I’m Back! Here’s What I’ve Been Up To! | Orthodox Jewish Mom (Jar of Fireflies)

[@purpleandred7]

Chana, it's absolutely wonderful to see you back! I'm so glad your time away spent with family was exactly what you needed.

[@jaroffireflies]

@@purpleandred7 thank you so much! It was!

[@purpleandred7]

@@jaroffireflies You know, Chana, I have a fair amount of friends who have a YT channel and I always wondered how they did it .. day in and day out, always trying to come up with new and different interesting content as creators .. and sometimes, they've said, that it doesn't always "hit the mark" to be interesting. The one thing that I've imagined it maybe to be like is similar to having a noose hanging around your neck, always on the ready to film - no matter where you are or what you're doing, it's always in the back of your mind: this might be something my followers would want to see/find interesting .. it's always lingering in the background, should I film this; I should take the camera to dinner out, just in case I want to share the delicious food; what if something amazing happens and I left the camera at home? It can be daunting at times, no? If it was me, I'd be stressed out all the time, constantly worrying about it. For you, I can totally understand how difficult it must be having to think about filming while you have so much on your plate already. You are very appreciated for all you do to keep us happy and interested, but I really do understand how hard it can be and how much time and effort it takes to juggle your family life and your channel. Thank you 💜

[@Myloveforyou.]

Indeed, very glad to see you back.

[@janiswebb9824]

Chana, So wonderful to see you back online. I've missed you.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@jcsterling9049]

Whooo! Welcome back, you’ve been missed 🤍

[@jaroffireflies]

Yay, thank you!

[@Cassandra-fw2bx]

Nice to see you back 😊 Hope you and your family are doing well 💖

[@carleenjohnson1074]

So glad your family is okay. Thought you took a break due to people making horrible comments. Glad that is not happening. Love listening

[@jaroffireflies]

Most people here are incredibly kind 💖

[@giuliamotta628]

Chana WELCOME BACK!!! I have missed your videos. So glad you were able to regroup and recharge so to speak.

[@jaroffireflies]

@@giuliamotta628 yes! That’s exactly it

[@Susanjoc]

I’ve been thinking about you lately as I’ve been studying Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers recently in the Bible. I knew Sukkot was approaching and I did some research. I see it’s starting tomorrow. I wanted to wish you and the family a wonderful holiday season. You are missed, I so enjoy your videos about your customs and your faith. I look forward to hearing from you again. Susan from PA.

[@jaroffireflies]

@@Susanjoc thank you Susan!

[@mariannefarrelldimsdale2433]

Chana, I am so thrilled to see you back. I happy that you had time with your family😄

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!😊

[@Tigerlily413]

Yay! So nice to see you again, Chana! You’ve been missed ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!! 😊

[@Lawyerforlife]

Welcome back!! חג שמח

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@kahineg]

It is so good to see you back and to get an update on all that has been happening with you. I can't believe baby firefly is 2 years old already. Baruch HaShem you are flourishing with all of the things you are doing. May HaShem bless and keep you and yours.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so very much for your kind words!

[@mineneuryuu3623]

Yes yes yes! Hello Chana I hope you and your family are doing fine. The color of your scarf suits you very well. I am so exited to hear from my favourite jewish youtuber again. G-d bless you!❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!

[@mariahahn-silva7132]

Chanita!!!!!! How lovely of you to share your amazingly loving moments with family. You're back! Yay!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes! Thank you! More to come!

[@janicebeckett7287]

Chana...... It's SO GOOD to see you. My Mondays have not been the same. But I'm so glad you put your well-being and your family first. ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

@@janicebeckett7287 thank you for understanding!

[@sfreeman9859]

Glad to hear and see you again. Hope that you continue to feel better!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!

[@A.Romanowski]

Hi Chana, bless you and your family on this 7.th of October, praying for the hostages and for peace in Israel. Take care. 😍

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you

[@lindac3395]

Welcome back Chana, I’ve missed your channel! 💕🙏🏻🤗

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! 🤗

[@aishaa309]

Shalom-welcome back!! So good to see you❤ You mentioned family book additions-I don't even know where to start! I've faced the fact I'm a book addict & it's incurable 😂

[@jaroffireflies]

Ahhhh me too! lol I can’t help myself!

[@MaureenDrees]

Chana, it’s good to see and hear from you again. It feels like checking in with a valued friend from high school or college.

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw that means so much thank you!

[@jessieely5363]

I clicked so fast! Welcome back Chana!

[@jaroffireflies]

You're the best! Thank you! 💖

[@Sharon-st9st]

So excited to see you!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Excited to be here!

[@Simplyzipporah]

Welcome back sis. Sometimes we need those breaks for sure!

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes! Thank you!

[@janetteharvey9854]

So happy to see you again. My Mondays have not been the same. Look forward to more videos as you juggle life, kids, school, your own needs, and family/community. 🎉

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Janette!

[@staceyandrews1926]

Welcome back!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Stacey!

[@carolinedowdeswell4897]

It's lovely to see your smiley face again, you radiate sunshine 🎉

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh thank you! 😊

[@michelehess7293]

Hi Chana! I've missed you. I love your creativity, cooking, learning from you and your general upbeat positivity! Watching you makes me feel happy. Plus I love learning about Judaism from you. So many things from the Old Testament makes sense now from your explanations; and! ever since Oct.7 I feel a strong need to learn more about Judaism & the Jewish people. So glad you're back! ❤✝ ✡

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for your kind words! Thanks for being here!

[@janicegilman7672]

Welcome back Chana! You were missed and I hope you are well and refreshed! 🥰😇

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! 🤗 very refreshed!

[@donnamiles8008]

Oh what a treat . Feel like you’re a good friend whom I haven’t talked to in a while. You look rested!! Enjoy your time and look forward to your next update.

[@jaroffireflies]

That's literally how I felt when I was making the video! Like I was chatting with old friends :)

[@nancyyachnes7349]

Chana, welcome back!! Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and sweet year! a ktiva vachatima tova!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! Shana tova!

[@barbaraketchum8287]

I'm so happy to see you! You have definitely been missed, but I'm so happy you're taking meaningful time for yourself!! ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so kindly Barbara!

[@boething]

I was just thinking of you this morning as I was getting ready to go play pickleball! I LOVE seeing you back!! Good for you for taking care of YOU and your family! Self care guarantees that others around you are blessed! Set those boundaries and keep them for YOU!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes! Thank you! I appreciate your kind words!

[@marymcmanemin4201]

Chana, so glad to see you again! Glad your “sabbatical “ has been helpful for you. You, your family and the Jewish/Israel community have been in my prayers. I am listening to “Middlemarch” audio and reading “All Creatures Great and Small” bless you.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! All Creatures Great and Small is such a lovely book! Have you seen the PBS show? It’s quite enjoyable too!

[@marymcmanemin4201]

@@jaroffireflies yes. I am watching both series. The current and the one back in the 70’s /80’s. Both BBC

[@jaroffireflies]

@@marymcmanemin4201 awesome! Enjoy!

[@debbiesnavely4676]

Yipppeeeeee ! U r back. Im so glad!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks Debbie!

[@rakelarnasottir8256]

i'm happy to see you back

[@jaroffireflies]

I’m happy to be back!

[@growingmindtarget]

So happy to see you're back! Saw the notification on my phone and it put suuuuch a big smile on my face and heart.

[@jaroffireflies]

I'm so glad! Thank you!

[@fatimaslifeline]

Yey Yey Yey hurry welcome back my friend ❤ let me relax and watch the video 💃🏽

[@fatimaslifeline]

Welcome back is a much needed rest for hope you feeling better now ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@sarahdicus9665]

I am so happy you are back , you have been missed greatly.

[@jaroffireflies]

I appreciate that thank you Sarah!

[@kristinmiller4779]

Yay good morning Chana and firefly kiddos ive missed yall ❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Good morning! ☀️

[@marleiseturner4689]

It is so great to see you, Chana❤ You are so incredible and obviously very organized. Your videos are always impressive but wowza………………all that you accomplish makes my head spin!! Thank you for the wonderful update on you and your family❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!

[@txmap]

I'm in West Texas, and our winter garden is often more productive than our summer garden. Spinach, various greens (collards, etc.), bok choy, cabbages, winter squashes, carrots, etc. all do really well. Also, I would love to see you do a video of your freezer meal day. Glad you're back!

[@jaroffireflies]

So fun! Yes, I’m a little late but planning to plant carrots and lettuce and spinach in a few days. This week has been a bit busy lol

[@damealeta3541]

Charna! I was just thinking of you last night. And now here you are! So, I've been living the retired life. Going through boxes from storage, shredding *years* worth of old paperwork I was too busy to bother with. Enjoyed the community swimming pool, playing computer games and fighting a summer flea infestation. So happy you had a chance to recharge your batteries and just enjoy your family and friends. I've truly missed your posts but don't do instagram so... Looking forward to when you pop up again with an update on life. Happy reading, baking and living! L'chaim! 😘💚

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for your kind words!!! Sounds like you have been so very productive! Great to see you here again!

[@kryssysmith1486]

Welcome back Hannah! So good to see you back on youtube.I missed you.

[@jaroffireflies]

Yay! Thank you!

[@johnslanicky]

Missed your positivity. Great to see you 🙂 Take care of yourself ❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! You too!

[@angelinakirsch4235]

So glad you are back!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Glad to be here!

[@NasikaBINAHhaTiferet]

Chana I’m so grateful that HaShem allowed you to take the time to rest and enjoy your family in safety! Happy you’re back! Baruch HaShem🎉

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!

[@katherynkray2475]

Chana … it is a wonderful thing to see you again. I want to share how this video hit me. You clearly identified and shared many aspects of your life as a woman, wife, and mom that you were grateful to embrace and reconnect with. Transparency combined with vulnerability is meaningful. As a mother of six beautiful and now adult children I can reflect back and identify with you and the stage of family life you are in. It is an exquisite place to which you have arrived. Only you and your husband can determine the correct balance for your family going forward. I know one truth … no mother mentor that I know and respect, when reflecting on their life, has ever said “ gee I wish I would have worked more “ … Know that you are loved and respected. Shalom 🙏

[@jaroffireflies]

Wise words! Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom and for your kind words 💖

[@shirlynb148]

You were missed but a break is always deserved. Sometimes a higher power ( whomever you believe in) will use illness to remind you it’s time to rest, relax & heal. We have very little control over anything in life but our health is one we do have. Take care of yourself in order to do more for others!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Shirly!!!

[@kellyschmitt683]

Welcome back! I have missed you!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Kelly!

[@CherylNoe]

Hey friend! Welcome back!

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello!!! 👋🏻

[@joannamugliston9853]

So nice to see you again. I was worried that you gave up KZbin for good.❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Not at all ❤️

[@cindys1697]

Your new video was such a nice surprise! It was wonderful hearing what you've been up to, it sounds super busy but a very full and happy life! 😀

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Cindy!

[@TaraSimpsp]

It's so lovely to see you, you've been missed....welcome back 😊 TS from the UK

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@ljshaw8516]

Wonderful to see your sweet and smiling face again. Thrilled that you took time off and enjoyed precious moments with family and friends. I know you uploaded all your new additions to your library on your computer 😉📚

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! Yes I did!

[@colleenorrick5415]

It’s great to see you. I’m so glad that you are doing well.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Colleen!

[@carrieann5714]

Yay! So glad you are back. I missed you.

[@jaroffireflies]

Yay! Thank you!

[@chandrap503]

Yay!!!! Glad all is well

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@barbsams7774]

Oh my goodness! So excited you are back. Glad you have enjoyed your break with your family. Can’t wait to see what you have planned.

[@nooncactus]

I’ve been thinking about you and missing you. Good to see you. 😘💙🤍💙🤍💙

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!!’

[@juliek2196]

Yay! So thankful to see you! 💙🤍

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Julie!

[@brandimilburn2740]

Glad to see you back.We are looking for a Challah bread for shabot and everyday.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! I have some great recipes if you want to try to bake it 😊

[@Sara88890]

Love to see you again, whenever you need to take a break we all understand, but just know that whenever you need to time away we will be ready to welcome you back again if you feel the need too.

[@nancyayala2217]

Welcome back so happy to see you back!!!!!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Nancy! 💖

[@dianeclarkrobinson]

Awesome to see you back!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks Diane!

[@FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

So so nice to hear from you dear Chana! ❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! 🤗 I was just watching one of your shorts earlier today! Not sure how recent it was published, but it was about the wedding dance. Can’t wait to watch the full video later!

[@micheleandretta9105]

Welcome back. We missed you. Glad your time was rejuvenating for your family and you.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!

[@rebeccalund8743]

So glad to see you!

[@jaroffireflies]

Glad to be back!

[@sarahgreen2295]

Chana!!! So glad you are back! Whatever you are able to film I am here for it! Looking forward to your next upload! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate you Sarah!

[@lynnegordon6749]

Hi Chana!!!! Great to see you. You're looking happy and relaxed.

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw thank you Lynne!

[@cathy2142]

Praying over you all extra today❤❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

@@cathy2142 thank you Cathy

[@cathy2142]

@@jaroffireflies God loves you all so much! You are valuable and special in his image. You deserve to exist. I am praying for your enemies too but know that we love you all and care very much

[@cathy2142]

Wow❤🎉🎉❤🎉❤. 😮😊. 👏🏻🙌👏🏻🙌👏🏻🙌👏🏻🙌 We missed you💞

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Cathy!

[@Libby_Hannah]

Shalom shelí! I literally drop everything to say Hi to you❤ I really missed you so much! I was thinking about you this days! BH❤ Is always a good idea have a lil break to regroup. H' bless you and your lovely family.

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw thank you so much! It’s nice to be here again 💖

[@grievousangel7742]

So nice to see you again! This feels like catching up with an old friend, it really does. You must pace yourself going forward. It sounds like you're rediscovering things you didn't realise you had lost and it's important not to lose it again. ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for understanding and for your kind words! Lovely to see you again!

[@jillhertzog6365]

Welcome back 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Jill!

[@jolinbarilla2229]

It's so good to see you!

[@jaroffireflies]

It’s so good to be back!

[@MaryWysocki]

Welcome back Chana and all the other fireflies!!! Try some raw ginger root tea with honey and lemon

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for the suggestion Mary!

[@mcomeslast]

Welcome back! Hope you enjoyed the break!

[@jaroffireflies]

Definitely did! Much needed

[@lisathomas9744]

welcome back you have been missed.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Lisa!

[@jennbidwelledwardson2885]

It was so nice seeing you had posted! You have been missed. It sounds like life is treating you well. I look forward to your videos as they come. Stay safe & well.❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! Be well!

[@dawnbaker9274]

*sigh* life is back to normal. Glad you got the rest you needed and everyone is well...at least , is well now. Thanks for the update. 😀 my life has been upended with family issed but, as you say "that's okay". I am currently recovering from a nasty bout of sciatica, but, again, that's okay. I do have family so I was able to rest and am recovering. What is your family doing for Purim this year?❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Dawn 💖

[@KathleenSpaine]

Hello again! I was just thinking about you yesterday, hoping all was well with you and hoping you would do another update. So glad to hear from you and hear about you and your family. I am so glad you have been able to find a better balance in your life. Your life sounds very busy and fulfilling.....and full of joy. I have started giving tours of Montpelier....the home of James Madison. I have learned so much more than I ever taught my 4th graders when I was teaching. Mostly I enjoy interacting with our visitors, and spreading the history of one of our founding fathers.....and the history of the constitution. Be well, I am looking forward to your next upload. Shalom.

[@jaroffireflies]

That’s awesome! I love history and especially things like historical tours. What fun!

[@judihume3400]

I missed you!!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

I missed yall too!

[@ZAOAI]

I’m so happy you popped on! I totally get why you needed a break, but I’ve missed you!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Karen 😊

[@KerryJay-k1k]

Welcome back. You needed that well-deserved break,

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!!! 😊

[@stephaniemeads]

Oh my! I have missed you terribly!!! Was just thinking about you yesterday!! Good to see your sweet smile and calm voice and of course your beautiful family of fire flies!! Have an amazing day my friend!❤

[@jaroffireflies]

You're the best! Thank you Stephanie!

[@silvanahurtadovares1528]

oh Chana!!! I miss you sooo much!!! Your baby is 2 allready? Times flies! I've been doing a lot a new recipies. My kids really enjoyed all dishes with chicken and honey so I've been doing that a lot, with rice potatos and salads. Warm hugs for you and your familiy dear Chana!

[@jaroffireflies]

My kids like those too! Salmon also with honey or a sweet sauce! Thank you for your kind words!

[@DeannaHamilton-v7e]

So good to see you. It had been a crazy day and seeing your video pop up made my day. Your so positive ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Hope your day today is better!

[@DeannaHamilton-v7e]

@@jaroffirefliesmuch better thanks

[@jaroffireflies]

@@DeannaHamilton-v7e so glad to hear that!

[@daliesweeney6305]

I am SO HAPPY you’re back! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@francoisepag]

Wonderful to see you back and know that things are going well for you ❤️ Thanks for the video 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!! 😊

[@SusanP674]

Chana I was so happy to see your video pop up, what a lovely surprise on a Monday. It was nice to get the updates on your family and life in general. I have missed you - and I understand why you don't post as much. I am grateful for whatever time you can give to us. Enjoy the camping trips! 💙

[@jaroffireflies]

@@SusanP674 thank you Susan and thank you for your patience!

[@lisag9036]

Welcome back Chana ❤❤❤love to see you and hear all about your lovely family!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!!

[@lydiatierney324]

I’ve really missed you. With 4 children where do you find the time to all that you do? I’m retired & I do so much now I sometimes wonder when I found the time to work. I hope you come back more often. 💜💜

[@jaroffireflies]

The kids do things with me a lot! I just don’t usually film them in there :)

[@TheZyarok]

Chana, it's wonderful to see you back! It sounds like you've really been accomplishing things that you've wanted to get back to for a while, as well as spending more time with family! Have a happy and healthy new year!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! Yes, its been wonderful to get so much done!

[@rakelarnasottir8256]

i have missed you

[@حبيبييسوع-ف2ز]

So happy to hear you've been taking care of YOU and nourishing your soul!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! Definitely that!

[@Davis-q1s]

So great to see you back, We missed you!

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh thank you!

[@karenswartz8280]

Chana! Welcome back! I actually went to your site one day last week to see if there was any kind of update. I don’t use IG or TikTok, so this is the only platform for me. Your life has certainly been/is full of exciting things. Wish I could say the same. I spent the last 6 months or so undergoing chemo and radiation treatments for breast cancer, including a 90 day stay in a rehab while getting the treatments, as they were very hard on me. I’m doing well now, getting stronger and better. It’s all good. The cancer was caught early and fully removed. The treatment was for prevention in the future, greatly reducing my chances of a recurrence. Look forward to your posts in the future! Much love from Ohio ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh my goodness Karen I will keep you in my prayers for a full and complete remission with no complications!

[@lrishrose]

YAY! Your back! Missed you! Glad you enjoyed your time away!

[@jaroffireflies]

Yay! Thank you!

[@loisxander6321]

So very good to see you. It made my day. I have learned so much from you❤😊

[@jaroffireflies]

I'm so glad! Thank you Lois!

[@jillywells1232]

Welcome back. I have missed you so much. This is just so lovely! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

@@jillywells1232 thank you 😊

[@monikatonsor9530]

Greetings from central Illinois, where it has been hot and dry - much the same as in your part of the world. How absolutely wonderful to get an update from you! ❤. So happy to see you smiling and hear that the life/school/leisure/learning activities are in a happy balance - and that all is well with the Firefly family.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Monika!

[@LindaBerry-x1c]

Welcome back we missed you glad your well now . Sending love ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! 🤗

[@lisaowens9359]

So glad you're back!!! It's wonderful to see youl

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Lisa!