Maturity

I find myself reflecting on life’s choices, and wondering if I got what I always wanted...

This spiritual explanation of why it is so difficult for us to properly honor our parents offers insight into healing intergenerational trauma and coming to peace with issues picked up from one’s family of origin.

Little brothers are so handy. When they are very small they can give you a massage by walking on your back. Then they get a little bigger, and soon, they are arm-rest size.

Sometimes I wonder at the puny specimens passing themselves off as Bar Mitzvah boys. How, by any stretch of the imagination, can they be described as having reached adulthood?

Why does Judaism consider a 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl to be full-fledged adults? What is there to be gained from blatantly disregarding reality?

How can a 12 or 13 year old be considered an adult? What suddenly happens at age 12/13?

What happens if you gain wisdom but refuse to grow up?

The haftarah I Kings 2:1-12. for Vayechi tells of King David’s last words and instructions to his son Solomon, and gives a tally of his years as king. The connection to our parshah is Jacob’s last words to his children and Joseph’s last words to his broth...

Question: I know that a girl has her bat mitzvah on her 12th Hebrew birthday, and a boy has his bar mitzvah when he turns 13. Why are these two ages designated for this milestone, and why do boys lag behind by a year? Reply: The ages of 12 and 13 are arou...