In honor of my mom’s birthday this coming Sunday, it’s time for the fifth installment of Ask Hil’s Mom. Have a question for my Jewish mother? Post it in the comments or send it to me.
Did you miss out on the previous questions and answers? Then catch up on installments one, two, three, and four.
Ruthie
mom
Hi Michael:
Without a doubt Israel is the most interesting place I have ever been. The history, the people. Being in a country where we, Jews, are the majority, instead of a teeny minority. To see what our people have done with a tiny piece of desert is incredible!!!!! What a place.
What is the most interesting place YOU have traveled to??
Hil’s mom
mom
Hi Ruthie:
The advice that I have given the girls that I believe is the best I could ever give is “to give is better than to receive.” We are a very fortunate family and I have made sure that the girls KNOW that not many people have what they have, not just material things, either. They have an intact family, aunts, uncles and cousins that love them….they were able to go to school and have fun, not having to work and pay for their own educations.. When they were little, they received only 7 hanukkah gifts, the eighth gift was to be given away to a charity, or children less fortunate than they. Once we took them to a homeless shelter to give away some of their many toys directly to homeless children!!! They both understand that those more fortunate must help those who have less. Giving is a wonderful thing and a wonderful feeling. I truly hope the girls will teach their children how important giving (tzedakah, charity-work, etc) is. It makes one feel whole and good about themselves…The top rung of Maimonides 12 steps of charity…”teach someone to help themselves.” i.e. educate them, train them, etc. I am most proud of both of them as they have always given back to the community in generous ways; and helping other people is the best way to live.
Too Sappy????? Hope not!!!
Hil’s mom
elise
mom
elise
