ounce package of yellow rice mix

2 14-ounce cans/jars of artichoke hearts (I use the marinated ones)

drained and coarsely chopped.

5 green onions, sliced, (including 1/3 of the green tops)

1/2 cup of diced red pepper (I sometimes leave this out)

1/2 cup of sliced black olives

Tomato wedges for garnish (optional)

DRESSING:

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon of basil vinegar (I actually use 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar)

2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon of paprika

1 to 2 cloves of pressed garlic

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper

Prepare rice according to the package instructions and cool

Prepare dressing by combining all ingredients in a blender

Pour dressing over artichokes and marinate for at least an hour

Mix cooled rice all ingredients and dressing and toss to combine.

Chill for several hours to combine flavors.

Allow to stand at room temp for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with tomato wedges.

***We have some vegetarians and a couple of vegans at our Temple...so this covers everyone's likes.

FridayLighter Recipe: Garlic Dip

2012-01-16T16:32:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Faigy Treitel

This is an amazing dip to go with challah, chicken etc.

Garlic cloves-peeled
Olive oil
Fresh or dry rosemary
Salt
Pepper
Ginger- minced or powder

Place garlic in Pyrex dish, fill dish half way with olive oil.
Sprinkle spices and give it a mix.
Bake covered at 350 for 20 mins and then uncover it. Let bake until brownish.

Enjoy!

Thought To Light By [January 15 2012]

2012-01-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

We're almost mid-way through the month of January. How areyour New Year's resolutions holding up? If that questionhas you feeling a little down, chances are you're like mostpeople who are struggling to keep their resolution alive.But perhaps your commitments were too huge, maybe you tookon too much? Never underestimate the power of a tinychange. Resolve now to do something small that will have abig, and most importantly, lasting impact. And speaking ofsmall efforts that make a huge difference, light thosecandles and have a meaningful Shabbat!

FridayLighter Recipe: Sesame Noodles & String Beans

2012-01-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

Submitted by by Esti, Brachi & Hana-Bashe Himelstein

My family loves sesame noodles, and sesame green beans. This recipe joins the two and has become a family favorite, especially for Shabbos and Yontif. Sorry if the quantities are sketchy - we usually cook by taste and feel, not by measuring.

Sesame Noodles & String Beans for 10-14 people (depending on serving size)

1 lb. or less of your favorite pasta

2 bags Hanover Gold Line String Beans

Toasted sesame oil

Low-Sodium tamari

Salt

Pepper

California Garlic Powder

Cayenne pepper (optional)

Gomasio (optional)

Black & white sesame seeds (optional)

Tools:

Dutch oven

Colander

Large frying pan

Large Mixing Bowl

Mixing spoons

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Containers for storage

1. Prepare up to 1 lb. of your favorite pasta. We prefer angel hair or fettuccine. Drain, transfer to a large mixing bowl and toss with toasted sesame oil. Set aside.

2. In a large frying pan, heat a small amount of toasted sesame oil and add two large bags of Hanover Gold Line String Beans. Turn them constantly until they're all heated through and the aroma of sesame oil is making your mouth water. Turn them into the bowl of pasta and mix together.

3. In the frying pan, heat about 1/2 c. of toasted sesame oil, 1/2 c. low-sodium tamari, 1/2 t. garlic powder with parsley (often called "California Blend"), and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional.) When heated through, pour over the noodle/string bean mixture. Mix again, and then add salt and white or black pepper to taste.

Note: For extra flavor and an interesting texture, add 2 heaping T. gomasio and/or black and white sesame seeds.

This dish can be served hot or cold.

Goes well with a Tamari dressing and Israeli salad.

For a one-dish meal, julienne 4 large butterfly chicken breasts, dredge in seasoned flour,stir fry in small amount of very hot cooking oil, and drain on paper towels. Add the fried strips of chicken to the Sesame Noodle/String Bean mixture. Delish!

Response to THOUGHT TO LIGHT BY e-mail (#2)

2012-01-09T09:29:00.001-08:00

THANK YOU , FOR ALL THE MATERIALS YOU HAVE SENT TO ME .

Ariel Aldemar Labrada Sierra (COLOMBIA -SOUTH AMERICA)

Response to THOUGHT TO LIGHT BY E-mail (#1)

2012-01-09T09:23:00.001-08:00

Is a great pleasure to receive your reply and all the information that you sent to me.

Sure , lights will always transcends through all generations....

Thought To Light By January 6th 2012

2012-01-06T18:38:00.000-08:00

Brrrrr, it's cold outside! But do you also have an icicle inside you? A place inside that is trapped, unmoving...frozen? Perhaps its something you've been meaning to tell someone? Maybe it's simply a chore you've been ignoring? It may even be your talents, goals or spiritual endeavors that are freezing. Whatever the case, the Shabbat lights can start to melt the stiffness within. Light your candles tonight and feel the warmth and peaceful moment melting whatever is keeping you cold. Unfreeze and be freed by the light!

Thought to Light By December 23rd, 2011

2011-12-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

The story of Chanukah is one of triumph in the face of our enemies, and a miracle with a deep lesson. When a person's deepest self is challenged, their essence comes out and no force can extinguish that flame. This is what happened on Chanukah — Temple oil meant to last for only a day responded to an attack on its soul and offered eight days of light! This Chanukah and every day henceforth, may we become this miracle—through both times of hope and times of challenge—of a light shining bright, beyond our wildest imagination.

Thought To Light By December 16, 2011

2011-12-15T18:28:00.000-08:00

This Shabbat is the last before Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. But perhaps you find that all this talk about light has got you feeling dark? You see, the flame is shining really strong this month. And wherever there is outward revelations of strength and goodness, there always lurks negativity, even naysayers. Sometimes that naysayer is you. Light tonight and remember: while darkness descents, light transcends. All you have to do is turn it on. Even if you're not feeling strong, just flick the switch. Light will take care of the rest.

Thought To Light By December 9th 2011

2011-12-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

In this week's Torah portion, we read about Jacob daughter, Dina, who inherited an outgoing nature from Leah—"Like mother, like daughter." Chassidic insights into her character, her story, reveal that Dina's interest in reaching out to other women and other lands was praiseworthy. What an indispensable lesson for women today. While the female nature is more within—especially in contrast to man's conquering ways—this in no way means that the Jewish female role-model is one veiled behind doors. Au contraire! Women too have a role that passes the borders of her home. Our femininity can only serve to enhance the global impact we are encouraged to make. Light your candles tonight and take Dina's lesson to heart. Discover the ways you will combine your femaleness—and perhaps outgoingness!—to reach beyond and truly make a difference.

Thought to Light By November 25, 2011

2011-12-05T08:58:00.001-08:00

Sometimes, the heavy quality of darkness makes it feel more tangible, more true. It's hard to imagine how even just a little light is more resilient, how it can conquer and turn
everything around. Light tonight and imagine your candle joining a global flame that can truly uplift you, your family and indeed the whole world. Even if it's hard to imagine, just do it. It's something you have to experience to believe.

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Thank you to everyone who has joined our event, "Lighting Candles in Memory of Rivkah Holtzberg." Find out who lit from all over the world by viewing the event posted to our page at www.facebook.com/SpreadLight

Talk about spreading the light! Kindness Boomerang VIdeo

2011-11-16T21:46:00.000-08:00

Thought To Light By November 18th 2011

2011-11-16T08:45:00.001-08:00

Studies show that people who find ways to be grateful are happier, more fulfilled people. That may sound obvious, but sometimes being thankful for what we have is easier said than done. Fortunately, days like Thanksgiving remind us to gather around and celebrate all that we have. Even better, Shabbat does that, too. Light your candles tonight and recognize the blessing in having a true Thanksgiving every seven days!

Yom Kippur Thought To Light By [Oct 7 2011]

2011-10-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Although Yom Kippur is aptly called the Day of Atonement and Judgment, don't let that heavy tone get you down. View Yom Kippur as an opportunity to enter the New Year with a clean slate and refresh your relationship with the Divine. It's interesting that the fast is followed by a festive meal—we are confident that our appeals were accepted, so we rejoice. After all, there is nothing more empowering and worth celebrating than the ability to begin anew. May we all be sealed in the Book of Life!
----------

This evening sanctify the holiness of this time by lighting
a candle with the the special Shabbat/Yom Kippur blessings:

Transliteration of the first blessing:
Ba-ruch A-tah A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher
ki-deshanu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzvi-va-nu le-had-lik ner shel
Sha-bat vi-shel Yom Ha-Ki-pu-rim.

Translation:
Blessed are You, L‑rd, our G‑d, King of the
universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and
has commanded us to kindle the light of Shabbat and Yom
Kippur.

Transliteration of the second blessing:
Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-o-lam
she-he-che-ya-nu ve-ki-yi-ma-nu ve-hi-gi-ya-nu liz-man
ha-zeh.

Translation:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe,
who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to
reach this occasion.

FridayLight Heroine(s): Lily Gritz and Rena Holstein

2011-03-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Rena Holstein

Lily Gritz

Rena Holstein and Lily Gritz

[Nominated by Lily's Granddaughter and Rena's great niece, Wendy Blevins)

My Jewish Heroine ('s) are my Grandmother, Lily Gritz and her sister, my Great-Aunt, Rena Holstein. Both women immigrated from a small shtetl in the town of Dubrowa Bialyastocka, Poland. Lily, at the age of 17 around 1930. Rena almost ten years later, setting sail for America on August 31, 1939, the day before Hitler invaded Poland. Rena met her husband to be Sam Holstein on the ship. Lily met her husband, Abe Gritz as she walked by his father's shoe store in Washington, DC. Both women raised close loving families who struggled through and survived the devastating loss of their beloved mother, eldest brother, youngest sister and their families to the concentration camp ovens of Treblinka. Eventually relocating from the Northeast to the DC Suburbs, they lived on the same block, six houses away from each other. Lily, having been in The States longer, took a more Conservative approach to Judaism, while still keeping the Kosher, and many of the Shabbat laws. Rena maintained her Orthodoxy, was very influential in her little shul, which has transformed in to a very large thriving Orthodox community and has been honored for her contributions to the growth and education at that shul. Neither forgot for a moment, the family members they lost and brought them alive with their remarkable story-telling skills and shared memories. Every Friday night, for as long as I can remember, until she was in her 90's MaLil, as everyone came to call Lily, prepared Shabbat dinner. My family and my mother's sibling's family- my Aunt, Uncle and first cousins - and later our spouses and children-would gather at MaLil's house, she would light the Shabbat candles, whispering the prayer under her breath and serve a pretty remarkable dinner. Most weeks would include a walk up to Runchye's (as we called Rena) house for a visit, some Dentyne gum and a lessen In Judaism or history or just some really super words of wisdom. I spent many hours listening, completely absorbed and felt like I truly came to know my Great-Grandmother, Great-Uncle and Great-Aunt, and knew what it was like growing up in the shtetl.

I had listened to their stories all my life. Stories of Friday nights on summer evenings, windows open, listening to all the voices from other houses welcoming Shabbat in song. And of the excitement of running to her aunt's bakery on Saturday evening with the other children to get a challa from the big brick oven, which would stay warm from sundown to sundown. And running to the candy store on a Channukah night, a shiny piece of gelt held tightly in her hand, candles glowing in all the windows. It was a home where aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors gathered, because the children in her family were so happy despite the hardship and adversity of life in the shtetl. I felt their tremendous joy as they told of growing up...stories that always made them...and us ...laugh in wonder. How could so much happiness abound where life was so hard? MaLil said they were just happy.

I had also seen the sorrow on their faces when they spoke of leaving behind the loved ones they lost...and I feel that sorrow in my heart. So, theirs is also a story of work in factories and tailor shops, of building families and businesses of their own, and of the letter, confirming their worst fears and greatest dread...the family left behind in Poland had been taken to the Treblinka death camp...and consequently a story of keeping their momory alive, and of passing down the strength, meaning and vibrancy of Jewish shtetl life to future generations.

In 1987, the sisters realized their life-long dream of returning to their village of Dubrowa. Nothing was left of the town's Jewish community (which had been rebuilt after being burned and razed by the Nazis) except the Jewish cemetery on the edge of town. Buried there were their father, grand-parents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles. Many of the head-stones dated back to the mid-1700's. But the cemetery was in total disrepair, overgrown with underbrush, scattered debris, toppled headstones and broken monuments. Chickens and cows roamed about. Over the next eight years I witnessed the heroism bred from that culture and way of life as MaLil and Runchye led a successful campaign to restore and preserve the cemetery. Single handedly these women in their late 70's raised the $29,000 needed, through hundreds of small donations largely from former inhabitants of Dubrowa and their descendants. Their efforts were immeasurably assisted by an elementary school classmate of Runchye's, a Roman Catholic man who still lived in the village, Jan Zaerzecki. Zarezecki had assisted Polish Jews and fought the Nazis as a member of the Polish underground during the war. He supervised the restoration of the cemetery, obtaining the necessary permits and hiring an architect. In June of 1995 the restoration was complete and Lily and Rena went back, with family members to rededicate the cemetery, honoring the memory of those buried there, those lost in the camps and the home they loved.

To me they are true heroines. Their stories gave me an understanding of the importance of family and traditions, the appreciation of life and it's gifts--even when life is difficult. And, they provided invaluable examples of bravery, great strength, perseverance and chesed shel emet, a loving kindness of absolute truth for which one does not expect a reward. These examples influence me every day, leading the way and guiding me through life. "The stories tell from where you have come...And in doing so they foretell your destiny" Laurence Kushner in Honey From the Rock.

If I win the contest I would donate the prize money to The Jonathan Krist D. Foundation (www.jonathankrist.org )-see their Facebook page-in honor of the spirit of chesed shel emet taught to me by my grandmother and great aunt and embodied by the foundation. The foundation was established to honor the memory and charitable deeds of Jonathan Krist. He was a talented musician, conscientious about his politics and helping the underserved. He died in a car accident in May 2006 at the age of 19.

Thank you for your consideration,

Wendy Blevins

New Hope, PA

FridayLight Heroine: Rachel Dadusc

2011-03-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Rachel Dadusc

[Nominated by Lisa Kadosh]

Rachel is from Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She is the mother of five beautiful children, Sarah, Sion Meir, Areyeh Leib, Shayndi, and Tzipporah (Tzippy). She is the wife of Daniel.

Rachel is one of the sweetest, nicest, most loving people. She only has nice words to say about others. Also, she teaches her children how to be good Jewish people and to love Torah and Hashem.

One of the smartest women I know, Rachel is an indexer. She reads more pages in a week than anyone else I have ever met! However, she has taken a mini retirement from her career for the time being. In September 2010, Rachel’s youngest child, at the time 18 month old Tzippy, was diagnosed with a childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. Rachel is constantly going from doctor appointment to doctor appointment. Over Purim, Rachel will be in the hospital with Tzippy, and for 5 weeks after that, because Tzippy will be having a stem cell transplant (reimplanting her immune system after six excessive doses of chemotherapy.)

During this whole process, Rachel has maintained a smile. She comes home at night to be with her oldest children and is constantly thinking about everyone else. For example, already in early February, Rachel ordered her materials to make Mishloach Manot in case Purim overlaps with the extended hospital stay. (Which it will.) She still asks all her friends and family if she could help them! Rachel is maintaining as normal a life for all of her children as possible during this time.

It is ironic that Tzippy’s transplant overlaps with Purim, as Rachel’s husband Daniel stated in their Caring Bridge blog: “Of course, Rachel pointed out how apropos it was that the decision to get one transplant or two was a random toss of the coin, AKA a goral (a lottery pick) in the month of Adar. So here we are going full force with what better time of the year to have such a major decision be decided by something random! Hope that all made sense.”

Rachel is truly a strong Jewish mother. She deserves a moment to shine. (Though she keeps hiding!) She moves forward day by day with such optimism. Anyone that meets her feels that radiating positive attitude. She does not see her current life situation as a set back, but as another step Hashem has set for her and her family. She is truly a hero! Anyone who knows her is blessed to know her!

If she were to win, I have no doubt that she would use the prize for her children, maybe in their Jewish education, to maintain normalcy at home, to buy necessities, which she really has not had a chance to do on her own. Though Rachel has admitted to me that she really does not like shopping, I think the idea of her having the freedom to just go to the store and shop for groceries herself is actually a relief! If she were to be able to plan Pesach for her family and to buy the food herself that would give her back some of that feeling of control in life. (Thank goodness her family and friends and community as a whole have all helped her by cooking, shopping, etc. during this time.)

FridayLight Heroine: Leah Devorah Neuman

2011-03-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Leah Devorah Neuman

[Nominated by Jonathan Neuman]

Brief Bio:

Born in the Bronx to European immigrants escaping the horror of the churban of Eastern Europe, the youngest of four children; later moved to Forest Hills, NY. Married and settled in Jamaica Estates, Queens. Graduate of Yeshiva University High School for Girls of Manhattan, Stern College for Women and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Busy raising a family of ka”h eight children (the oldest is married) while working full time on Long Island as a paralegal. Favorite hobbies are cooking and photography.

Why she is a Jewish heroine:
In Sefer Shoftim, after Devorah defeats Sisera and the Canaani army, ending their horrific oppression of the Yisraelim and ushering in 40 years of peace, she describes her historic role as "a mother in Yisrael." One of only seven female neviot in Tanach, the only female shofetet in Jewish history - and yet the ultimate way in which Devorah chooses to describe her role is simply as "a mother in Yisrael." Looking at Jewish history, it is easy to see why Devorah would describe herself so. From Rivka seeing through Esav's lies and ensuring that Yaakov would get the brachot, to Tzipora giving a brit milah to her son when Moshe failed to do so and saving her husband's/child's life (there is a machloket in the Gemarah), to the women of our time, it has always been the Jewish mother who has ensured the continued spiritual and physical existence of our people. As the Irish Catholic production manager of the New York Times responded when questioned as to why the newspaper had included New York's Shabbat candle lighting time for January 1, 2100, in its Millenium Edition of January 1, 2000 predicting the future: "We don't know what will happen in the year 2100. It is impossible to predict the future. But of one thing you can be certain. That in the year 2100 Jewish women will be lighting Shabbos candles."

Like Devorah, my mother, Leah Devorah, is the ultimate Jewish heroine because she too is a "mother in Yisrael." Lynda Carter has nothing on this real-life Wonder Woman. My mother wakes up early every morning to make breakfast for her family, and makes sure that everyone gets out the door to school on time. She then rushes to shop for food and other necessities for the house, before heading to her 9-5 job so that she can provide income for her family. When she gets home from work, tired and utterly exhausted, she cooks dinner for the family, and will not eat any of it until she is satisfied that everyone else has had their fill. Then she helps the kids with their homework, school projects, shidduch issues, life issues, and all of the other craziness that fills a Jewish household, before finally she can collapse into bed just to get up the next day to rinse and repeat. Throw in preparing for every Shabbat and Yom Tov, together with all of the chesed that she does, and one cannot help but believe that the Beatles were right and that there really are eight days in the week, because it is not physically possible to accomplish what my mother, this wonder of Hashem, accomplishes. Yet she does it, day in and day out, without ever complaining. Her every breath is devoted to her family and ensuring that her children will forever shine brightly as batim ne'emanim biyisrael.

What she would do with the prize money:
With Purim and Pesach rapidly approaching, and the enormous expense their preparation entails, the money would certainly be a godsend in helping my mother. Were my mother to win the prize, there is no doubt in my mind what she would do with the money. She would do the same thing that she has tirelessly dedicated every second of every day to doing. She would spend it on her life, her love: her children.

FridayLight Heroine: Devorah Leah Shmotkin

2011-03-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Devorah Leah Shmotkin

[Nominated by Fraida Weintraub]

Devorah Leah is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. She works very hard as the co-director at “The Shul” in Bayside, Wisconsin. What makes Devorah Leah so special is that her mission in life is to reveal the positive spark that lies inside of everyone. People who visit Devorah Leah’s Shul are touched by the way she makes them feel not only welcomed, but sincerely like family. She always has a smile on her face and has a sweet, calming, nature that makes her very easy to talk to. What makes Devorah Leah’s Shul stand out from many is that although she and her family are Chabad-Lubavitch, she makes clear that she wants everyone in the community to come just as they are because a Jew is a Jew is a Jew, regardless of what level of practice one chooses to follow. She has helped unite the Jewish community in her town with programming such as the Jewish Women’s Circle, Jewish Book Club, Maj Nights, Hebrew School, adult education programs, Holiday events, the Friendship Circle, and Camp Gan Israel. What makes her so special is that not only can Devorah Leah put in the countless hours to help the Jewish community be at its best, but she is an incredible mother to ka”h 10 beautiful children. Her and her family have done so much for the community, it’s unbelievable! I was touched to see that when one of the members of the community was recovering from a surgery in the hospital, Devorah Leah without question ran over to provide this person with hot kosher meals until she was able to recover. She is the natural motherly figure to everyone in the community and wouldn’t think twice about assisting anyone if they needed anything. Devorah Leah taught me the power of being a Jewish woman. She is a perfect candidate for this award because she is VERY much so a feminist. She, in fact, has petitioned to get a women’s center near the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens, NY because right now there is only a men’s center. Devorah Leah wants women to stand up and have a voice in society!!!

With the $1,000 prize I really think that Devorah Leah deserves to use some of it on herself because she’s constantly putting everyone else before her. I think a portion of the money will be used towards her family, such as providing her children with proper education, buying them books, materials, as well as buying food…after all she does feed a family of 10! I think another portion of the money will be spent on her community, which will go towards her programming with the Women’s circle, family Shabbos dinners at The Shul, and the various other events that she helps coordinate.

Please help to nominate Devorah Leah for this award. She has touched so many people by making them feel proud to be the person that they are. She ALWAYS puts the community and her family before her own needs and really deserves to know how special she is. A true Eyshes Chail!!!

FridayLight Heroine: Sharon Frant Brooks

2011-03-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

Sharon Frant Brooks

[Self nominated]

A brief bio on the nominee's life - her hometown, her family, etc.: Sharon Frant Brooks lives in Clinton Township, New Jersey where she lives with her husband, Kenneth. She has two grown and wonderful daughters who have always made her proud. She was raised in Highland Park, New Jersey where her father still lives. In the photo attached, she is in her father’s original hometown, the now “lost community” of the Shtetl of Dubiecko where Sharon spear-headed the movement to create a memorial to that Jewish community. She is seen here with Rabbi Michael Schudrich, Chief Rabbi of Poland who participated in the dedication of that monument.
Sharon has a long professional history as an occupational therapist. She has been a volunteer for over 35 years for Paralympic sports for the disabled, where she met her husband, himself a quadriplegic table tennis champion. These passions, combined with her motivation to make her love of Judaism live in the many children for whom Jewish education is not accessible, she began working at a congregational religious school as the Coordinator of Resource Center services. She chose even to return to graduate school after her own daughters went off to college to earn a Masters Degree in Jewish Education, beyond her graduate degree in Occupational Therapy which she earned in 2006 from the Jewish Theological Seminary. She has been coordinating that program for 9 years now, creating curricular materials for students with a full range of learning challenges, autism, Fragile X, Familial Dysautonomia, Aspergers Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, as well as the full range of sensory, motor, cognitive, and perceptual challenges. This program as well as the e.newsletter she edits- “BINA” – Best practices, Innovations, News, and Achievements for special needs Jewish educators and her B’nai Mitzvah preparation program for students with learning differences has won the program Solomon Schechter Gold Medal awards for national excellence. She as an educator was honored as the Jewish Educators Assembly educator of the year in 2007, and she was honored by the New Jersey Inclusive Ministries Commission as the Outstanding Religious Educator in 2007. Her family also was honored by that same commission this past year for 3 generations of commitment to Jewish community inclusion activities for the disabled. She was just tapped by the Jewish Educators Assembly to spear head a new Special Needs Jewish Education National Committee.

Expand on her cause/mission/life which justifies her nomination. What makes you/her a "Jewish Heroine?" Sharon has enabled new connections and education in Jewish life and learning often unavailable to even the most seriously disabled youth in congregational religious schools. Her program welcomes with open arms even students of families not members of the congregation to afford all students the opportunity to learn Jewish prayer, traditions, history, Torah, and prepare for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Every one of Sharon’s students has accomplished the goal of Bar or Bat Mitzvah and even read from Torah, even the most significantly disabled of those students. She has been an innovator, creating her own curriculum when none were available, taught other educators the need not only for best practices but a change in the Jewish community’s culture to be more open to including all members, disabled and non-disabled, with common respect for all. Her unique program, using specially trained therapy dogs called DALET dogs (Dog Assistant Literacy Education Teacher) has been a huge success in reaching many students not easily reached in the past to encourage improved reading, motivation, and comfort in a learning environment. In a special program, she and her students created their own Bais Midrash complete with a Torah where they can learn the skills of prayer in a comfortable and familiar location before proceeding on to prepare for their B’nai mitzvah. That program, Gesher B’nai Mitzvah and its precursor, Kesher L Gesher, recently were honored with an award from USCJ. She is now looking at creating a post-bnai mitzvah program for students unable to be integrated into conventional community Jewish education programs directed at that population.

What would you/she do with the $1,000 prize: The $1000 would be used to assist in implementing the Post B’nai Mitzvah program for students with alternative learning needs. The program has been developed and reviewed and is fully supported by the Adath Israel Religious school who would be hosting it. It would reach out, however, to any student for whom continued Jewish Education in a community religious schools is otherwise unavailable. The program would incorporate a well coordinated, multi-sensory and traditionally based learning program.

FridayLight Heroine: Lauren Schneider

2011-03-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Lauren Schneider

[Nominated by Laura Weiss]

Lauren grew up in New York City. She is the daughter and granddaughter of proud pro-choice advocates. As a child, Lauren was always interested in helping other people. As a child, she participated in synagogue Tzedakah projects and trick-or-treated for UNICEF. She learned the importance of helping those less fortunate, of bikur holim and mishloach manot. What especially resonated with her was the Jewish teaching of “Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof” – Justice, justice shall you pursue. For Lauren, feminism was the natural movement to join in pursuit of justice. Feminism is a movement for breaking down unjust systems of oppression, and creating a move equal world for everybody. In high school, she was president of the Gay/Straight Alliance, and advocated for equal rights for LGBTQ people. Now that she is in college, she is a member of the Cornell Women’s Resource Center Advisory Board, a group of students who pursue justice every day by working to end sexism, racism, homophobia, heterosexism, ablism, and other bigotries through programming and education. She is also co-president of Cornell Vox: Voices for Planned Parenthood, a group that advocates for reproductive justice for women in the United States.

Recently, an anti-choice group at Cornell showed a propaganda film on campus that portrayed abortion as black genocide. Around the same time, the House of Representatives cut all funding for Title X family planning, as well as money for WIC and Head Start. Lauren and Cornell Vox swung into action. First, a group of representatives went to New York City for a Planned Parenthood rally. They were joined by Lauren's mother, an ardent pro-choicer in her own right. Then, Lauren wrote an op-ed to her school paper discussing the role of anti-choice propaganda that targets black women in the defunding of Title X and arguing for a woman's right to access sexual and reproductive health care no matter the size of her wallet. She also spearheaded leafleting following the screening of the film, and she and her group will be screening a documentary that debunks anti-choice strategies on campus. She is a heroine because in the face of an organized campaign designed to take away women’s rights, she resists. Lauren does not back away from a challenge, and she continues to speak out about the things she believes in, because she knows that she can make a difference.

Lauren will be graduating from college at the end of May, and wants to enter the feminist workforce.
If she wins the $1000 prize, she will be able to attend Feminist Summer Camp <http://www.soapboxinc.com/feminist-summer-camp/> and still have enough money leftover to make a large donation to National Council of Jewish Women, an amazing Jewish pro-choice organization that does amazing work on behalf of women. At Feminist Summer Camp, she will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to network with great feminists and pro-choice leaders. Past participants include such Jewish heroines as Gloria Steinem and Ariel Levy. This will enable her to continue her work as an advocate for women, which she feels is only just beginning. Lauren is young, but she has a strong Jewish neshama dedicated to pursuing justice in the world, work that she would like to continue her whole life. She is deserving of this prize and will make the most of the opportunities it provides.

Thought To Light By [March 11, 2011]

2011-03-11T08:49:00.001-08:00

Surely by now most of us have finalized Purim costumes, for ourselves and/or our kids. Remember, though, to consider the purpose of dressing up on Purim. The Jewish people were saved by seemingly random events, but a closer look reveals a divine plan. Don't get distracted by the mask, rather resolve to look deeper. When you light tonight, think about the costumes you wear every day...and what hides behind them. Use Shabbat to tap into your own "true story!"

FridayLight Heroine: Cassia Margolis

2011-03-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

PLEASE NOTE HOW TO VOTE!

Your "like" on the blog post does NOT count as a VOTE! This is only the information profile of the nominee. To VOTE for her, you must 1) "LIKE" the FridayLight Facebook page (Facebook.com/Fridaylight) and 2)"Like" her pic in the "Heroine Nominees Voting Album" found here: http://on.fb.me/goeeEA

Cassia signing "Shabbat"

Cassia Margolis

[Nominated by Lynne Lieberman]

My heroine is one of my closest friends, Cassia Margolis.

Cassia Margolis lives in Indianapolis with her husband and three children. The family is observant, and Jewish education is high on their priority list. Two of her children are Deaf, and she quickly discovered there were almost no materials available to teach Judaism to Deaf people. Existing materials in English and Hebrew are not accessible to people whose first language is American Sign Language (ASL).

Most hearing parents of Deaf children don't learn ASL, and since the dominant religion in this country is Christianity, the children often don't even have rudimentary knowledge of their own religion. Deaf Jews are at risk for intermarriage and are easy targets for proselytizers, since there are so many Deaf church groups. Even those Deaf Jews who remain Jewish are excluded from most aspects of Jewish life. Unless they live in New York or Maryland, they might only see an interpreter for services on the High Holidays, and probably not every year.

Not only did everyone in Cassia's family learn to sign, and not only do they run a Deaf Seder in their home every Pesach, but in 1999 they started a project: Jewish Heritage and Holidays in American Sign Language (JHAH in ASL). Cassia thought she'd produce a few VHS tapes for a few blessings and the major holidays and see if anyone was interested. The response was tremendous - people were starving for knowledge! Cassia has now produced videos to explain everything from the blessing for lighting Shabbat candles to Hanukkah to Jewish views of the afterlife. She started with VHS tapes and moved to DVDs and posting on YouTube. She discovered there were many adults who needed this important education, not just children. Cassia scours the country to find Deaf people and interpreters who can explain all the facets of our culture, whether it's religious practices, history, theology, Hebrew and Yiddish vocabulary, or any topic that has been requested. All videos are provided FREE to the thousands of Jewish Deaf adults and children in the United States.

How would Cassia spend the $1,000?

There are considerable costs for this venture. The current computer is quite old and just about dead, so she desperately needs a new one. It's been through many upgrades and isn't able to keep running. That's the critical current need. She also needs extra hard drives to store all the data. Software for editing needs to be upgraded every few years, as it becomes outdated and unusable. Even though most of the videos are online now, there are still people who need DVDs, so she has to buy the DVDs to burn and mail them.

There are currently several hundred videos available, with many more topics just waiting for funding. Cameras, computers, editing software and all other expenses for this project are covered solely by contributions. If you go to www.youtube.com and search for "JHAH in ASL," you will see some of the incredible work that has been done. Cassia makes sure the light of Judaism shines for everyone in the Jewish community.

Thank you,

Lynne Lieberman

FridayLight Heroine: Danit Schusterman

2011-03-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

DANIT SCHUSTERMAN

[Nominated by Sholom Schusterman]

I am nominating my wife, Danit Schusterman for the "FridayLight Jewish Heroine!"

Danit was born in Israel, raised in South Africa and grew up in the house right next door to 770 in Crown Heights Brooklyn where she graduated Beth Rivkah Seminary. She is the oldest of 5 kids and is very close to her siblings.

We got married in 2004 and moved to Maui, Hawaii on shlichus - to do community building - where we have been for 7 years.

Below is an essay her 16 year old sister wrote about Danit for a school project.

My sister, Danit, is the ideal Eishes Chayil. I strive to be like

her and when I am older, I hope to be a great wife and mother
like she is. My sister is on Shlichus in Maui, Hawaii. She has five
children ka"h under the age of five. She is truely unique and rare.

Every Shabas my sister hosts lots of guests, cleaning, cooking
delicious food, while taking care of all her children. She greets
each guest with a smile and welcomes them friendly, making
them feel like family.

There is no Jewish school on Maui, so my sister home schools
her kids. She stays with all the kids all day and raises them
to be respectful and smart and teaches them even ahead of
what they would they would be learning should they be in
regular school.

There is bearly any Kosher food on the island so that means
easy meals for my sister, all her food is homemade and it's
all delicious.

Never have I heard a complaint come out of her mouth.
Even at the end of a long after, running on little sleep (being
kept awake by my baby twin neices), she'll be as kind as ever.

Her kindness isn't forced, it is genuine. She is honestly one
of the nicest and wisest people I know. She gives great advise
and there are so many people who look up to her.

I am truly honered and blessed to have a sister like Danit who
is a great Eishes Chayil and I always will strive to be like her
and follow in her footsteps.

If anyone deserves to win this, it is my wife. She homeschools and takes care of our 5 kids, all under 5 including identical twin girls. She always manages to keep things calm in the house, having delicious meals for our family and taking care of everyones needs as if they were the only one she needs to take care of, including me. She has an amazing following of women living on Maui, and is a truly dedicated wife and shlucha.

If she wins the $1000, I have no doubt she will use the money towards educational materials for her homeschool and towards our Chabad center, The Maui Mitzvah Center.

Hope she wins!

FridayLight Heroine: Dora Posner

2011-03-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

PLEASE NOTE HOW TO VOTE!

Dora Posner

[Nominated by Daniel Posner]

My nominee's name is Dora Posner, my mother. I am an only child, her son.

My mom was born in her mother's home in New York City on October 20th 1915.
Married to the Emmy Award winning cinematographer Harold Posner for 69
years. Her grandmother gave her a pair of brass Shabbos candlesticks that
are now about 380 years old. They spent most of the last 60+ years as
bookends. When my family left Florida, mom gave them to my wife. Since we
were moving to Israel and being a Zionist, she felt that they should come
home with us. Within a year and a half my father left this world, leaving
her alone in this world. When she turned 93 years young, she decided that
she would make Aliyah and come to live with us.

On the first Shabbos my wife and I with our two children were in Israel,
just before Chanukah 2004, my wife lit the 380 year old candlesticks for the
first time in over 60 years. The candlesticks cried out " Baruch Hashem we
are now being used for the purpose you brought us into this world for."
Since mom arrived here in Tzfat she has taken over bringing the light of
Shabbos to our home using these candlesticks and from this we all have
learned that it is never too late to come home, both physically and
spiritually.

Mom has a long history of working with Jewish causes including singing in
several Jewish choruses. She has shown me pictures of 300 member choruses
where she is the the only surviving member. Her mission durring my life was
to maks sure I understood that being a mensch and knowing where I come from
was critical to the continuation of our people. When I was a teenager, she
took such good care of her father in the end days of his time in this world,
it left a lasting impression on me and now we take care of her bringing
Shabbos to her life as she lights up our home.

She focused on the secular Jewish culture, the Yiddish Language and support
of our homeland, Israel. When I introduced my wife to my mom 35 years ago I
said "Mom, this is the nice Jewish girl I am supposed to marry." This she
made shure my soul knew both inwardly and outwardly.

Only a yiddisha mama can do this with the love and spirit she showed me.
When My wife and I became religious she gave us a gift to buy things for the
kitchen and supported our efforts. The check she gave us was for a thousand
dollars. It would be nice if she got it back. My Rebbe Dovid Bryn, ZTL
taught me that, "Coincidence is G-d's way of staying anonymous."

If she won, my mother would donate the money to The Bayit Tzfat, a center for Jewish Culture and Learning that is named after my father, the only love in my mother's life. The Bayit Tzfat is divided into two parts, the Kollel HaRav Dovid Bryn and The Beit Knesset Chaim Ben Tzvi. The money would go to help in covering the moving costs, as the center has lost its lease and needs to move this May. She knows the value of a dollar since she lived through the depression.

With love of Torah, Mitzvas and Israel,

Daniel Pozner

Sweet Potato Casserole [Submitted by Gayle Johnson]

2010-10-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have never liked sweet potatoes my entire life, until my daughter-in-law made them recently.

This recipe is different than any I have tasted. Now, I'm hooked! Here is her delicious recipe.

Gayle Johnson

Sweet Potato Casserole

3 Cups cooked & mashed sweet potatoes
1 Cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/3 Cup milk
1/2 Cup butter

1 Cup packed brown sugar
1/3 Cup flour
1/3 Cup butter
1 Cup chopped walnuts

Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, vanilla, eggs, milk and 1/2 Cup butter; beat with electric mixer until almost smooth. Spoon into greased 2 qt casserole. Combine brown sugar, flour, 1/3 Cup butter, and nuts; sprinkle over top of casserole. Bake 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Dairy Honey Cake Recipe - Wishing you a sweet New Year!

2010-09-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

My famly was given this recipe many years ago by a beloved member of our Jewish community growing up. We always referred to it as Marian Menashe's honey cake and only found out a few years ago it was given to her by Mrs. Ellisman! This comes out very light, and unlike other recipes with coffee, it doesn't have the heavy flavor either. Enjoy.

"Marian Menashe-Bea Ellisman Honeycake"
THANK YOU TO FRIDAYLIGHTER ALANA LEVINE FOR THIS ROSH HASHANA RECIPE!!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup regular sugar
2 eggs
1 cup honey
3/4 cup oil 1 cup buttermilk
1 Tablespoon baking soda
2 cups flour
chopped pecans or almonds (a cup? to taste)

Preheat oven to 325,
Grease (spray with pam) a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Put first 4 ingredients into a mixing bowl, and with a mixer, mix till smooth (Hint: measure and pour oil first, then use that cup for the honey,,the honey will pour out much easier) Add next 3 ingredients and mix till smooth. Stir in Pecans or almonds. Pour into baking dish, and bake for 54-50 minutes, or until knife inserted comes out fairly dry. (If baking in a glass dish, lower temperature to about 310 and bake for an hour). Let cool before cutting (ever better the second day!)

2010-08-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan and Marshmallow Streusel

SUBMITTED BY
Illume Eltanin
(aka Pam Wagner)
Gainesville, FL

This recipe is a pareve adaptation of Tyler Florence's original recipe with butter.

12 large sweet potatoes
3/4 cup (11/2 sticks) unsalted pareve margarine, at room temperature
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted pecan pieces
1 cup kosher marshmallows, snipped in to quarters (or kosher miniature marshmallows)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Wash the sweet potatoes, scrubbing them well to remove any dirt. With a fork, prick the sweet potatoes in a couple of spots and place them on a sheet pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center goes in easily.

In a large bowl, mix the margarine, brown sugar, and flour together until it's crumbly-looking. Add the cinnamon, salt, pecans, and marshmallows; fold the streusel topping together to combine.

Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise down the center and push the ends towards the middle so it opens up. Stuff the sweet potatoes generously with the streusel topping and return to the oven. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and brown.

"Light Writing" Campaign! How does candle-lighting bring world peace?

2010-07-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Sharon Walling
NECKLACE WINNER!

As thousands of women all over the world take time to light Shabbat candles, for just those few minutes, there is peace at the place the flame is lit. Knowing that most of us are asking G-d for peace and good things for our families and loved ones, it has to create a synergystic flow of peace that permeates the atmosphere around our houses, apartments, and dorm rooms.

As we pray, I envision the prayers creating an incense trail of soft gossamer weaving in and out of every room, and between homes and streets and cities, tying us all together in these moments of selflessness. The air becomes sweet with blessings; those who are near us receive the peace.

Since it is we who ensure that our homes are filled with light peace, and harmony, as more and more women light the Shabbat candles, the more the old adage applies: "As the family goes – so goes the world." I’ve seen it lived out in neighborhoods, synagogues, and schools.

If prayer and communication can change a neighborhood, or a city, surely lighting the Shabbat candles and praying can change the world. I believe G-d gives this tiny respite from a loud and busy world to refresh and restore us, and to encourage us. There is always hope for peace.

Sasha Goldfarb

Just as the Jewish people were meant to live as a light to all nations, existing as an example of a just and peaceful society, so isShabbat the light that exists to rekindle the spirit of the Jewish people. As Jews, Shabbat is a time to reflect upon the immense responsibility G-d has bestowed upon us to heal the world, to help those in need, and to keep the light of peace alive in the world. If we all took this time, Jew and Gentile alike, to stop and think of how we change the world through the people we encounter each day, we might be live in a heightened awareness of of the great potential we all have to make our own part of the world a bit better. If each betters his or her own small corner of the world, the world will be alight with the peace of Shabbat at all times and in all ways.

Karen Gloyd

S haring the peace of HaShem;

H is light, we spread.

A round the world it happens -

L ights, all at sunset.

O ver the globe,

M any become one.

"Light Writing" Campaign: Describe your ideal Shabbat!

2010-07-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

By Deborah Adams
My ideal Shabbat would be spent in Israel, the holy land. I would have my family there with me & all the Jews that enjoy & respect the Sabbath. I would have candles set up for all the sick & dying in the world & I would pray the hardest for them. I would have my favorite colors, purple & black as the theme. Like purple curtains & tablecloths & all the dinnerware would also be in the purple & black theme. I would have special prayers not only for the sick & dying but also for the abused people & animals suffering in this world. I would have special foods there that was everyone's favorites that was in attendance. And I would ask Hashem to allow his presence to be felt in our minds, souls & hearts as I approached him at his holy altar. I would have Jews of all ages there with me & as I lit the Shabbat candles I would ask that everyone held hands so that we could use that as a symbol of our unity. I would then have the orthodox Jews tell me stories of the holy land & what it means to them to actually live there. I would be honored to have everyone there & I would especially love the stories of the holy land. Another thing during prayer would be that I'd ask everyone to say a special prayer for the Israel Defense Forces & the US military cause they are taking care of business for all of us. I would also have the Jews to sing special songs at the Shabbat that are sung in Israel & I'd have them play instruments to remind me of the Jews in the Torah. I would just allow the special Shabbat to be not only empowering but peaceful & serene so that it would be a Shabbat like no other.

By Phyllis LaVietes
This is a topic that is so dear to my heart, because my husband is not observant, and my children, who are observant, all live far away. My ideal Shabbat would begin with all of my children and their families being with my husband and me for Shabbat. My daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters, and I would all light candles while my husband, sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons would go to shul. Then “we girls” would daven Kabbalat Shabbat, singing it out loud while the men were out of the house. The men would come home and sing “Shalom Aleichem” and “Aishet Chayil,” and then I would bless each of my children. We would sit down to a beautiful Shabbat meal in my totally observant household. Afterwards, we would all sit and talk until the candles burned out and the light timers went off. The next morning, all of us would go to shul. Some of the men in my family would receive Torah honors. To celebrate my children’s visit to me, my husband and I would sponsor the Kiddush in shul afterwards. After a nice warm cholent at home and a restful nap, the men would sit and learn, while we women would learn together in a different room. Later, we would all go back to shul for Mincha and learning, and my husband would give a D’var Torah at Seudah Shlisheet. We would stay until Havdalah, then come home and have a lively Melave Malka with refreshments and music. This is all a dream now, but I know it will happen when Mashiach comes!

By Malka Gila Peres
Some dream and say why, I dream and say why not,,, the perfect shabbas kodesh

It would be in hotel, as I usually dont get to go.. and OK make it a five star, while we are at it.. Of course a two week stay, so i would be soooo relaxed on shabbas. We could throw in some really good speakers.. Rabbi YY Rubenstein, would be good or any Gateways speaker! I would be eating some really good raw food along with some good cholent, soup. Dont want too many calories, running me over after shabbas! I would be davening really nicely with concentration. My kids would all be quietly learning parsha or playing chess a whole shabbas with their new friends. I would be looking up at the blue sky for hours just thanking G-d for this opportunity! WHAT!! it is almost time to wash for the third meal! Oh my gosh it was a DREAM! Cause that is just NOT happening any time soon? Or is it? Did I mention there is a cleaning lady waiting at home with fresh hot towels and sheets, to help unpack? Shabbat Shalom everyone!

FL "Light Writing" Campaign!

2010-07-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Introducing the FridayLight "Light Writing" summer campaign! We'll be giving away FridayLight necklaces to the first TWO people that send in "Light Writing" (a 200 word minimum) in response to our question! Are you ready to spread the LIGHT with what you WRITE? WE WILL BE POSTING THE FIRST QUESTION TODAY! And don't worry, if you don't win a necklace this time, there will be more questions soon!

What do you do when someone challenges what you believe to be true?

2010-06-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Reisman

just see what happens

June 27 at 6:29pm · ·

Deborah Ruth Adams

that's a tough one. I usually listen to their view & then I offer my view & then if they become angry I walk away. If I am willing to listen to their view, they should show me the same respect. They usually don't give me that respect though.

June 27 at 6:33pm · ·

Kimber Chappell

I try to understand where they are coming from and why they are challenging what I believe. Then I formulate how to respond. If I am unsure of where they are coming from or why, I may question them in return to determine it. Sometimes, it is just their bad past experience or something they have been "taught" that they never considered from another perspective. Or sometimes it is just a matter of letting the person know why it is meaningful and true to me.

June 27 at 6:34pm · · 2 peopleLoading... ·

Kristalyn Frey רִיבְקָה

I just tell them they are a ham eatin shiksa....lol- People kinda don't challange me for whatever reason!

June 27 at 6:35pm · ·

Rande C Zipprian Snyder

I always refer them to Scripture and let it speak for itself.

June 27 at 6:42pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Vivian Casillas

Great answer Rande. That's what I do.

June 27 at 6:48pm · ·

Miriam Rubinoff

I think.

June 27 at 7:06pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Julia Vincent

I've learned it doesn't do any good to try to reason with them, argue with them, or try to present them with a different viewpoint. It seems that most people are just not open to seeing all sides of an issue.

June 27 at 7:16pm · ·

Katie Yellen Habgood

I accept that there are many truths.

June 27 at 7:24pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Dorothy Blevens

I don't accept there are many truths. I do understand G-d has not made their heart ready to hear the Truth yet. When they start asking questions I know G-d is working with them and I answer, explaining a little on the way. I let them think about it until they start asking questions again.

I understand that if they never ask any other questions ... See Moreor tell me they don't believe, it is not me they are saying no to, it is Yeshua. Many will say no, I just have to be willing to answer their questions when G-d puts them in my path.

June 27 at 7:36pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Dorothy Blevens

PS I also pray that G-d reveal His Truth to me....there could be times I've been misinformed or I have believed a lie.

June 27 at 7:37pm · ·

Susan Niemi Feldman

Nothing, that's their problem.....It's between them and Hashem....

June 27 at 8:17pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Kristen M Taylor ΔΣθ

Try not to argue my point and pray G-d directs my words with His truths.

June 27 at 9:05pm · ·

Sasha Goldfarb

Calm, rational discussion...if that fails, walk way.

June 27 at 9:09pm · ·

Jenn Baden

I refuse to discuss beliefs because it takes unbelievable chutzpah to tell someone their beliefs are wrong.

June 27 at 9:40pm · ·

Peggy Garberick

I just go "I don't need to be saved, I was chosen," then quietly walk away so they can think about it.

June 27 at 9:42pm · ·

Debbie Scott Schermerhorn

I remember a conversation that I had with a non-believing person who wanted to do a "reading" on me and my husband. His reason is because he noticed a spiritual connection between my husband and myself. I told him that there is a connection but it was not what he thought it was and if he would like to know more, call us and we would be happy to ... See Moreshare with him. A month later, he called and told us, "This is driving me crazy--what is it? What is the connection?" And then my husband and I shared with him about G-d and His part in our marriage. It was a very special moment and I'm thankful for being able to point him towards the One G-d!

June 27 at 11:06pm · ·

Robin Pacheco Richardson

all paths lead to G-d.

June 27 at 11:17pm · ·

Alan ישראל Rothstein

They do?

June 28 at 12:16am · ·

Andrea V. Payne

It depends on the person you are talking with. Many want to convert us to a faith not of our own. We are taught to respent other beliefs but many do not respect ours. Often when I say G-d many think it is a reference to their God. I say nothing because "unto each their own." I maybe stating it wrong but have a right to be and believe because we are who we are.

June 28 at 1:30am · ·

Mary Ruth Wittbrodt Andrews

My Christian friends are sure that G-d is patient and will wait on me to continue my journey to the 'right' path to their messiah.

June 28 at 10:48am · ·

Sona Johnson-adams

Mostly I say that I am good with what I believe, that they have a right to believe what they believe, what a wonderful country we live in! Then I say something about the weather and politely close the door, hahahaha.

June 28 at 1:50pm · ·

Rivka Izme

I am very fortunate to have friends who are accepting of me. Those who challenge me do so with Isaiah 53 and I just tell them it represents me too! When they say the J person is the Son of G-d, I inform them I am the daughter of G-d and have a much higher status.

June 28 at 4:04pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Sheila Stillman-Deruzza

I know that it would be best just to say "is that so" and go on to another subject, but I still struggle with it. I have to tell myself that being correct is not all that important. So many people like a good argument and it is best not to get sucked into it.

June 30 at 9:08pm · ·

What did you talk about at YOUR Shabbat table?

2010-06-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

FridayLight How do YOU respond when someone challenges what you believe to be true?

June 27 at 6:28pm · Comment · · Promote

2 people like this.

Cynthia Reisman

just see what happens

June 27 at 6:29pm · ·

Deborah Ruth Adams

June 27 at 6:33pm · ·

Kimber Chappell

June 27 at 6:34pm · · 2 peopleLoading... ·

Kristalyn Frey רִיבְקָה

I just tell them they are a ham eatin shiksa....lol- People kinda don't challange me for whatever reason!

June 27 at 6:35pm · ·

Rande C Zipprian Snyder

I always refer them to Scripture and let it speak for itself.

June 27 at 6:42pm · · 1 person Elisheva Rey likes this. ·

Vivian Casillas

Great answer Rande. That's what I do.

June 27 at 6:48pm · ·

Miriam Rubinoff

I think.

June 27 at 7:06pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Julia Vincent

June 27 at 7:16pm · ·

Katie Yellen Habgood

I accept that there are many truths.

June 27 at 7:24pm · · 1 person Laurie Hanan likes this. ·

Dorothy Blevens

June 27 at 7:36pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Dorothy Blevens

PS I also pray that G-d reveal His Truth to me....there could be times I've been misinformed or I have believed a lie.

June 27 at 7:37pm · ·

Susan Niemi Feldman

Nothing, that's their problem.....It's between them and Hashem....

June 27 at 8:17pm · · 1 personLoading... ·

Kristen M Taylor ΔΣθ

Try not to argue my point and pray G-d directs my words with His truths.

June 27 at 9:05pm · ·

Sasha Goldfarb

Calm, rational discussion...if that fails, walk way.

June 27 at 9:09pm · ·

Jenn Baden

I refuse to discuss beliefs because it takes unbelievable chutzpah to tell someone their beliefs are wrong.

June 27 at 9:40pm · ·

Peggy Garberick

I just go "I don't need to be saved, I was chosen," then quietly walk away so they can think about it.

June 27 at 9:42pm · ·

Debbie Scott Schermerhorn

June 27 at 11:06pm · ·

Robin Pacheco Richardson

all paths lead to G-d.

June 27 at 11:17pm · ·

Alan ישראל Rothstein

They do?

June 28 at 12:16am · ·

Andrea V. Payne

June 28 at 1:30am · ·

Mary Ruth Wittbrodt Andrews

My Christian friends are sure that G-d is patient and will wait on me to continue my journey to the 'right' path to their messiah.

June 28 at 10:48am · ·

Sona Johnson-adams

June 28 at 1:50pm · ·

Rivka Izme

June 28 at 4:04pm · · 1 person Rebecca A Williams likes this. ·

Sheila Stillman-Deruzza

June 30 at 9:08pm · ·

Older Posts

Who needs darkness? Your ideas?

2010-06-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Izabelle Reyhanian Hakim

To value the light. It sad that we need to lose somthing inorder to value it.

June 7 at 9:18am · ·

Linda Grossman Wooddell

We appreciate the light more after darkness.

June 7 at 9:26am · ·

Victoria Sherman

where there is hope there is light

June 7 at 9:27am · ·

Stephanie Factor

Um our biological clock needs it. It induces sleep which humans need. Just sayin... ;)

June 7 at 10:36am · ·

Mary Ruth Wittbrodt Andrews

We would not recognize the light without the dark to compare it with. Between the holy and the ordinary?

June 7 at 12:15pm · ·

Sharon Walling

G-d divided the night from the day. We must need it.

June 7 at 1:42pm · ·

Rivka Izme

It is a division-just like the holy from the profane, kosher from non-kosher, linen from wool, women from men.

June 7 at 2:39pm · ·

Jessica Jingles Cantrell

It is not so much a division as another side of the coin. Without the earthly we would never reach toward Heaven, and without the darkness we could never understand the light. A cliche, I know, but true nonetheless.

June 11 at 2:18pm · ·

Memorial Day - How are you spending it?

2010-05-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

Einstein Cat

rocketing back to Iowa

Yesterday at 10:18pm ·

Becci Rubin Craig

We just celebrated my son's Bar Mitzvah....going to relax tomorrow.

Yesterday at 10:26pm ·

Linda Grossman Wooddell

Relaxing!

Yesterday at 10:28pm ·

Karen Rubin Brown

Relaxing.
@Becci...Mazel Tov!!

Yesterday at 10:28pm ·

Cindy Swartz

Cleaning house and remembering our lost vets.

22 hours ago ·

Hazel Meskin

Not in the USA so just a normal day for us

20 hours ago ·

Rivka Izme

Cleaning house and saying tehillim for those still alive. Will probably say kaddish too.

19 hours ago ·

Noemi Melliz

relaxing..have a great day..

17 hours ago ·

Sara Putnam

sleeping...

17 hours ago ·

Jeanie Kochis

remembering

13 hours ago ·

VirginiaMary Sajdera

Study in Our Creators word, in the sun and Blessing Him for those He Creatored to serve and protect as He serve us and protects us.

12 hours ago ·

Weekly Thought May 27th 2010

2010-05-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you baked your own Challah? Now that Friday's are longer, there's no excuse! Besides, the entire doughy process - from the mixing to the braiding - is rich in spiritual meaning. And did you know it's considered an opportune time to pray for those in need? How can you say no? This Friday, measure, mix, knead, shape and - of course - bless your way into the Shabbat spirit!

12 people like this.

Meir Weiss

post a link to recipe please

May 27 at 9:53am ·

Karen Worstell

Nothing like challah baking on Friday to get ready for Shabbat. The house smells GREAT and it takes less time than we think!

May 27 at 9:53am ·

Sara Putnam

* 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

* 1 cup warm water (100 degrees F/40 degrees C)...See More

May 27 at 10:10am ·

Jo Ann Gorodetzer

my daughter & i used to make challah (via the bread maker, no kneading by hand) until she started school ... maybe I should do it myself .. thanx for the push :-)

May 27 at 10:16am ·

Sara Putnam

http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/theglutenfreediet/tp/challah_links.htm

May 27 at 10:36am ·

VirginiaMary Sajdera

Every Shabbat.

May 27 at 10:46am ·

VirginiaMary Sajdera

thank you Sarah. I have developed my own recipe through trial & error. So glad to know there are others out there. Shalom Habariem

May 27 at 10:47am ·

Cena Abergel

I"YH my girlfriend and I are baking this afternoon!

May 27 at 12:26pm ·

Yvonne VonHolle

I tried gluten free and oh my, was a brick, a beautiful golden brown brick, Breaking the bread took on a whole new meaning that night.

May 27 at 1:46pm ·

Barbara Stern Mannlein

Some challah recipes for the breadmaker woulld be appreciated. I use the breadmaker on "dough only." and then braid it, and let it rise.

May 27 at 2:56pm ·

Moish Kruger

you're getting me hungry!

May 27 at 3:39pm ·

5, 613 pounds

2010-05-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

This just in! FridayLighters gained a combined total of 5,613 lbs over Shavuot. Cheesecake found guilty. Stay tuned for diet updates as they develop.

How was Mt. Sinai?

2010-05-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

How was Mount Sinai? ;-)

Separating the Holy from the Vain. Meaning...?

2010-05-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

"Thank you G-d, who separates the holy from the vain." What does this mean to YOU?

May 15 at 10:32pm · Comment · · Promote

4 people like this.

Mary Ruth Wittbrodt Andrews

G-d has shown us the difference between the holy, the way of law we need to follow, and the vain, the way in the world we need to avoid.

May 15 at 10:58pm ·

Karen Worstell

Holiness leads to relationship with Hashem. Vanity is a big waste of time and keeps us from building relationship.

May 15 at 11:00pm ·

Kelly Rae

Thinking we are more than we are or better than anyone else = vanity. Ha'shem shows us the difference by reminding us that we need him as a guide as he is the Author of everything.
Good question. Nice previous answers.

May 15 at 11:05pm ·

Sharon Walling

Sometimes we think we understand holy and vain. I think that G-d is the only one who can truly discern and separate the holy from the vain. The pure from the insincere. The wheat from the chaff. The statement is, I believe, an acknowledgement of His sovereignty and His power.

May 15 at 11:42pm ·

Jessica Beth Plaut-Cappon

I am always grateful to Hashem for the ways he keeps me in check-that I am not my body. I have the scars and the pain to remind me that my body is only flesh, but my neshama and my spiritual life come first, because it is there that he meets me-it is there that I belong to him.

May 15 at 11:53pm ·

Rivka Izme

Separation of all things into their proper perspective - Shabbat from the other days; meat from milk; male from female; wool from linen; light from dark; wisdom from folly etc.

May 16 at 12:06am ·

Kari Ioli Joly Barney

It makes me think He knows if I'm holy or vain, and He'll separate me if I don't watch myself.

May 16 at 1:37am ·

Sara Putnam

don't brag how rightous you are, that is vanity. Do Good in all things without expecting reward from anything.

May 16 at 5:38am ·

VirginiaMary Sajdera

To make my friends desire to be holy important to me as my desire to be holy is important.

May 16 at 9:26am ·

Moish Kruger

I'm not quite sure these days.

May 16 at 10:14am ·

Moish Kruger

I mean, I understand its from the Havdala prayer, which separates the Shabbos from the Weekday.
But, you're obviously talking about more personal, I'm guessing.

May 16 at 11:05am ·

Lynda Newman Sadoff

I think it means that those who truly in their hearts, not just Shabbos but in our daily lives from those that do it just for show.

May 16 at 1:12pm ·

Andrea V. Payne

For the moment in time, I can leave the world behind and redirect my focus on the holy.

May 16 at 6:30pm ·