A new year means new problems to solve. Yes, by problem, I mean “problem,” as it goes without saying that the problems I speak of are goods ones to have.
#1. MIDLIFE BLVD. (Last Year’s Problem)
Last year, I tackled an issue that mattered to me (and only me)–Making enough time to write. Anyone who read my blog at all in 2014 knows how I solved that problem. I started waking up at 5:00AM, five days a week. It worked WONDERS, and I explain why today in my first post ever for Midlife Blvd. (That’s right folks, my spring chicken days have officially ended. Midlife here I come.)
This year, I’m digging my hands (really, my brain) into an issue that effects more Jewish families than I realized. For the past year or so, my husband and I have been discussing how to deal with our son’s bar mitzvah. Sam will reach bar mitzvah age in the summer of 2017, which means it’s time to put plans into action and not just discuss it as a theory or an experiment. In reality, it will be both in our household as he will not attend Hebrew school.
We are an odd Jewish family in that we’re members of three synagogues, but not one of them will work for Sam’s bar mitzvah. In my January article for Tcjewfolk.com, I explain why that’s the case and I’ve asked for parents, teachers, and rabbis to weigh in with their experiences and opinions. I’ve covered my thoughts on bnei mitzvah and Hebrew school before, but it’s time to stop talking and start coming up with solutions.
I’d love your help! The emails I’ve been getting on this one from around the country have been fantastic, but I can handle more. Bring it on!
QUALITY TIME WITH FRIENDS vs. THE MORE THE MERRIER
The first HerTake question of 2015 comes from a mother-in-law whose daughter-in-law is worried about making plans with some of her friends while knowingly leaving out others. It’s an issue I’ve dealt with in my life from both sides. I’ve felt left out (yes, even as as adult), and I’ve felt guilty making plans knowing that others might feel the sting of not getting included.
The way I got over my hurt feelings on one side and guilty feelings on the other might surprise you. I hope it helps the woman who asked the question, her daughter-in-law, and anyone who reads the answer.
Please feel free to chime in as well!
HOPE YOUR YEAR IS OFF TO A GREAT START!
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