I had a bad case of cabin fever, especially after not being able – or willing – to leave Israel, where I live, on account of Covid. The last time I was in Switzerland was in 2019, which seemed like eons ago. I love Israel, and take whatever opportunities I can to enjoy its beautiful parks. But, like many Israelis, I needed to “break out.”

I got a call from Tourplus, a travel company that specializes in kosher tours for Orthodox Jews. They were offering a trip to Andorra – a little country somewhere in the Pyrenees Mountains. “What about Switzerland?” I asked.

“We haven’t organized anything for Switzerland this year. Granted, the Pyrenees are no match for the Swiss Alps, but it is beautiful and a lot cheaper.”

Why, you might ask, is Dan Edelman writing articles about clinical trials? In a few words, I believe we who support those suffering from illness can do better. It is all so personal. Before the pandemic,, I met with a woman and her husband to discuss clinical trials. She had lived with stage 4 breast cancer for the previous five years, surviving beyond her initial prognosis, thank G-d. I spent an hour-and-a-half with them, and they told me afterwards that no one, not even their oncologist, had spent so much time with them discussing options. Sadly, just after entering a clinical trial in Boston, she passed away leaving a bereft husband, orphans, and family. Now, when I go to the Baltimore cemetery where my grandparents and in-laws are interred, I also stop by her kever (grave). I express how sorry I am that we could not save her life and promise I will do better for others suffering from cancer; these articles are part of that promise. I pray that scientists and medical professionals who read these articles will be inspired to do better for their charges.

I started working in a daycare, recently, for a couple of hours a week, and it’s been a very enjoyable experience. Here’s what I’ve learned: 1) There is a serious shortage of spots for infants and toddlers. 2) Daycare can be a happy place for both children and employees. Putting those two factors together leads me to conclude that a job in a childcare is a great opportunity for those who are looking for work that is important, pleasant, and based on giving and kindness.

The DMC

A Column for Teens (of all Ages)

 as told to Michelle Mond

 Noooo…not Tzippy, I think to myself while clutching at the rack of coats at Macys. Anyone but Tzippy…please, Hashem, make her leave.”

Thoughts race in my head as I make a beeline for the dressing rooms in order to remain anonymous in an extremely public

by Ora Levine

The classrooms are set up to perfection, the desks in neat rows, the whiteboards wiped clean, the office organized, the papers filed. The school year has begun! I’m sure you hear cheering every morning from your child, right? Your children probably have their bags packed and are waiting dutifully outside, excited to go – just like all those camp days.

Perhaps one day, when humans go to Mars, we’ll be able to achieve that reality. For now, we’re stuck dragging our children out of

Reviewed by Rabbi Mordechai Shuchatowitz, Head of the Baltimore Bais Din

Any member of the Baltimore kehilla who has school-aged children is well aware of the fact that there is no busing service for private school children. It is the responsibility of the parents to transport their children to and from the schools they attend. The most common method by far of getting one’s children to school is by forming a carpool with neighbors.

It is obvious that every parent has certain hopes: that

We frum Jews of Baltimore take pride in living in one of the strongest Orthodox Jewish communities in America. It’s also one of the oldest; Jews have lived in Maryland since 1729. This article is not a summary of that long and very interesting history, recounted in the new book, On Middle Ground: A History of the Jews of Baltimore, by Eric L. Goldstein and Deborah R. Weiner. Rather, I propose to tell a number of short stories – episodes that stand out – that I found enlightening.

One of the requirements of the holiday of Sukkos is to be happy. Happiness is a feeling, and feelings are difficult to produce upon command, so we are given some suggestions of ways to make ourselves happy. The Rambam in the Mishna Torah says that one of the ways is to drink wine and eat meat. Of course, that doesn’t mean to be a glutton or a drunkard, but to eat meat and drink wine in moderation. Indeed, after coming home

Dear Dr. Kidorf,

My family and I have become fans and fervent readers of this column, and it has provided very thoughtful conversations at our Shabbos table. Last month, someone asked about whether they should talk to their son about drinking as they were not a “drinking” family. This hit home for me because I have a similar concern. Sukkos and Simchas Torah are quickly approaching. This time of the year concerns me because there is so much drinking everywhere that it has become part of the Jewish culture. I have been to many shuls where I see men pouring drinks and passing them around. It is so easy for a young boy or girl to pick up one of these drinks without anyone really knowing.

The older I get, the more grateful I am to Hashem for what I have – and for what I don’t have.

To have wonderful children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is to be truly blessed. Being able to interact with and know them is even more special. Many of us have a natural tendency to take blessings for granted, which, unfortunately, seems to be human nature. It is therefore good to be reminded to “count our blessings,” which is one of the reasons we recite the Modim (thanksgiving) prayer five times daily – three times privately and twice publicly.