Last month we celebrated Christmas and Chanukah. These are joyous holidays that remind us how God is the One who initiates the acts of salvation among His people. At Chanukah, we celebrate the miracle of light, God’s deliverance of the people of Israel, and the temple’s re-dedication. And on Christmas, we celebrate the day when Jesus— the second person of the Trinity— took on flesh to live among and save His people...

Since the 1970s, a custom has arisen in extending invitations to gatherings allowing the invitee to include a Plus One -- defined as a person who accompanies an invited guest to an event or gathering. Today if you receive a request to RSVP for an event, you will likely be given the opportunity to bring a Plus One.

I have had the joy and privilege of speaking to women’s groups in different states and countries. I love it and do not take my responsibilities lightly. My daughter Toi and I have also done what we call tag-team talks. Those are my favorites. We share half a brain, so it is fun for one of us to jump in where the other leaves off, in sync, and never disjointed. Besides that, she is one of my top ten favorite people ever!

'Tis the season to think of family; immediate, close in, not-so-close in, added in by marriage or adoption, and those considered part of the family even without kin relationships. These folks are Mishpochah – Yiddish for family...