LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear JCCMP,

I attended your Back-to-School street fair on September 2, but I had to leave due the heavy downpour. I was so upset because I was hoping to get some briefcases for my kids who would be starting school the next day. There was a long line for people who preregistered to get the briefcases, but I was not one of them.  I really commend those people for being so dedicated and remaining on line despite the terrible weather. It just goes to show how much this event is needed for the community. I came home sad that I wasn’t able to get what I needed, but then the next day I saw that you posted on Facebook that if anyone still needs them, briefcases would be available at the JCCMP office. Thank you so much for all the chessed you do for the community!   

A Grateful Parent

Dear Editor, 

In response to the letter in the September issue written by Evelyn Schwartz, I have to say that I’m always stunned when people openly and unabashedly brag about how they’re glad to have their kids out of the house. To quote the writer, “I don’t mean to sound cold, but we were not exactly shedding tears when the last child moved out (tears of joy, maybe).” Does she really not see anything wrong with that comment? I’m imagining how her kids must feel after reading their Mom’s description of her feelings towards them, and worse, announcing it for all the world to hear. Actually, I hope they didn’t read it, and never see it. Perhaps the writer should go to a meeting of the A Time organization, a support group for childless couples, who would no doubt give anything to have children to love and cherish, and would never dream of speaking in such a way about their children, much less looking forward to the day they’re all gone. People should really learn to see the blessings G-d has showered on them, the biggest of which is the blessing of having children. Being happy that they’re finally all out of the house is certainly nothing to brag about!

A Grateful Mother Who Loves Having Her Children at Home

Dear Editor,

“Taking the Fear Out of Choosing a Career” by Sandy Eller was a good piece. It is so important that high schools offer their soon-to-be graduates some kind of aptitude test so they can get some idea of what they want to do in the future. When I attended yeshivah back in the late 80s, I had no clue what I wanted to do after twelfth grade. The guidance counselor made us all take one of these tests and I am so glad I did because it recommended electrical engineering as a career for me based on my skills and interests. Baruch Hashem, many years later I am happy to report that I still love my field of work, love my job, and I am able to support my family doing what they suggested. Every school should give students this guidance. I echo the same sentiment for Miriam Krohn’s article “Talking Sense: Preparing Our Daughters for their Financial Future.”    

 G. Y.

Dear Editor,

To the reader who posted last month’s Ask a Therapist question: I am with you! Now that we are back in the swing of school, I am seeing once again how much havoc homework can wreak on the family. School really changes the whole dynamic of the household. While in the summer we enjoyed meals together, walks, and long conversations, now we barely see each other all day.  Our evenings are a mad rush of getting dinner on the table, assignments complete, and homework papers signed. (Sigh.) Oh, summer how I miss you! The good news is the Yamim Tovim are here to lift our spirits and our souls.     

 Yael F.

Dear Editor,

I cried as I read Yitti Berkovic’s column about what  Rosh Hashana looks like for her family dealing with a 14-year-old autistic son. It was a beautiful and inspirational piece. I just wanted to let her know that she is doing an awesome job being  Naftali’s mom! I am sure her prayers and wishes were heard just as much making French toast in her kitchen as it would have been in the ladies’ section of any shul. Kol Hakavod! 

Shoshana Siegel