Camp is Essential to Children’s Growth

By Jill Levin

“The greatest things we can give our children are roots and wings.” – W. Hodding Carter II.

As parents, one of our deepest desires is to offer our children a sense of security, love and belonging – the strong roots that allow them to feel grounded and confident in the world. But we must also give them wings – the freedom to explore, learn and grow beyond the familiar. In parenthood we must strike a delicate balance between nurturing our children’s roots and allowing them to spread their wings, take risks and experience life in new and exciting ways.

One of the most powerful ways to give your child those wings is by encouraging them to attend an overnight camp or participate in a specialized overnight summer program. These experiences aren’t just a way for children to fill a few weeks of summer; they are transformative experiences that often stay with them for a lifetime. (more…)

How Trauma Impacts a Child’s Brain

By Tammy Schamuhn R.Psych & Institute of Child Psychology

Ashley WenterTrauma for a child refers to experiences or events that overwhelm their ability to cope, causing a lasting negative impact on their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.

While the perception of trauma can vary from child to child based on temperament, resilience, and support systems, some situations are widely recognized as potentially traumatic. These include:

(1) Acute Trauma which are single-event experiences that are intensely distressing, such as: a car accident, natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes), sudden loss of a loved one or witnessing violence;

(2) Chronic Trauma which is typically ongoing exposure to adverse conditions or events such as: physical/emotional/sexual abuse, neglect (e.g., lack of food, shelter, or emotional support), domestic violence or chronic bullying;

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The New Safety Playbook for Moms: Building Resilience and Protecting What Matters Most

By Ashley Wenter

Ashley WenterAs parents, we share a universal goal: to protect our children and provide them with a safe environment to grow and thrive. In today’s rapidly changing world, however, that mission feels more urgent and complex than ever. The challenges we face—from emerging threats in schools to the uncertainty of global events—demand a fresh approach to safety and resilience. We need a new safety playbook, one that reflects the realities of our times and starts where all meaningful change begins: at home, with moms leading the way.

As husband-and-wife business owners, Cory and I, combine our unique talents to make schools and places of worship safer for families like yours. Cory’s journey started with service in the Marine Corps, with experience in presidential security, disaster response, and martial arts instruction, before spending 17 years protecting one of the country’s largest synagogues with cutting-edge safety measures, and advanced security training and protocols. I am a former teacher and school administrator, and strive to bring a heartfelt understanding of what educators and families need to feel secure and thrive. Together, we built Pangaea Consulting—a company blending Cory’s safety and security expertise with my educational insight to create practical, effective safety solutions. Our partnership is proof that when strategy meets heart, extraordinary things happen for the people who matter most: our kids.

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Wegovy your way to weight loss…. Or is there another way?

By Lauren Rashap, CN

Lauren RashapHi friends, your clinical nutritionist here, to spell it out or dispel some of the myths surrounding miracle weight loss drugs that we’ve all been talking about and even taking, perhaps indiscriminately and incorrectly!

Semaglutides aka GLP-1 Inhibitors like Wevovy, Ozempic, Monjaro have found their way to 1 in 8 Americans across the United States. While initially this statistic surprised me, I had to reflect on the staggering number of people in our country with pre diabetes and type 2 diabetes which is 1 in 3 Americans if current trends continue. (more…)

How Moms Can Inspire Courage, Unity, and Hope in 2025

By Shirin Yadegar
Shirin YadegarAs we stand on the threshold of 2025, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both challenging and transformative. The past year has tested us in unimaginable ways, but it has also reinforced the profound strength that comes from standing together as a community. As a proud Jew, a mom, and a firm believer in the power of shared values, I’ve seen firsthand how connection and unity can help us rise above even the darkest moments.

October 7, 2024, is a date that will forever be seared into our hearts. The tragedy and heroism of that day remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of community. For the families of the hostages who are still waiting for their loved ones to return, we must continue to pray, to advocate, and to hope. Let’s keep their stories alive, teaching our children the power of empathy and the importance of standing up for what is right—even when it’s hard. (more…)

Beyond the Routine: How to Elevate Your Mental Health with Aromatherapy and Chakra Balancing

By Laura McCann Ramsey

Laura McCann Ramsey We’ve all heard that routines are crucial for mental health. But let’s take it a step further—what if your routine could be a scented pathway to self-care, stress relief, and emotional balance? Welcome to the world of aromatherapy and chakra balancing, where each breath can be a step toward a better you.

The Power of Small Changes

Mental health routines don’t have to be complicated. It’s the small, consistent actions that make a difference, and with Adoratherapy, we believe those small actions can be intentional breaths—inhales and exhales powered by essential oils designed to reset your mood. Need a boost? Reach for our Chakra Boost roll-ons, your “life coach in a bottle” to guide you through the day. Aligning with the energy of your chakras helps ground those little habits, turning them into transformative moments. (more…)

Ice Cream Cupcake Edible Menorah

By: Joan Nathan

Joan NathanThe menorah is the most meaningful symbol of Hanukkah. Artistic Jews throughout the world have created their own versions. I liked to take our children to local Jewish gift shops, synagogues, and museums to see the different renditions. We spent one Hanukkah in Jerusalem delighting in menorahs in windows.

For each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, an additional candle is inserted, from right to left, and lit by the shammas, or helper candle, from left to right, until the eight-candle menorah is aglow. We place our menorahs on a flameproof tray in our front window. If your children do not want to make their own menorah out of clay, let them make the following edible one. (more…)

Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate-Pistachio Relish

By: Pamela Salzman

Pamela SalzmanIngredients

  • 2 Delicata squash washed well and cut into rings*
  • 2 Tablespoons unrefined coconut oil melted
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Relish: this makes a lot
  • 2 Tablespoons unrefined cold-pressed olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar or pomegranate molasses
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • ½ cup pistachio nuts toasted
  • ¼ cup dried currants
  • 2 small shallots chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh mint chopped

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