I love hearing from my readers!
I try to respond to all questions that I receive, but I’m a busy mom and sometimes it does take a while until I can get to them! The best way to ask a question is in the comment section of the blog; I generally try to answer questions in the order they’re received, and give priority to questions asked on the blog.
If you have a more sensitive question that you’re uncomfortable asking about publicly, you can reach me via my private email, avivahwerner AT yahoo DOT com. In these cases, identifying information is removed from questions before it’s posted on the blog. Please realize that there is sometimes a significant lag from the time a question is received to when it can be responded to.
I’ve been asked a number times about calling me directly. I’ve had to limit the calls I receive to those who schedule consultations. My primary commitment is to my family, and I’ve instituted this policy change to ensure that my children and husband aren’t competing with callers for my time and attention. Since I’ve been blogging for over five years, any readers have found it helpful to read through the archives, as many issues and questions have been responded to in the past. There is a search feature on the blog in order to help you find the information you’re looking for.
If you would still like to schedule a personal parenting or homeschooling consultation with me, you can email me at avivahwerner AT yahoo DOT com to inquire about pricing and to arrange a time. I do not offer nutritional consultations.
hi. i live in denver. trying to come up with remedies for exzema and dermatitis, especially for my 5 yr old’s hands. too much washing at school. dr prescribed steroid creams. used a few times but can’t maintain this. used bag balm, bath oils and lotions. everything stings. use ice pack on it after putting stuff on it but there must be another way….ideas? my torah partner in baltimore sent me your site. wow. i am thrilled to read it. thanks!!
By: sherry on February 11, 2010
at 11:44 pm
Hi, Sherry, welcome! Generally an issue like this has an internal cause, meaning the handwashing isn’t causing the problem, though it does make it worse. I’d probably start by looking at possible food allergies.
By: Avivah on February 22, 2010
at 9:36 pm
I love your blog! I have been following it for a while and will continue to do so. I just recently created my own frugal blog and I hope you will enjoy it. I plan to post about some of the recipes of yours that you have posted soon also.
My blog is http://www.thefrugallyrichlife.wordpress.com
By: kangachick on March 8, 2010
at 3:53 am
Hi, kangachick, thanks for letting me know you’re here! I’ll go check out your blog sometime later today – I love the name of it; it sums up how abundant a frugal life can be.
By: Avivah on March 8, 2010
at 10:32 am
Hello Avivah,
Do you speak Hebrew? If you don’t mind too much, could you write in English letters (I don’t know how to pronounce Hebrew letters) how you would say “Beautiful Friend” in Hebrew? I tried to find it online, but the words were always printed with Hebrew letters and I couldn’t read them.
My middle name is Ruth, which in English is translated “Beautiful Friend” and the two words separately in Hebrew are Yaffe-Chaverah, I think. But is there a way to say it with one word? Also, how would that be pronounced?
If you do know, I thank you ahead of time. =)
Most sincerely,
Karilee
By: Karilee on March 8, 2010
at 11:23 pm
I am glad that you homeschool your children, when I started in the early 1990′s Jews hid that they did this. Most were afraid what the Congregation would say, what the Rabbi would say. Would their kids miss the ridiculous socialization? Which wasn’t really socialization at all except it being a viscious establishments of pecking orders. Now my husband and I have run into problems of finding suitable mates for our sons. We have two in College. We don’t have young women attending but there are quite a few young males.
By: nadzieja batki on March 9, 2010
at 12:35 pm
Hi Avivah:
I found this on one of the homeschool sites … and I told my B’shert, that you share so much of what we are about”. We’re in the midst of BIG conversations about “where to live” as we have yet to find a suitable Jewish setting that works for both of us and our 6 year old little people, D and S. (when we met – he lived on a 100 acre farm in Virginia and we’re now in the Pacific Northwest, which seems to not have enough son for children who were born in Guatemala!)
B’vracha,
Cindi
Just wanted to say thanks for blogging … It keeps us talking and considering …
By: Cindi Maggied Gellert on April 26, 2010
at 11:19 pm
Hi, Cindi, welcome! I’m glad that you’re enjoying what I share about here, and glad it gives you something to talk and consider about. I lived in the PNW until about eight years ago – beautiful part of the country, isn’t it?
By: Avivah on April 26, 2010
at 11:50 pm
Hi Aviva,
I’ve been reading your blog over the past few months. I asked you before if you thought I could homeschool my son aged 4.5 in jewish studies. I decided I couldn’t and applied for a chabad cheder here in Toronto. I’ve just thought of tutoring in jewish studies as an option and there is a smaller Cheder (5 kids in class VS 19) that I’ve just learned about. The thing is my Mashpia is related to the bigger school’s principle and even though she suggested to me a religious school that did include a lot of academic learning as a first option when I asked her for her opinion in regards to the smaller cheder I felt she was a bit prejudiced. I’ve spoken so far with three parents who are very happy with the small cheder and two of them had kids in the other school whom they transfered. I have been studying with my son for 1-2 hours per day and we’re coming along nicely. However I feel inadequate when it comes to jewish studies, as most things I’m learning together with him (except for hebrew which I’m fluent in). We are also not 100% sure we’ll get into the bigger school since my husband is still in the process of conversion and apparently the board of directors needs to decide on our case. All of my son’s friends from shul go to the bigger cheder and so do the rabbi’s kids, which is why I want to have an outsider’s opinion on this one. What do you think? I haven’t found out yet how much the tuition will be in any of the schools, I am a little concerned because we have some debt we need to pay off. But I don’t want to make such an important decision based on money.
Thank you for reading,
Olga
By: Olga on May 4, 2010
at 1:35 pm
what are your views on vaccines for children?
By: estee on May 21, 2010
at 3:31 am
Estee, if you search my site you’ll probably find references that will give you a good idea where I stand. But I haven’t posted about this topic and as of now don’t have any desire to post on it, though I’ve repeatedly considered it since it’s so important.
By: Avivah on May 21, 2010
at 10:59 am
Hi Aviva,
I was wondering if you could help me find how I can teach science and history with a kosher perspective. My kids are 8,7 and 4.
Thank you so much!
By: Ita on June 5, 2010
at 5:52 pm
Avivah,
Thank you for publishing this blog. I am also considering homeschooling for my two children (they are both under 6, so I consider what I’m doing now to be “parenting” rather than homeschooling, even though neither of them have ever been in school). However, my DH has never really interacted with any other homeschoolers, and is concerned that our children will grow up as outcasts or not have any friends. How can I convice him that this isn’t the case before he pulls the plug on my plans for homeschooling? I would appreciate any advice you could give in this matter. Thank you.
Sincerely, Michelle
By: AztecQueen2000 on January 1, 2011
at 11:41 pm
Michelle,
I am a mother of seven children and have home schooled for the past nine plus years. Our oldest children are 18 and 15 and are both currently taking full time college courses online. They are active in bands and youth groups.
But beyond that what I feel is more important is they love God, themselves and their community. Unlike most people now today they notice the person on the side of the road struggling to hold a toddlers’ hand while pushing a stroller with an infant and groceries. And they will ask to help them.
Home schooling in our family is teaching them how to read and write in order to learn science, history and such. But most important teaching them life skills and about God. I hope this helps.
Cathy
By: Catherine Russell on February 20, 2011
at 11:10 am
WOW!!!!! Aviva, I am just soooo impressed and amazed!!!! Thank you soooo much for sending me your blog info… ever since, I’ve been sitting and reading and searching your site everyday!!! You are doing such a great thing by helping and teaching others…. How incredible…Lots of Nachas….and THANK YOU!!!!!
Chagit
By: chagit on January 14, 2011
at 9:28 am
Hello Aviva,
I’m not sure you will remember me but we met last summer at your house. I purchased three ducks from you. They are all doing great and have had offspring since then. I just happened to be searching for images of seven week old ducks to help me with sexing the ones I find difficulty with and I found your blog. You are a busy little bee aren’t you.
What I’m trying to say is we met about nine months ago and we had similar life styles. We both have large families. You have eight children, I have seven. We both have home schooled for a long time. We both adore our God and the gift of life He gave us. I have saved your email all this time and yet we have only met once. Have you ever had that feeling inside that your reconnecting is a planned event and you are just an actor, so to say, in a play. I’m not sure what God has planned but I pray my heart and mind will be open to it. God bless you, your family and all your endeavors. Cathy
By: Catherine Russell on February 20, 2011
at 10:56 am
Hi, Cathy – how nice that you found my blog! Of course I remember you; I knew our ducks would have a great home when we met you and your children, and it’s so nice to hear an update on them! I don’t know what G-d has planned for me, but I’m very certain that good things are in store for our family, and I hope for your family as well.
By: Avivah on February 21, 2011
at 10:16 pm
Hi Aviva,
Can you give me the contact info of the osteopath that you liked in Israel.
A close friend of mine just wasin a car accident a couple of days ago, and while she is doing ok, I believe she would greatly benefit from seeing one.
Thank you so much!
Yamit
By: Y on March 9, 2011
at 5:20 pm
Hi Aviva,
I’ve been looking through your recipes, especially now that Pesach is coming up. Some call for sugar – do you use granulated sugar, or sugar substitutes?
Thanks!
By: Susan on March 23, 2011
at 3:30 pm
rHi, Susan, welcome!
For Pesach my standard sugar substitutes aren’t available, so I use sugar or honey.
By: Avivah on March 23, 2011
at 3:53 pm
Thanks for the sugar information!
This is not a very good pre-Pesach question, but what yeast do you use for your breads/challah. I ask because I’ve read puzzling research about yeast.
Thanks and happy Pesach cleaning and cooking!
By: Susan on April 6, 2011
at 2:06 pm
Hi, Susan! I use either Red Star or Fleishmans, both of which can be purchased in 1 pound vaccuum packed packages.
By: Avivah on April 10, 2011
at 8:52 pm
Hi Aviva. Your lifestyle is truly inspiring!! I want to try to make your viking stew. What is the recipe of where can I find it?
Thanks, Ofira
By: Ofira Furhang on November 6, 2011
at 8:41 pm
Hi, Ofira, welcome and thank you! I just posted the recipe. Enjoy!
By: Avivah on November 7, 2011
at 1:40 am
ok. since we are now in the same country. if u are interested in giving a hands-on training for home remedies and bulk storage, living in a small space, i could help set it up. if u dont want to do a lot of women at once. maybe just…ME. i want to do all the things u have posted,but need some serious hand holding. what do u think?
By: neshama on November 20, 2011
at 3:11 am
You once said that its best to ask a question on this site, rather than through email, so here goes:
In your opinion, if one doesn’t have access to raw milk, is it better to use a substitute milk (such as almond milk) rather than pasteurized milk? (pretending for a second that price wasn’t a consideration).
By: Eee on November 27, 2011
at 10:14 pm
I’ve been thinking about this a lot since we moved here, and will be happy to share my thoughts on this in an upcoming post.
By: Avivah on November 28, 2011
at 5:05 am
Hi Avivah!
I’m a relatively new reader – I’ve really been enjoying your blog, and have gone back and read a lot of your old posts. My primary interest right now (not having children yet) is Nourishing Traditions / all things related to food
I am thinking of going on GAPS to resolve some chronic health issues (allergies, asthma) and to give my body a chance to heal from having untreated Hashimotos hypothyroidism for years (I am now being treated for this very successfully with Armourthyroid), which caused some other health problems.
My question is … how do you handle Shabbos and Pesach when it comes to GAPS? Does it make sense to wait until after Pesach to start GAPS? What do you do for hamotzi on Shabbos? What if you get invited out (which I do since I am single)?
For now, I’m following NT and educating myself on GAPS.
By: cb on January 10, 2012
at 10:04 am
Hi, CB, and welcome!
Regarding GAPS – my husband doesn’t eat any grains year round; on Pesach he has matza (the minimal required amount) and that’s it. As a guest, let your hosts know that you eat proteins and vegetables, or take your own food with you (I know many people who are in OA who do this routinely, and it’s not as strange as it sounds). My husband generally has been able to find suitable foods when he lets people he doesn’t eat starches and sugar.
By: Avivah on January 10, 2012
at 11:36 am
thanks!
By: cb on January 25, 2012
at 12:17 am
Hi Avivah.
My name is Rivka and I am in the process of making aliyah. This past Sunday I met with a NBN associate and she suggested that I may enjoy living in Ramat Rabin, Karmiel. I am not familiar with Ramat Rabin/Karmiel and while I was looking for information about Karmiel online – I came across your blog. I am hoping that you are familiar with Ramat Rabin and could provide me with a description of life and possibly a brief list of suitable areas in which to live in Ramat Rabin.
I realize that sending an email and essentially asking a complete stranger to assist in helping me select a city & neighborhood is a bit odd, perhaps even a bit daunting, so I have attached several bullet points below that describe me with the hope that you will get a better feel for who I am and hopefully be able to aid me in identifying a residential location within Ramat Rabin/Karmiel. Also, I do not make a habit of asking strangers for advice ts but I recognize that receiving feedback from a past olim is of great value.
• I would describe myself as modern yeshivish (More specifically, I am shomer Shabbat, keep kosher, & dress tznuisly)
• I was raised in a religious home – attended a Bais Yaakov and public school (more public school than yeshiva)
• In my youth, I was involved with B’nos, Bnei Akiva, & NCSY
• I daven at Young Israel
• I regularly attend weekly tehillim, torah, halacha, etc.. classes so an “active” shul is imperative
• I have a BA in Psychology and a MBA
• I am single…34 years old – so I would prefer to live amongst other singles
• I have a cat (indoor cat)
• I am looking for a neighborhood that is mixed – Sephardic & Ashkenazi – frum and not so frum…welcoming and friendly
Lastly, I realize that you are a busy wife and mother & you seem to have quite a following online so if you are unable to respond I understand.
Kol Tuv
Rivka
By: Rivka on January 10, 2012
at 3:15 pm
Hi, Rivka, I’m glad you introduced yourself!
I don’t know why they’re encouraging Rabin for you. Another family just moved here and I was dismayed when I found out they were moving to Rabin because it wasn’t a match for their family – they were here for lunch a few days ago and she told me how disappointed she is with the location. There are two religious neighborhoods in Rabin: one is Israeli charedi, the other is modern Orthodox/dati Leumi, young marrieds, and on the far end of Rabin.
You might want to consider the Dromit neighborhood – this is where I live. There are more Anglos, though honestly I don’t know of any religious English speaking singles (that doesn’t mean there aren’t any, just that I don’t know them). All of the neighborhoods in Karmiel are mixed religiously, but the biggest concentrations are in Rabin and the Dromit.
There is a Young Israel in this neighborhood, but not what you’d call YI in the US. It’s led by an Anglo rabbi, just started a year ago so it’s still small but it’s a nice option for those looking for a more American approach. There aren’t any shuls that are socially active here – yet. But there’s another option that I personally don’t know about but have heard good things regarding – Moriah, near the old center of Karmiel (it’s about a twenty minute walk from the new mall in Karmiel, in the Dromit). My mom is making aliyah soon and this is the shul I’m suggesting that she look into as the best fit for her. Lots of Anglos, charedi rabbi but more modern Orthodox constituency, and since it’s bigger and more established, there’s a good chance they have more lectures, etc. I’m sorry I don’t know more specifics.
You’re not the first person to ask a complete stranger for feedback, and in this case it doesn’t seem crazy at all! After all, it’s those living here who have the best sense of what life is like here.
Can I ask you why you’ve decided on Karmiel?
Avivah
By: Avivah on January 10, 2012
at 3:42 pm
Thank you for responding so quickly!!
Karmiel seemed very appealing based on what I was told about the city. It was communicated to me that the population is relatively younger and there are singles. In addition, it was described as being a modern city with a higher standard of living as well as having numerous beautiful parks.
Also, if there are more Anglos in the Dromit neighborhood than I am curious – what groups makeup the Rabin area? I was under the impression that the population was comprised of some Russians and olim from various parts of the world.
Are you familiar with Ma’a lot and Nahariya …they are second and respectively third on my list of neighborhoods of interest.
Thanks so much
Rivka
By: Rivka on January 10, 2012
at 4:40 pm
Avivah, your latest post of Jan 10 can’t be accessed. When I click to read more, error 404 occurs and the post is blank.
By: Ofira on January 11, 2012
at 12:48 pm
Ofira, this was a technical error – I posted it right after midnight and then noticed that it was showing the date as if I was in the US. When I adjusted the timestamp to reflect my location, the post was changed to the proper date – the 11th – and this is why the link won’t work, because the link included the original date(only about three minutes before correction was finished!). Look at today’s post and you’ll see what you’re looking for – http://oceansofjoy.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/thoughts-on-ideal-spacing-between-children/.
By: Avivah on January 11, 2012
at 1:12 pm
Hi,
A friend of mine just called from Israel to tell me about your blog. We have been homeschooling our children aged 4-23 for 17 years. Now I have 3 daughters in the shiddach parsha and it has been difficult and people are telling me it is because of homeschooling. We also follow Weston A. Price.
My husband and I are both Sephardic.
Perhaps you or one of your readers might have some ideas?
Thank you for a great blog!
By: Renee Leavy Kohn on January 18, 2012
at 3:08 pm
Hi, Renee, welcome! I don’t have many words of consolation; rather I’d say that shidduchim are difficult at this time for most people with daughters. One of my readers homeschooled six girls, almost all of whom are married, and she didn’t feel that shidduchim was any harder for her than anyone else, and if fact in some ways was easier. But it’s a tough scene out there; I haven’t heard anything good from anyone about it.
I’ll tell you my personal belief – Hashem has determined each person’s soul mate before that child is born, and homeschooling or not homeschooling isn’t going to keep a person from the person Hashem has intended for them.
By: Avivah on January 18, 2012
at 6:01 pm
About Aliyah… I have started our family blog, Our Aliyah, which is highlighting the various steps we need to take to get to Israel – 8 months out.
Enjoy reading our blog – I see lots of things in common!
ouraliyah.wordpress.com
By: cohenner on February 1, 2012
at 10:55 pm
Shalom cohenner!
Another terrific resource is http://voleh.org written by a lawyer in Tel Aviv who volunteers his time and experiences helping new olim avoid legal problems in Israel. Many of his posts are true cases (with names changed). The guy’s a mensche (I tell you this from personal experience), so if you need any assistance with your Aliyah don’t hesitate to contact him thru his site.
I intended to respond to your comment with a link to my Aliyah blog but after visiting yours I see you’ve already found mine
Shavua Tov,
Tehillah
By: Tehillah on February 12, 2012
at 9:17 am
Hi Avivah!
Thanks for sharing so much of your lives and great ideas for regaining good health. I was also a homeschooling mom in the US (where my daughter gained her GED and went on to college) until I moved to Israel and now our youngest son (home birthed) B”H is excelling in school here.
A friend sent me a link to your blog and I’ve been reading for hours! I feel like I’ve been reunited with an old friend
Welcome home!
Tehillah
By: Tehillah on February 12, 2012
at 9:12 am
Hi,
Do you know where I can buy a food dehydrator in Jerusalem?
Thanks.
Janet Paula
By: Janet Paula on March 11, 2012
at 12:05 pm
Here’s an online site that was recommended to me (I’m linking to the page specifically about dehydrators) – http://www.newhorizon.co.il/store_new/he/%D7%9B%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%98%D7%91%D7%97-%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%90/%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%99%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%99-%D7%9E%D7%96%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%96%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%99%D7%91%D7%A9-%D7%9E%D7%96%D7%95%D7%9F.html.
Get ready for sticker shock!
By: Avivah on March 25, 2012
at 6:13 pm
Hi Avivah… I love your blog
you are an inspiration 
I have a page on facebook called whats for supper…. it has about 2000 ppl on it… On facebook you can easily get alot more with one advertisement… but I wanted it to stick to Yiddishe ppl
so it just went word of mouth 
Im married 21 years and blessed with 8 kinderlach so I try to share a little knowledge with the ppl who come to the page… all while trying to give supper ideas… 
Anyways I wld be honored if you want to add a link to your blog when you write new articles…. So you can share your wisdom with more veiwers…
Warm wishes for many Brachos for you and your beautiful Mishpacha
Neomi <3
By: neomi gniwisch on March 12, 2012
at 6:38 pm
Neomi, thank you and welcome! I’ll email you privately.
By: Avivah on March 12, 2012
at 8:00 pm
What an accomplishment on your Pesach 2010 shopping. I’m amazed you only spend $600 a month to feed your family of 11 people! That’s unbelievable.
Is this in the U.S. or in Israel? I find it hard to believe that groceries here in the States could be as cheap as you say they are – $10 for 50 pounds of potatoes, pineapples at $1.29 each, 88 oranges for $19!
My personal goal is to cook satisfying meals without spending a chunk of change each time. It’s clear that you’ve been able to do that quite successfully. While it’s still in a very early form (and I haven’t been so faithful updating), I wrote up recipes, with pictures, that strive for this goal. You can find the link here: http://www.jonmaimon.wordpress.com
Hag Sameach,
Jon
By: jonmaimon on April 6, 2012
at 1:26 am
Hi, Jon, welcome! My budget was $600 a month two years ago when living in the US; it went up to $650 a year later.
I moved to Israel in August 2011, groceries are overall much more expensive but our budget is $515 monthly. Many people have told me it’s impossible to spend this much, either in the US or Israel, but they were wrong.
I’ve shared extensively in my blog about how and where I was able to find prices like this (look in the frugality category). You’re right that you can’t walk into your typical supermarket and find these prices; it took determination and conscious effort to scout out my alternative shopping venues. In Israel it’s been much more challenging to stay to this budget because I don’t have access to the kind of places I shopped at in the US!
By: Avivah on April 6, 2012
at 8:06 am