The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Story

Since today is the Holocaust Memorial Day I thought it a good day for a post on The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. I can't exactly recall how long ago, but my daughter asked if we could watch the movie, by this title. We couldn't find the movie, at our local movie rental place, and were disappointed after looking in several places. On one of our visits to the library, while browsing through the new selections, I noticed a blue striped book. Upon closer inspection I came to the realization that it was the story of  The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Naturally, I checked it out for my daughter who had been asking for the movie. I told my daughter to read the book, and we'd get the movie, on the first opportunity we could.

The story is about a boy who befriends another boy, about the same age, under peculiar circumstances. The friend he makes is on the other side of a long and tall fence. Over the fence, he notices a group of people who seem to always be wearing their pyjamas usually accompanied by soldiers, which happen to be under his father's command. Puzzled by the strangeness of several things he notices, of the secrecy about the subject and other odd things, he decides to investigate the matter. This story takes you through many questions and new findings as seen from the perspective of this young innocent child.

The end of the story, I won't give away. However, after both reading the book and watching the movie, both my daughter and I thought the book was the much better option. If you haven't seen this movie, or read the book, I would definitely recommend it. This novel is a good way to study about the holocaust tragedy and it's horrible effects on humanity.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Inspiring Video of an 11 year-old

I found this video and wanted to share it with others. It is an excellent presentation and I love the boldness and clarity this boy speaks with. It is definatately an inspiring video.

Bat Mitzvah Celebration

This post will be a short one since I'm ready to go to bed. I'm out of the house most of the week lately and haven't the time to write new posts. This post however, I did not want to put off. This past Shabbat we celebrated my daughter's Bat Mitzvah with our congregation, Zion. It was a memorable occasion as we were blessed to be surrounded by both friends and family. We didn't have much time to prepare due to the fact it wasn't during my daughter's birthday. Actually she talked to our Rabbi and planned it around three weeks ago. I drove her to Rabbi's on three weekends to talk and prepare for her portion. Two days before the big day I was told about a dance my nephew was preparing for this special day. He also asked my kids and me to join them in the dance. Now I'm not that great a dancer to begin with, but I think that I could have done somewhat better if I'd have had a little more time to practice (This you will see in the video posted).
Notwithstanding the short time of preparation and all, we had a joyful and unforgettable time rejoicing with our friends and family. We took many pictures and videos although the whole service is available to be viewed at Zion's website. The part I most enjoyed was hearing Chavah talking about how now she perceived and embraced Hashem and His Word. It actually brought tears to my face. There is just so much gratitude in my heart for Hashem's faithfulness, Baruch HaShem.

                                          music practice before the service

                                          Chavah with her cousin Caleb

                                          Music Team praying

                                          Rabbi watching Kimberly during practice

                                          Rabbi  Hall and Chavah

                                          My husband and I with our daughter

                                          Torah Service

                                          Chava leading the prayers

dancing during the celebration

Marriage To A Difficult Man

Let me just clarify first that the title for this post is actually the title of a book I recently purchased. While listening to A Wise Woman's Guide to Blessing Her Husband by Vision Forum, I first heard about this book. Douglas Phillips talked about it briefly and recommended it as a must read. If you read my previous post, then you know about two other books I also purchased. This means, I'll have to decide which book to begin reading first. All look like good books, and I have read a bit on two of the three new books I bought. I'm excited about my reading, especially because the topics are very interesting and excellent to me. It seems that for a while, I won't be going to the library. Eventually I hope to take some time to write a post on each of the books read. One more thing I'd like to add; in case your wondering or can't make out the name, the author's name is Elizabeth D.Dodds.

Books and Visits...

Some interesting things have happened around at our home lately. I haven't had much time to write, as I've been in and out so much, and when I am home there's too much keeping me busy.

Well I, I'm excited to say I ordered some books and received them this week. I bought the books, Large Families Logistics: The Art and Science of Managing the Large Family by Kim Brenneman and Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald.

 I was checking my e-mails and I noticed a sale at vision forum, where I bought my books at a good discount. I'm so glad I found out before the sale was over, because these books were on my wish list. Besides the books, I received two free CDs titled Honorable Language, Peaceful Siblings, Gracious Wives. Of course, the Cd's content has already been transferred to my iPod and I'm listening to them when I'm out doing errands. 

This past week we were happy to have a special visit. My nephew Caleb, came to spend a few days with us which was a true blessing to the family. It is always encouraging to see him, as we always wind up having some very interesting and edifying discussions. Also, when his parents picked him up, we watched a DVD together called The Hebrew Yeshua vs. The Greek Jesus by Nehemia Gordon. This too initiated a lively discussion, I highly recommend it. My husband had previously bought the book so that we were familiar with the message; however, it was good to see the DVD as well.

Among other things that have gone on around here; I was thrilled with a gift my sweet husband gave me. A few days back he bought me the cutest little puppy which I couldn't resist and named Goliath. Here he is, hiding by David.

We have two other dogs, and they seem to be getting along fine. It was funny the first time I took him outside to our yard. The little thing went after our ducks which are so much bigger than he, and chased them away. It was too funny to watch, I can't wait to see what he does when he sees our chickens.

Too many things have happened, but I'll leave that for another post. Maybe my next post will be of pictures that I've been taking.