What if we approached the New Year in the way a bride approaches her wedding day? We would not have to worry ourselves with well-intentioned New Year resolutions. Instead, we’d simply decide on four things to take into the new year—“something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.”

Most of us are familiar with this traditional English wedding rhyme that dates to the nineteenth century. In its shortened contemporary version (“and a sixpence in her shoe” is seldom used), the rhyme contains the clues to the “four good-luck objects…a bride…

Do you believe in miracles?

At sunset on Sunday, December 22, 2019, Jews will begin the 8-day celebration of Hanukkah. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and miracle of the rekindling of its menorah.

The story of Hanukkah is a mixture of history and legend. According to history,
In 167 B.C., a Syrian officer brought an unnamed Jew to the temple [Second Temple] and forced him to make a sacrifice to Zeus. A priest named Mattathias witnessed the event. He slew them …

It truly is a magical time of the year. It is magical in the way it seems to transform individuals—children and adults—to kinder, happier people. The effect that the Christmas season has on our mood, our attitude, is undoubtedly positive. We are nicer, more apt to laugh and play and party. We are quicker to share, to give, to be generous.

For some of us older adults, however, the Christmas season also means that our grief is heightened and our sadness deepened as we become more mindful of what we may have lost in the way of health, money, companionship, independence….

Oh please, not another blog about how wonderful Thanksgiving is! No, it’s not. I know Thanksgiving blogs come a dime a dozen, as we say, and you have better things to do right now than read a sentimental blog. So, here goes: just keep five things in mind this Thanksgiving if you want to have a pleasant, memorable time.

Remember why you eat: for a strong body, sharp mind, and the energy to lead an active lifestyle.

Do not allow the Thanksgiving dinner to be an excuse to eat dishes that do not support your health goals. A recent online poll revealed that  the major…

“What surprises me is—even though discrimination against women and racial discrimination still exist, they have improved a lot, especially among artists. And just when I felt I could finally take a break, I encounter the age discrimination. I turned 72 and started noticing a drastic difference in people’s attitudes. I started with racism and sexism in the beginning and fought them so hard and was finally ready to relax. Then, here comes ageism, and I feel like, ‘Give me a break!’” 1.

As human beings we all want to receive love from others, but we must first learn t…