It was about 8:55 in the morning when my phone rang with a name and number that I didn’t recognize. I usually ignore such calls since they are likely to be from someone asking me if I’d like solar panels for my home or a pre-approved loan of $50,000, but for some reason, I answered the call. A man on the other end said his name was Carlos and that he drives for Uber. He asked to speak to my husband, saying “I’m trying to reach a Nekemiya Skore. Did he travel to Israel recently?”

The famous Biblical commentator, Rabbi Avraham ibn Ezra, once heard of a very special manuscript which described in detail the proper melody for reading biblical text. He was so excited that he traveled to the neighboring province in an effort to study it, despite the fact that a war was raging in the area. During his travels, he was apprehended by one of the factions and was accused of being a spy.

The kindly rabbi insisted that he was a scholar on his way to study a manuscript. But the guards did not believe him. Finally, he asked who had the power to release him. They told him that only their captain could release him, so he asked to speak with the captain.

You have finally made it financially. You landed a job with a six-figure salary – a financial dream come true! You probably feel like a millionaire, ready to buy a Land Rover with leather seats or bring your entire mishpacha to Eretz Yisrael for a well-deserved relaxing – and spiritual – vacation at the Waldorf Astoria, which is within walking distance of the Kotel. But looking at your achievement more realistically, you might ask yourself whether you will really be able to afford a Rolex watch or merely be able to pay for your children’s chasanas without going into debt? Let’s explore what a six-figure salary means for a frum family’s bottom line.

After breakfast on a Sunday morning, visiting in Lakewood, I spotted our teenage grandson working at a table in the corner of the kitchen. He was picking up tiny brown pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to complete the ground leading up to a nighttime picture of a country store. He started solving jigsaw puzzles at twelve years old. When I saw him easily find and connect a piece, I asked,“How do you do that?”

“It’s not so hard,” he said. “Try it.”

Yossi is a man in his thirties, juggling the demands of work and family. Lately, he has been feeling overwhelmed and lost, like a boat drifting in the sea. He thought about seeking therapy, but skepticism held him back. “I don’t know if therapy really works,” Yossi shared with his wife, Sarah. “It’s hard to believe that talking to someone I barely know can make a difference in my life.”

Summer is almost upon us, and someone – maybe everyone – in the family will be clamoring for fun things to do. Unfortunately, most of those fun things cost money, and even less expensive ideas tend to add up very quickly. The good news for us budget watchers is that there are entertaining things to do that cost very little or nothing; children can be kept occupied and have fun without expensive trips and toys. Caveat! Although these ideas may not cost much in dollars, they will cost in time and patience. So, if you have a lot of those, get ready and psych yourself up for fun as you spend quality time with your family.

We decided it was time to replace our kitchen appliances. At the time, we didn’t realize what an undertaking that would turn out to be. We learned a new term, called “supply chain.” I was reassured from the store that our order was next in line, but didn’t understand it really meant that our appliances, which were ordered in July, wouldn’t arrive until December. I spent an inordinate amount of time on the phone and sent copious emails inquiring about these machines. No one had any answers, and I began to wonder whether I would ever see them.

by Shani, Dena, and Daniella

You’re invited to a simcha – mazal tov! You may think your role in being mesameach (making happy) the baalei simcha starts at the event, but there are many ways to enhance the simcha of your family, friends and neighbors before the special day arrives. Brisim, kiddushim, lechaims, bar/bas mitzvas, and weddings all provide unique opportunities to show love and support to our families, friends, and neighbors. Gifts are always appreciated, but there are ways to help out that go beyond the gift registry. What is important is the gesture. Showing a desire to take an active role means so much to the baal simcha. Big or small, your actions will speak volumes to the family. Here are some ways to enhance someone else’s simcha.

During the course of my career I’ve pretty much heard and seen it all. From the sublime and holy to the ridiculous and insane.

I am reminded of a conversation I had with the late great Rabbi Herman (Naftali) Neuberger, zt”l, in the wee hours of a summer morning 26 years ago in his humble first-floor apartment on Yeshiva Lane. I had just told Rabbi Neuberger that it was almost impossible for me to process all of the amazing things that he had achieved, in so many areas, during his lifetime. Without missing a beat, he half smilingly said, “The greatest accomplishment is when you can stop bad things from happening; those achievements are the most important and the least known.” An incredibly profound statement, which I took to heart and have tried, whenever possible, to emulate.

I hope everyone reading this article had a safe Purim. In a recent article, I suggested several approaches parents might take to help their kids make it safely through Purim, including: 1) educating teenagers about alcohol effects and safe drinking, 2) reaching out to hosts about their plans to supervise drinking and provide transportation, and 3) remaining “on call” to drive kids home as needed. The point was that some teenagers will drink on Purim with or without our permission, and a pro-active approach may mitigate harm.