On the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, we read from the Book of Ruth, a story about  Ruth, an ancient Noabite and her mother-in-law Naomi, an ancient Israelite. The story goes deeper to explain how and why Ruth essentially becomes a “Jew by Choice” and becomes accepted into the community.

Can’t wait for Shavuot…it’s the only time I don’t feel guilty!

There is nothing out there that can replace my love for everything dairy. If I could, my diet would only consist of yogurts, sour creams, cottage cheeses, never mind ANY cheeses and of course my favorite, a glass of cold 3.25% milk!!! How can I forget to mention about the infamous slice or two of cheesecake and cheese filled blinzes drizzled with honey…

Unfortunately, I am sure you will all agree that a dairy only diet will eventually result in having some ‘unwanted guests’ staying on your waist and hips…

That is why I don’t feel guilty indulging (obviously in moderation) in everything dairy during the holiday of Shavuot. This is the only time I can allow myself to enjoy without the concern of ‘unwanted guests’ overstaying their welcome!

Chag Sameach Everyone!!!

RACHAEL posted:

I had a very emotional visit to the salon last week.  Yes, hair salon…it’s taken me a whole week to process and write about it.  Two of my daughters, the oldest and the youngest, decided to cut their beautiful long hair (blond and auburn) and donate it to a local hospital to be passed on to the wig makers for cancer patients.  I believe it’s a truly noble and selfless mitzvah.  I’m completely onside – support it entirely – couldn’t be more pleased or proud – I got there early – I had my camera at the ready…

Then I realized that aside from a symbolic snipping of a single lock of hair when my youngest was 3 years old, we had never cut her hair.  I remembered that when my oldest daughter was a child I had made the decision that any girls I had would grow their hair until Bat Mitzvah at which point we could together discuss how important hair styling should become in their lives.  I had navigated the adolescent ‘cool’ hair attractions and the peer pressure to style and cut and here we were – oldest and youngest at the salon – scissors at the ready!

My three girls gathered at the salon from different parts of the city.  I watched them braid each other’s hair and reassure each other and giggle with excitement and beam with pride.  I knew it was a wonderful thing and I still wholeheartedly support the action and would encourage them to grow their hair again and cut and donate.  I write all these words as I sit at my computer but I have to admit that in the salon I think I choked up a bit – no – scratch that – I definitely choked up.