Purim & Adar

I slip into my "just do it!" outfit and wear a smile to a wedding, even though my heart is dull. The garb and the smile carry me into their space and I end up dancing with joy for the bride (or her Mom, whose circle I've suddenly become part of!). But I have other masks too, unconscious and less virtuous...

I walked past a bus stop just as a bus pulled over and opened its doors for me. "No, thank you," I shouted to the driver, "I'm just walking. I don't want to get on the bus." "I know," he replied, "I see you every morning. I just wanted to let you know that you've inspired me."

Before this, I was the kind of person who never lied. I felt that honesty was truth and that I needed to engage in truth, at all costs.I have greater insight now about the issue of concealment...

There was a need to seek the truth. What was the truth about our parents' lives? What was it that they were not telling us? What was the hidden reality that they were concealing from us?

We all wear masks. And I don't mean the ones we slip on during Purim. Many of us think that if we could only window-dress certain aspects of ourselves, then doors would be thrown open to us, and success, love and happiness would nip at our heels...

This woman is like a bottomless cup of coffee. I give, and she wants more, and I give more, and she'll want even more. I sincerely do feel badly for her. But I am equally scared to let a person who is in chronic, desperate need become dependent on me...

“They all dress the same, they’re so boring.” As I got to know them more and more I began to discover the uniqueness of each individual. The seemingly similarity in their outward appearance forced me to look inside and see each as person for who they really were...

When you consider the cost and lack of originality of store-bought costumes, homemade costumes are a more fun, and oftentimes, more cost-effective option...

One of the exciting elements of Purim is the obligatory giving of food gifts to friends and family. We are commanded to give at least two food items to at least one person...

Since I only have eyes for kosher, homemade and natural, Purim is perfect time to send a select few some fabulous, homemade, fun and useful goodies...

Not only do we get to act like kids again when we dress up for Purim, but we get to eat like them as well! From making hamantashen to some great ideas for your shaloch manot gift baskets, this section will help make your Purim that much more enjoyable!