The Chai Mitzvah Blog

How to Disagree – With Integrity (Happy Election Day!)

Posted on November 7, 2022

By Nina Fondiller Woldin I don’t need to remind you that tomorrow is election day! Media – social and otherwise – is filled with people telling me how they feel, and trying to convince me to agree with them.  Most people agree that everyone these days disagrees, strongly. Do you have friends or family who Continue Reading »

Where Am I?

Posted on October 31, 2022

by Jill Maidhof When is the last time you had a deeply self-reflective thought such as “Where am I and what direction is my life taking?” or “Am I a trustworthy person?” and “What do I really, truly believe when bad things happen people?” When did you last confront your own vulnerability, question your ethical compass Continue Reading »

Cheshvan:  A Month of Opportunities

Posted on October 24, 2022

by Reb Deb It has been a fulfilling and very busy month of Tishri with all of the holy days and holidays. During Tishri (and leading up to it with the introspective month of Elul) we listen to the daily blast of the shofar, waking us up to the process of reviewing the past year Continue Reading »

Chai Mitzvah’s Plotz Plot

Posted on October 14, 2022

By Nina Fondiller Woldin Wandering across the country visiting family and Chai Mitzvah friends in my 19-foot RV, I can’t help but draw the comparison between my journey and that of our ancestors in their Sukkot. I can’t help but draw the comparison between my journey and that of our ancestors in their Sukkot. In Continue Reading »

Returning to Your Best Self

Posted on October 3, 2022

By Nina Fondiller Woldin This morning as we were drinking our coffee my husband clicked on a link that said, “Lifespan Calculator – Test Your Life Expectancy.” It seemed like fun, answering questions about diet and exercise to find out how very healthy and fit we are for people our age… but the calculation that Continue Reading »

STOP – my brain is full!

Posted on September 28, 2022

by Jill Maidhof Do you ever feel like a telling people “STOP–my brain is full! For every piece of information you put into my head from this point forward, another piece will fall out. And I won’t know what piece that is until I need it, so STOP! (Please!)” For every piece of information you put into my Continue Reading »

Who Was Lotus Weinstock?

Posted on September 19, 2022

by Audrey Lichter “Angels have wings because they take themselves lightly.” Lotus Weinstock I was immediately struck by this quote… it spoke to me as a kind of antidote to the harsh and judgmental time we are living in. I had never heard of Lotus Weinstock (1943- 1997) but thought this is a woman with a message. Continue Reading »

Reb Deb Marks a Milestone

Posted on September 6, 2022

By Rabbi Debra Smith One of the most meaningful events of my adult life was becoming a bat mitzvah at the age of 47. This was a very significant milestone in my Jewish journey, which for me, culminated in becoming a rabbi at the age of 62.  Reb Deb becoming a bat mitzvah at the age Continue Reading »

The High Holidays are Coming

Posted on September 5, 2022

By Michalee Merritt I love this time of year because the High Holidays are soon! To me this is the time of newness. The High holidays are a time to think about life, share stories and food. I have acquired a new Jewish cookbook, which I love looking through, for not only the recipes but Continue Reading »

Marking Milestones – a new program for participants aged 70 – 83

Posted on August 29, 2022

By Nina Fondiller Woldin This morning began as many mornings do, speaking with my eldest daughter while she is in transit – the only time she can talk without interruption – after dropping off her sons at school, or driving to work.   But today is also a little bit different. She is a history professor, Continue Reading »

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