JFX - Jewish Family Experience

The Jewish Family Experience is a warm community of inspired Jews led by Rabbi Sruly and Ruchi Koval

08/25/2024

Today was my 50th birthday party which I celebrated at JFX with over 250 people. I am so so grateful to have my beloved family surrounding me and my community whom I love so much.

Here’s the talk I gave today.

Thanks to everyone who made my day so special.

50 reasons I’m grateful to be turning 50
I’m grateful to be turning 50 because:

1. Messing up no longer scares me
2. The golden girls were in their 50s and I always kinda wanted to be them
3. I know what I’m good at and I can choose to do more of it
4. I know what I don’t enjoy and I can do less of it
5. I love having grown kids whom I can have meaningful conversations with

6. Grandson!
7. Being married for 30 years is way better than being a newlywed
8. I understand people way better than I used to
9. Time puts perspective on everything — it won’t hurt or be as embarrassing with the passage of time
10. I’ve learned that most things heal or grow back

11. I’ve learned that new shiny things get old and less shiny, but if you really love them, it doesn’t matter
12. I’ve learned how to pick my friends
13. I’ve learned that I’ll never have time to travel to all the places I want to, and that’s okay
14. I’ve learned that my experience is just one experience
15. I’ve met so many different kinds of people to learn from

16. I have way more power than I used to to steer my own ship
17. I have the confidence to say no
18. NIve learned that no one can hurt my feelings without my permission (E Roosevelt)
19. I’ve learned to stop saying, “I can’t do that” and started saying, “I can but I don’t want to”
20. I’ve realized that no one is going to take me to task for my own baloney other than me

21. I’ve learned that faith is a learned skill, not a natural default setting
22. I’ve realized that it doesn’t really matter whether I wear makeup or not, unless I want it to
23. I’ve learned that I will cover my hair however I want, even if others are confused
24. I’ve learned that I don’t have to teach anyone how to pronounce my name unless I choose to
25. I’ve realized that I don’t have to listen to any podcast or watch any video or read any article that someone sent me if I don’t have time or interest. I can just thank them for thinking of me without commitment. My time is mine to allocate.

26. I love not wondering who I am
27. God and I have been through enough together that I rarely have to wonder where He went
28. I’ve learned that there are only a few patterns of negative behavior in people and truly just a few short reasons for those patterns. Here they are: pain, shame, insecurity, and desire to be seen. This cuts through a lot of muck.
29. I’ve learned that whatever quirky behavior I have, someone else has them too, and that the sooner I stop hiding them, the freer and more normal I will feel.
30. I’ve learned that I don’t always have to say what I think.

31. I’ve learned that what other people think about me is none of my business
32. I’ve learned that prayer is not my gift to God, but God’s gift to me
33. I’m glad not all my memories are clear. This way I can interpret them how I want.
34. I’ve learned that whenever I write about my deepest experiences, someone else is helped with my words. But when I keep them a secret, I am hurt by them.
35. I’ve learned that I can never eat as much as I thought, so I need less food than anticipated. Every time.

36. I’ve learned that although optimism may sometimes be foolish, it’s still the best way to live
37. I’ve learned that however I look now, in ten years I’ll look back and think I looked wonderful. So why not think that now?
38. I’ve learned to be grateful for knees and fingers and eyesight
39. I’ve learned that deep down, all people want to feel loved. People are not actually that complicated.
40. I’ve come to see that every amazing meal will end with cold leftovers and dirty dishes, but if you play your cards right, the thing everyone will remember is how much they enjoyed each other’s company

41. I’ve learned that emails can wait
42. I’ve learned that nothing will happen if I stay off social for a while
43. I’ve come to realize that every good relationship starts as a gift from God. Then the work is on you.
44. I’ve learned that if I stick around long enough, God will show me He’s handling stuff. I have never once said, “I’m so glad I worried.”
45. I’ve come to understand my parents better

46. I’ve come to realize that when I was ten years old and my grandmother was old, she was the age I am now, and that’s actually extremely liberating because who cares?
47. I’m grateful to be turning 50 because many don’t get that privilege
48. I’m grateful to be turning 50 because “50 is the age to give advice” (Pirkei Avot)
49. I’m grateful to be turning 50 because souls are more important than bodies
50. I’m grateful because 50 years have brought all of you into my life

08/23/2024

My JFX - Jewish Family Experience ramble for today

Helicopter Mom

This week I went on a helicopter ride over Lake Erie with my daughter Nomi.

Now, it’s kind of interesting because I never considered myself a risk-taking person, but at the time of this writing, I have jumped out of an airplane once at 10,000 feet, and have taken, to date, two helicopter rides over very large bodies of water.

I find these things thrilling and exciting but in my real life, I am actually quite risk-averse. The truth of the matter is, when I think about it, that each one of these activities was a bonding opportunity with one of my kids. When my son Moshe turned 20, I took him skydiving; I took my son Avromi to California and we did a helicopter ride over the Pacific Ocean (where we got to see dolphins jumping out of the water and also Oprah Winfrey‘s house, in one fell swoop), and finally, this recent escapade was a bonding opportunity for my youngest daughter Nomi.

Many people asked me what was the occasion that I booked the helicopter ride. Some of you may know that I am growing my coaching business, and my business coach challenged us to set a personal goal and to determine a reward that we will give ourselves if we meet our goal. I did meet my goal, and the reward that I had promised myself was a helicopter ride over Lake Erie. Some of you may also know that my husband is the type of guy who prefers to keep two feet firmly on the ground. In fact, he doesn’t even like to watch other people engaging in these activities, so I turned to my youngest and asked her if she would like to join me. Unsurprisingly, she enthusiastically agreed.

There is a lot of discussion about whether money can buy happiness, and of the things that I have learned over the years, as I approach 50 years on this planet, is that while money can’t buy happiness, the best way to spend your money to increase your happiness is to spend it on experiences with people you love.

Most things that you spend your money on will not last, and will get old and shabby with time, but when you spend money on experiences with people you love, the memories actually get better over time. I have never once regretted spending money on a spectacular experience with a loved one.

The time spent together connecting is actually priceless, and we refer back to these experiences for many years. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to spend time one-on-one with my kids whenever I can, especially doing “crazy" activities that most people don’t typically do. This is what makes the memories a stand out in our minds and even enhances them with the passage of time.

So maybe the answer to the question, "what was the occasion that you went on a helicopter ride?" was the following: I don’t actually need an occasion to spend one-on-one time with my kids and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Shabbat shalom,
Ruchi

Photos from JFX - Jewish Family Experience's post 08/16/2024

Lots to look forward to this high holiday season!

Register today at www.jewishfamilyexperience.org.

08/12/2024

Ruchi Koval is inviting everyone to come celebrate her 50th birthday! It would mean so much to her to have you there to help mark this special milestone. She’s hoping you can join in the celebration! 🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊

08/09/2024

Guest rambler is our beautiful daughter Miriam Koval.

Pray For Adam Reed

On my way home from work the other night I stopped at the ATM as I always do to to deposit my nightly tips. As I was pulling off the highway I saw a man collecting money at the traffic light. He had a little dog with him and looked kind but sad. I pulled over and handed him a $5 bill and some water. He said thank you and then asked me something I'll never forget. He said, "Miss, will you please pray for me?" And my heart broke into a thousand pieces.

I said, "Of course I will, and God bless you." He seemed like such a sweet and gentle soul.

Later that night I asked God to protect Adam Reed and his little dog, and to give them a place to sleep that night. I prayed that he gets better and that he won't need to panhandle at midnight at the I-475 exit anymore. Whatever he's struggling with, I asked God to heal him, whether it be addiction, mental illness or any other ailment of the soul.

Because that could've been me begging for a few dollars at the corner of Secor and Central in the middle of the night. I'm no better than Adam Reed, I'm simply more fortunate.

Maybe he doesn't have a loving, supportive family like I do. Maybe he doesn't have the resources and the opportunities that I do. I was lucky enough to have been released from hell a little sooner than he was. Maybe he used the money I gave him to buy food. Maybe he used it to buy drugs. Who am I to judge? Whatever gets him through another night.

I am beyond grateful to God for saving me when I didn't want to be saved. I have my health, my family and a comfortable place to lay my head at night. I have reasons to keep going even on my worst days. I pray that Adam is restored to sanity, as I was. I pray that he finds the peace he deserves.

I could've ended up like Adam Reed. But I didn't.

Shabbat Shalom,
Miriam Koval

07/29/2024

🎉🍕 Calling all young families! Join us for “Back to School Pizza in the Park Sundays”!

📅 August 25th at Beachwood Park, 25125 Fairmont Blvd., Beachwood, OH
🕔 5 PM - 7:30 PM

📅 September 29th at Orange Village Park, 4600 Lander Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH
🕔 5 PM - 7:30 PM

For just $10 per family, enjoy an evening of delicious pizza, fun activities, and quality time together before the school year kicks off. Don’t miss out on this fantastic family event!

Register now at 👉 http://jewishfamilyexperience.org

07/29/2024

✨ Empty Nesters and Almost Empty Nesters Shabbat Dinner ✨

Join us for a heartwarming evening on Friday, August 16 at 5:30 PM as we gather to hear the powerful story of Rob, Lisa, and Talia Zimmerman.

📖 “Breaking the Silence: Our Journey Through Non-Speaking Autism, and the Miracle That Changed Our Lives” 📖

Hosted at the beautiful home of Tom and Lana Lowenkamp (address provided upon registration).

Don't miss this inspiring event! Register now at jewishfamilyexperience.org.

🌟 Host Committee:
Steve Moss and Laura Simon
Bryan and Robin Green
David and Avril Burg
Mike and Cindy Attias
Bradley and Heather Greene
Tom and Lana Lowenkamp

Let's come together for a meaningful Shabbat filled with connection, support, and inspiration. 💫

07/29/2024

🍷✨ Wine & Wisdom: YPX for Young Professionals at JFX! ✨🍷

🚐 Texas Kosher BBQ Midwest Tour 2024 🚐

Join us for an unforgettable evening of sipping, schmoozing, and learning with Rabbi Josh Gradko and Doovie Jacoby!

Indulge in fine wines and mouthwatering BBQ while socializing with friends and making new connections.

📅 Thursday, August 1 at 7:30 PM
📍 JFX, 2200 S. Green Rd., University Heights, OH 44121

Don’t miss out! Register now at jewishfamilyexperience.org (link in bio).

No charge! 🎉🍷🍖

07/29/2024

🌙 Tisha B’Av: A Time to Mourn

Join us for a meaningful evening of reflection and resilience for adults and teens on Monday, August 12.

📅 Schedule:
6:30 PM - Panel Discussion
7:30 PM - Pre-Fast Dinner
8:45 PM - Maariv Service
9:00 PM - Megillat Eicha Reading

Hear powerful stories from our panelists:
✨ Tracy and Andrew Berger share about their son Aaron, a lone soldier in the IDF.
✨ Sari Stone speaks on the tragic loss of her child.
✨ Stuart Spiegel talks about his nephew, killed in duty during the Gaza war.

Bring your own stool or pillow for comfort.
📅 Fast begins August 12 at 8:28 PM and ends August 13 at 9:12 PM.

🎟️ Tickets:
$10 for JFX members
$36 for non-members

📍 Location:
JFX
2200 S. Green Rd., University Heights

Register now at www.jewishfamilyexperience.org

JFX celebrates Shavuot 07/05/2024

Thank you Cleveland Jewish News!! 🥰

JFX celebrates Shavuot The Jewish Family Experience in University Heights celebrated Shavuot with a day of activities and joy, beginning with a designated hour for young families, offering a warm and welcoming environment

06/17/2024

Wanna take a moment to wish a happy Father’s Day to Sruly Koval who every single day shows up as the very best dad he can. I’m so grateful for that. And he also cracks the worst dad jokes in the world. ❤️

06/07/2024

The Most Interesting Person in the Room

As some of you might know, I wear many hats.

On the one hand, I am a rebbetzin. I am married to a rabbi. I help run JFX and I provide spiritual guidance to our community.

I am also a teacher. I teach classes to adults and sometimes teens, whether those classes are intimate gatherings in our lounge, or lecture-style presentations for hundreds of women on Momentum trips in Israel.

Lately I’ve been developing another hat that I wear: parent coaching. I’ve enrolled in a course to help me develop this part of my life and I am finding it absolutely fascinating. I'm a perpetual student and, as a kid, loved getting new notebooks in the fall and cracking them open to take notes, meticulously underlining and highlighting. (Yes, yes, I am that nerd.) So having enrolled in a coaching course, after being out of school for decades, has been fascinating and so much fun. Here’s just one thing I've learned: coaching is not teaching.

See, I have an ongoing conversation with my kids about boring teachers. My kids claim that it is the teacher’s fault if the kids act out, because if the teachers are boring, then the kids will act up. But if the teacher is interesting, then the kids don’t act up.

I wouldn’t quite put it that way, but I do agree that it is the teacher’s job to be interesting enough to hold the room. (Of course it is also the child’s job to be respectful, even if the teacher is boring, but that’s another subject for another day.) Likewise, if I am teaching a class and people start pulling their phones out, it means it’s my job to be even more fascinating so that the people sitting in the room feel that they don’t want to miss even one word. (Of course they should be respectful too....) In other words, as a teacher, it’s my job to be the most interesting person in the room.

But coaching is not teaching. My job as a coach is to help my client be the most interesting person in the room, with strategically placed questions and prompts to draw out the wisdom that lies within each client. That means that my job is not so much to talk, but to listen, and to ask probing follow up questions to help my clients understand why they do the things they do and how they can do them differently. Of course, I also have tips and strategies to share (teaching), but that’s not quite where the transformation is.

While it’s hard to switch out these hats, what I’ve come to realize is that my kids often need me to be more of a coach than a teacher. A lot of times as parents we tell our kids things all day (teaching) when we should be asking them insightful questions to help them produce the wisdom within themselves (coaching). So much of parenting is actually withholding information in order to make space for transformation. Maybe there’s more growth in the pause than in the noise, more thoughtfulness in the silence than in the words.

Rabbi Shimon, the son of Rabbi Gamliel, says: “All my days I have grown up among the wise, and I have found nothing better for myself than silence.”
Ethics of the Fathers 1:17

Shabbat shalom,

Ruchi

05/08/2024

Young Professionals 20s and 30s
SUNSET BOAT PARTY 🌅🚤 🎉

June 9 at 6:30 PM
Food | Drinks | Live Music

$10 per person (includes food and first drink)

📍 Meet at 1800 Scranton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113 (more details upon registration).

👉 Register at www.jewishfamilyexperience.org

05/08/2024

Let’s celebrate Israel! Let’s celebrate moms!
🇮🇱
Sunday, May 12 $18 per family
🇮🇱
11:30 AM to 12 PM
Israeli dance party for kids
🇮🇱
12 PM to 12:30 PM
Let’s celebrate moms with an Israeli themed family brunch!
🇮🇱
Register at www.jewishfamilyexperience.org.
🇮🇱

Meal Train for Rabbi Josh and Sarah Rena Grodko 05/06/2024

Meal Train for The Gradko Family!

Meal Train for Rabbi Josh and Sarah Rena Grodko Mazel tov on the birth of their son!

05/03/2024

My JFX - Jewish Family Experience ramble for today:

Only the Jews

Only the Jews spend a whole week creatively cooking and eating a rotation of matza, eggs, and potatoes.

Only the Jews sing songs of freedom and gratitude even as dozens of our hostages are still held in captivity — and I say "dozens" because we don’t even know how many, because their captors can’t even tell us who’s alive and who, sadly, is no longer with us.

Only the Jews turn around three days after Passover to cook for Shabbat, because Shabbat comes every week, come what may.

Only the Jews celebrate Passover while worriedly keeping an eye on the news coming out of UCLA, Columbia, and other “elite” institutions, where anti-Israel students are occupying public property and disallowing Jews from entering.

Only the Jews bring a Chabad bus on campus to combat hate with singing and dancing.

Only the Jews invite their fitness instructor and her boyfriend to the Seder — because they’re Jewish!

Only the Jews keep booking flights to Israel even while United keeps canceling them.

Only the Jews all around the world pray for Israel, for people they’ve never met. Because they’re our family.

Only the Jews turn around and hug each other after yizkor on the holidays. Because if you’re part of the yizkor club, you know.

Only the Jews walk through a public anti-Israel protest blowing a huge shofar.

Only the Jews continue to remain wildly optimistic about our future despite all the hate.

Only the Jews sing Am Yisrael Chai at literally any opportunity.

Only the Jews are still here after thousands of years of persecution, forced assimilation, mandatory conversion, and dispersion.

Only the Jews.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Loud and proud.

No matter what.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Shabbat shalom,

Ruchi

04/28/2024

Debby Herman, of blessed memory

Photos from JFX - Jewish Family Experience's post 04/12/2024

We stirred up excitement with a sizzling Kosher Chopped Cooking Competition! 🍳

Eight teams battled it out to impress judges Paci of PKC, Mendel of Mendel’s BBQ, and Miriam Koval of Wellness Delivered, alongside special guest Naomi Nachman.

Rooted in tradition, the event celebrated community and culture, with attendees immersed in a lively atmosphere of togetherness. From traditional dishes to innovative creations, participants showcased their culinary prowess, inspired by Naomi’s expertise.

Generous sponsorship from Grove Kosher Market, Mika’s, Elie’s, Jade, Boris, Kantina, PKC, and Chocolate Emporium made the event a resounding success, ensuring a memorable evening for all. 🎉

04/12/2024

Sandi shares the heartfelt journey of family connection in Israel, amidst the turmoil of war, the spirit of resilience and togetherness shines through brighter than ever.



Keeping the Fire Burning
I had the privilege of being in Israel two weeks ago on a very special trip. A number of people asked me what solidarity mission or volunteer mission I was joining and I explained that my trip was neither of those. It was a kibud eim (honoring one’s mother) mission instead. I went to spend time with my mom after my stepdad’s passing to help her start to adjust to her new reality.

I’ll admit that, when I booked my plane ticket, it seemed somewhat dissonant to me to spend time in Israel during this war and not visit places like the site of the Nova music festival or Kibbutz Be’eri. I wasn’t going to spend time picking produce, putting together Shabbat meals for soldiers or contributing to any of the incredible organizations that have been set up in the aftermath of October 7th. Part of me felt disappointed about that.

But I should have known that God had lessons in store for me that I could never have envisioned. Just by living in Israel for a week, I was surrounded by people telling me their stories from the last few months.

Oren, the taxi driver, who shared that he and his wife did not sleep for the 2 months that their son was out of contact with them in Gaza. Each morning, they anxiously looked at the names of the soldiers who had been killed the night before and cried --with relief that their son’s name wasn’t on the list, and with heartbreak because “these are also our children.” Justine and Yamin, my cousins who have 3 sons and 2 sons-in-law in combat. They currently have two daughters and their kids living with them because one gave birth last week and the other is due this coming week. This is on top of their full time jobs and Justine’s 95-year-old dad who recently had a stroke.

We went to a hotel in the Carmel mountains for Shabbat which had just reopened as the evacuees it had housed had moved, not to their homes which are gone, but to another community which has permanently taken them in. The hotel was full of Israelis -- many of them shared that they were there to support the hotel so it wouldn’t go out of business while there are so few tourists in the country. This included a lovely couple from Ashdod who spent hours in their safe room right after October 7th while terrorists were in the sand dunes outside their home. Their 14-year-old is still scared to go outside by himself but there they were celebrating Shabbat and their 20th wedding anniversary with much simcha (joy)!

And my aunt who has been in Israel since 1970 through many wars and can’t imagine why a Jew would live anywhere else. She expressed worry about me living in the US “far away from my people.”

This week I returned, I noticed that the Torah portion, Tzav, included the following verse: “And the fire upon the altar shall remain burning on it; it shall not be put out.” The Kohanim (priests) have a positive commandment to place enough wood on the fire to keep it burning at all times, including the entire night.

This is exactly what God showed me during my week in Israel. Every Jew I met and talked to is "keeping that fire burning" even during this time of tremendous darkness and sadness. Jews in Israel are supporting each other and playing their part for our nation in any number of different ways. I saw firsthand that our whole homeland is holy ground and our people are a holy people. Just exactly as the Torah teaches us.

Shabbat shalom
Sandi Kaplan

04/02/2024

🙏 Massive thank you to our sponsors and partners in this upcoming event! Can’t wait to see everyone there!!

🔪✨ Get ready to unleash your culinary skills at KOSHER CHOPPED!

Join us for an evening of fun and creativity with renowned influencer and cookbook author Naomi Nachman! 🍴

Don’t miss out on this sizzling cooking competition at JFX, Tuesday, April 9th, 7 PM.

Limited spots available, so grab your team of 10 and register now at www.jewishfamilyexperience.org!

Let’s cook up some delicious memories together and may the best team win! 💫

Harvey Finkelstein, of blessed memory 03/26/2024

https://mailchi.mp/jfxcle/harvey-finkelstein-of-blessed-memory JFX extends sincere condolences to Beth Rosenthal and family.

Harvey Finkelstein, of blessed memory We regret to inform the JFX community of the passing of Harvey Finkelstein, of blessed memory, father of Beth Rosenthal. We extend our condolences to the entire Rosenthal and Finkelstein families.   

03/24/2024

Happy Royal Purim from JFX! JFX - Jewish Family Experience

Wiznitzer Shiva Information 03/22/2024

https://mailchi.mp/jfxcle/wiznitzer-shiva-information

Wiznitzer Shiva Information Funeral service and burial for Edith Peskin  will take place at Anshe Emeth Chapel/Cemetery at 1:30 pm Granada Ave Youngstown, Ohio 44504 Shiva will be observed at the  Peskin Residence 1340 Stonington Drive Youngstown, Ohio 44505 Daily shacharit @ 8am Mincha/ma'ariv @ 7:15pm Shiva throughout the ...

03/18/2024

🍷✨ Join us for ‘Seder and Sangria’ 🍇🔯

Dive into the pre-Passover spirit with Ruchi Koval and learn to craft your own kosher cocktails! 🍹

Get ready to mingle, indulge in wine, sushi, and cookies, and soak in Passover wisdom to elevate your seders! 🌟

Monday, April 15th, 7 PM at JFX, University Heights, OH. 📍

$10 for JFX & YPX members
$18 for non-members.

Reserve your spot now at www.jewishfamilyexperience.org!

03/18/2024

🔪✨ Get ready to unleash your culinary skills at KOSHER CHOPPED!

Join us for an evening of fun and creativity with renowned influencer and cookbook author Naomi Nachman! 🍴

Don’t miss out on this sizzling cooking competition at JFX, Tuesday, April 9th, 7 PM.

Limited spots available, so grab your team of 10 and register now at www.jewishfamilyexperience.org!

Let’s cook up some delicious memories together and may the best team win! 💫

03/15/2024

Meet Yeshurin Sorscher!!!

——

Dear JFX,

I'm Yeshurin Sorscher, Director of Junior NCSY. I wanted to share some thoughts about the recent NCSY Shabbaton that brought together over 80 kids from our community and another 90 kids from Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Detroit.

It was truly heartwarming to see so many young Jews come together with enthusiasm and joy. Throughout the Shabbaton, there was a strong sense of unity among everyone, despite our differences. We prayed, sang, and learned together, reminding us of the strength we have when we stand united.

One of the greatest moments of our Shabbat weekend together was right after Kiddush on Shabbat morning when 150 6-8th graders were sitting and studying Torah with their high school advisors for over 45 minutes. The energy and excitement were palpable as an entire room of Jewish youth united over meaningful and impactful Torah learning.

When I first started working with NCSY at the beginning of this year, in all honesty, with all the excitement about making an impact on the community, I did feel a little bit of doubt. I was warned that kids would rather be on their phones and playing video games than learning more about Jewish values and ideas. This Shabbaton proved that wrong. Our youth can and want to connect to Judaism! They want to feel connected to their faith and to be a part of something bigger. This is our future and our hope. I am happy to say that our future is bright.

While the Shabbaton was amazing, there are unfortunately hundreds of Jewish youth who are getting lost in our own community. 80 kids is amazing but what about the other 500 kids in the community who are not connecting with their Jewish heritage? We as a community need to stand up for what we believe in.

JFX, in collaboration with NCSY, offers weekly Shabbat programming for our youth, and NCSY has weekly programming. You can help make a difference by inviting the kids that you know and encourage them to come and be a part of our Jewish heritage.

As we reflect on this experience, let's carry forward the values of hope and excitement.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at (929)-218-3347!

Warm regards,
Yeshurin Sorscher
Director of Junior NCSY

03/08/2024

This week Rebbetzin Ruchi Koval shares a very emotional sentiment….

———

Bitter and Sweet

Dateline Monday, March 4
Lakewood, New Jersey

Today is 150 days of the hostages in captivity.
It’s also the day before our daughter’s wedding.
And therein, my friends, lies the story of the Jewish people.

The bitter and the sweet in one spoonful.

My father was sitting shiva the same week as my brother’s wedding.
He got up from shiva, went to the wedding, walked his son down the aisle, danced a dance, went back home and sat down once again.

The Jewish story comes in undulating waves.
Mazel tov!
I’m so sorry to hear.
Tears of joy
Tears of pain
Hugs of happiness
Hugs of solidarity

There is a time for everything under the sun.
At the Jewish chuppah we sing a somber song of Jerusalem, our eternal capital, yet undone.
We break the glass to symbolize the brokenness of the universe in the moment of our highest joy.
Then we erupt in ecstatic mazel tov songs.

That’s the Jewish story.
Through history and till today.

Today is 150 days
And tomorrow we walk our daughter toward her beloved.
Both truths held dear to our hearts.

Shabbat shalom

Ruchi

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2200 S Green Road
University Heights, OH
44121

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University Heights, 44118

The Ignatian Solidarity Network is a national social justice education and advocacy organization inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

John Carroll University - Take Back The Night 2012 John Carroll University - Take Back The Night 2012
20700 N Park Blvd
University Heights, 44118

Djapo Cultural Arts Institute Djapo Cultural Arts Institute
13940 Cedar Road Suite 435
University Heights

Djapo Cultural Arts Institute is a Non Profit Cultural Arts Organization based in Cleveland, Ohio

The Womb Wing The Womb Wing
University Heights, 44121

✨Holistic Womb Care 🌿Traditional Community Birthwork ❤️ Feminine Wellness Resources 🫶🏾Join Private Facebook Group for Sister Shared Stories

Scout Pack #7 University Heights Ohio Scout Pack #7 University Heights Ohio
C/O Gearity Elementary School, 2323 Wrenford Road
University Heights, 44118

Welcome, Cub Scout Pack 7 located in University Hts., Ohio. Pack 7 is devoted to offering the scouting experience to diverse families.