Orthodox Jewish Mom Answers Your Questions | Q and A | Jar of Fireflies

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More questions and answers with an Orthodox Jewish mom! Im tackling big topics like what if my kids were lgtb or wanted to marry another ethnicity, do people comment about our homeschool and what happens if there’s an emergency on Shabbat. Plus a whole lot more! Thank you for watching as I answer your question and thank you for submitting all these great questions for me to answer 💜
My full Q&A Playlist:
• Q&As
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Hello and welcome! My name is Chana, I’m married to my best friend, and we have four wonderful children together. We also happen to be Orthodox Jews and we homeschool our kids. This video is a sneak peek into our daily lives :) You can see how this particular Jewish homeschool mom sets up her days, rolls with the punches, and gets it all done. Thanks for watching!
Why I chose the name Jar of Fireflies:
• Answering Your Questio...
#qanda #orthodoxjew #jewishlife
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Contact / Collab: [e-mail]
Instagram @jar_of_fireflies
Filmed on iPhone 11 Pro Max
Intro music on most of my videos: Blue Mountains by Gabriel Witcher
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p.s. Please like this video if you enjoyed it, it really supports my channel and helps me see what kind of videos you want to see more of. Thank you!

[@jaroffireflies]

Go to ThriveMarket.com/JarofFireflies to get 30% off your first order AND a free gift worth up to $60!

[@ThriveMarket]

💚

[@JSM571984]

As a Jewish man who is gay, that is the best answer your children can hear. My parents (my mom also converted from Catholicism) said the same exact thing to me which made my journey that much more meaningful. I give you so much praise & respect.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you ❤️

[@isaak1748]

I feel the same way!! I'm glad there are parents who love their children unconditionally and respect them for who they are!!

[@patmaurer8541]

"Find someone 10 years ahead of you whose life would make you really happy." Yes! Great advice for everyone 😊

[@tammieflemal7871]

Advice to new parents: treasure every moment and stage because it goes by so quickly.

[@sarahs.7211]

The "face lighting up" advice is a nugget of yours I took from another video and it makes me feel like such a good mom. My girl really responds well. I do the same to Husbeast and it just makes everybody happier to feel seen, appreciated, and valued in a space.

[@beans4853]

Same!

[@vaalkyr1]

“Always have your face light up when your kid walks into the room,” this, so much this. Your kid will remember this! My oldest recently moved out and the moments he remembered as his favorite memorable times were not what I’d have expected. They were more simple. You never know what simple things you do that will impact them.

[@weislang]

Just to reassure you (which you don't need 🙂), I teach at a University and we have many, many homeschooled students, and they are wonderful. They're often better prepared for the academic side of college; sometimes the social side is a lot for them, but they always figure it out. Home schoolers are often more independent thinkers and really good self-motivated workers. I'm sure your kids will do just fine in college!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing 💜

[@ericagoehring1089]

My son, homeschooled since grade 2, just got into both of the colleges to which he applied. I am so proud of him!

[@jaroffireflies]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience and congratulations!

[@victoriaheisser7137]

"I would love my children." Such a wonderful response! Just one of many reasons I love your channel.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

I was slammed at work today and I have not been able to get to my JOF Monday video until now. Thank you Chana for your answer and thank you for this comment. Sadly I think there are a lot of parents who don’t feel this way. People? Just love your children. That’s all that matters . Just. Love. Them. ❤❤❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

@@BrowneyedGirlmjd you are so welcome :)

[@angelawilson4190]

As a retired School Principal and a teacher of over 50 years, I really can see the value of home teaching and I agree that it is not a deterrent to furthering your children’s education. However, I do question how home educated children learn about sharing, about visiting art galleries, attending musical concerts, playing in team sports activities , learning about comparative religion , discovering debating skills etc I am sure you have thought about these subjects and you cover them in different ways. Best wishes from a Jewish resident in London UK

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello! As homeschoolers we have ample opportunities to attend concerts, visit museums, play on sports teams (especially at the highest levels), and learn about a myriad of topics and explore interests that would not be available at a brick and mortar school due to class size and logistics. Don’t let the name fool you, homeschool, takes place outside the home more often than not :) Also social opportunities abound. And I mean real social opportunities, not just forced peer to peer proximity. I understand homeschooling isn’t terribly popular in the UK, but here there’s a large community of homeschoolers so other homeschool friends are in abundance and my children also have friends who attend traditional schools.

[@sallyhostetter2820]

Chana, your eyes are so expressive. Thanks for this video.

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh thank you Sally 💐

[@PROUDCANADIANGIRL]

Gut Shabbas everyone. ✌🏼🇨🇦

[@Dee-jq2ob]

I saw a news segment in the late 1990’s about a woman who homeschooled all her children and all were granted early (16yrs old) admission to Ivy League schools.

[@jaroffireflies]

That’s cool!

[@emmib1388]

Yes ma y do because they can go at their own pace!

[@callyg101]

Hello Chana! :) I LOVED this video! It definitely answered a lot of my questions! I also was really really glad to hear the answer you gave about the question someone had regarding if your children or anyone else was a part of the LGBT+ community, what you would do. As someone who is of the LGBT+ community, and having seen a few of my friends come from families where a certain religious upbringing was instilled in them from their childhood into adulthood, those teachings often were maybe hurtful if you are someone who is LGBT+. But, I have also seen it go the opposite way entirely as well. I have a friend who is trans, and he grew up in a family that followed Mormon traditions/ faith. And when he came out to his family and his Mormon community, and his community ultimately rejected him. His parents actually decided to leave their Mormon faith community, because they weren't too pleased that their son was not accepted in that community any longer due to his LGBT+ identity. Having grown up under the Mormon ways of life, and how "strict" they might seem to someone who isn't of that faith, I was shocked that his family decided to leave that community. But, they too, loved their son, far more than they loved their Mormon community.

[@ginacasey2578]

I used to work in a college and just make sure they take the public schools exams, or they would have to get a GED. Also transcripts have to come from the school district too. With parents as retired school administrators, they never hesitated about helping homeschoolers get into colleges.

[@amyphillips6792]

I absolutely love your channel! I really loved hearing you say to always have your face light up when your kid comes into the room. Have a wonderful week!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@wendy-naomirichard2046]

I love how you portray the beauty of Judaism with such ease and how real you are. As an orthodox Jewish woman, there is a need for us to be portrayed as "normal", approachable and happy. As for the LGBT answer, you answered so perfectly. Thank you for these videos x

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so very much ❤️❤️❤️ Chag Sameach

[@kittygailey5028]

To pitch in some personal experience in support of homeschooling…My kids were completely homeschooled (actually “unschooled”) and they ALL three got into college and have degrees and advanced degrees (Fordham University - Doctorate of Law, Yale - M.S., University of Washington - B.S. Computer Sci. They are all lovely, my dear friends, fully employed and giving back to the planet. So, asking about homeschooling in that way shows a limited experience with educational options. Like anything else, there is good and bad in homeschooling, but it did take courage dealing with folks who didn’t know a lot about it. Best of luck to all parents trying to make supportive and wise decisions raising their children, whatever that looks like. ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@cathyyoung5865]

Hi! I had to tell you how positive and uplifted i feel after watching your videos. Thank you for that. I am not Jewish but I enjoy watching your videos and learning about you and your families life, You and your husband are fantastic parents and it just makes me happy. In todays world I am happy to be able to watch your videos of happiness, love, positivity and a real loving family, Thank you so much for that!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

thank you os much for your very kind words Cathy! I really appreciate you and your comment really made my day :)

[@LurkerSmurf]

My homeschooled niece got into NYU, and had scholarship offers at other prestigious universities. It's the quality of teaching, not where it happens. And the frosted-glass laundry door is pretty awesome.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@nicolepopps9332]

I'm Scottish and have never met an Orthodox Jewish person. Thank you for allowing me to learn about your fabulous lifestyle. Seems so wholesome and loving!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Nicole! 💐

[@Ashni1]

I am friends with many college graduates who were homeschooled through high school. They are well adjusted, successful in their professions and did well in college.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing your experience 💜

[@dianebondhus9355]

We homeschooled our children and they didn't have any trouble getting into or doing the work in college. 😊 Your advice to have your face light up when you see your children is sound and true. Everyone wants to feel loved and accepted. I suggest we try that with our husbands/wives too. 😉❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks for sharing your experience and for your kind words and advice :)

[@bidinosaur]

As a bisexual woman looking into converting to Judaism, I really hope you understand the gratitude I have for your answer about loving and supporting your children if they were LGBTQ+. I think since you grew up in a Christian family you can probably understand that it is not always the same for other religions. My family wants nothing to do with me. There is no way I would have ever been able to bring a girlfriend home to my family for a meal.

[@jaroffireflies]

I am so sorry that your family wants nothing to do with you. That is so sad to me.

[@tammiklusewitz7141]

I home-schooled my 6. All but one is a college grad and the one who isn't is by choice. And your comment about advice for new parents...I love it! I loved every stage. And, no matter what the populace says, teens are awesome!

[@jaroffireflies]

❤️❤️❤️

[@brianlawson363]

HOMESCHOOLING ALL THE WAY! I assisted my sister in educating my nieces and nephew. They speak three languages and can tell you what the greatest painting ever painted is and why it is without equal. All of this and still believe in the ALMIGHTY. Anyone who believes that public education is the best choice is WRONG! I applaud what you are doing to educate your children. There spectacular and magnificent cultural heritage should NOT be left to mediocrity. You are ROCKING the mom thing! Peace and blessings!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Brian!

[@JameeWoodard]

Channa, I never had a desire to have kids, but I loved the advice you gave to new parents. That is how I feel about my nieces and nephews. I can’t wait to see them grow and develop.

[@em-agan]

You handled that awkward question so well… it’s like people think Jews plug their ears and sing “lai lai lai” when they find out someone isn’t Jewish 😭

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@sandrawallace1001]

I'm a little late watching this (life intervened) but I have a tip that may help with the broccoli situation. It's something my mom taught me when we had kitchen gardens when I was growing up. Fill a sink (or bowl or whatever) with cold water and add a two or three tablespoons of salt. Soak the broccoli for 10-15 minutes. If there are any critters hiding, they will flee the broccoli and end up in the water. In your case, I'm not sure what you can do with the veggies after that but it's a lot easier to find bugs than trying to examine all those teeny tiny undeveloped flower buds. Since I 'm not Jewish, I just rinse the broccoli very well with fresh water and cook it as usual.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for the tip 💜

[@beans4853]

Thanks for the tip! I buy greenhouse grown frozen broccoli but they are pricey

[@lizzyjeanne]

Yes! That is actually one great method of washing veggies when you are cleaning them of bugs. Very astute of you. When I wash my broccoli and cauliflower (I'm orthodox) I soak them in a mixture of dish soap, vinegar, and salt for about 15-20 min. If one of those doesn't remove bugs, the others will. Then you rinse really well and check the water for bugs.

[@lisbetsoda4874]

The glossy tile show all spatters - even of water. I get it.

[@BKLisaP]

You're always so generous in answering these questions we have. Thanks!

[@jaroffireflies]

My pleasure!

[@kathy3178]

My daughter is 15. I really enjoy her. I am going to miss her when she grows up and moves out.

[@jaroffireflies]

💜💜💜

[@robinmitchell4443]

You are truly an amazing woman. I am a non practicing catholic woman. However I too love my religion. You inspire me when I am troubled. Have a wonderful day.

[@shainazion4073]

The Chanukah tree is called a Menorah, it has 8, 9 branches if the shamash is counted.

[@cynthiadeyoung5947]

Thank you, thank you! I love you and your family. I am not Jewish. Born and raised Catholic. I love your traditions and daily life. You and your family are such an inspiration.

[@hopeayton3461]

The advice I got when I was a new mum is to enjoy every moment good or bad because they grow up so fast so I’ve tried to enjoy every moment with my daughter even when it’s been so hard after her father left us , moments where she was throwing a bad tantrum or something and we’ve both ended up crying together I try to make everything positive and enjoy it and be grateful I have her and I’m her mum tie flies so fast

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing!

[@goingboldaciousforchrist]

I just love you, girl. I love how you handled some of the more "interesting" questions. Your kids and husband are so blessed to have you. (I also loved watching the Q&A with your husband. When you asked your husband his favorite snacks, and he said as a kid, he loved 'soup nuts', an image of them popped into my head. I'm mixed race, but I grew up with Jewish people, and went to a "Jewish" high school. So, I ate a lot of things they did. I thought it was hilarious when he said that, because of my love of those, too! You two are so much fun!)

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! 💜💜💜

[@goingboldaciousforchrist]

@@jaroffireflies, you're welcome! I'm happy to support you. Keep doing what you're doing. Your down-to-earth, honest manner has me binge watching your content! Ha!

[@jaroffireflies]

@@goingboldaciousforchrist 💜💜💜

[@KellyS_77]

Eeeek!!!! There's two Dalek right behind you. Run for it!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Right?!? 🤣🤣🤣

[@marciaboucher8346]

Just wait, you are in the best part of parenting, each stage is special. We are parts of their lives for such a short time. Then all of a sudden they are grown and will bring bonus kids into your life. And then you are a Bubbie, the best job ever.

[@isaak1748]

I actually wish I would've had the opportunity to be homeschooled!! Specially because it protects young children from things like bullying (wich can have severe consequences long run) and it provides them with a more relaxed environmental. You're definitely a great mom and your videos are very interesting!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! I agree about the homeschool. I think it would have been very good for me as well.

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

I haven't seen your blogs for a little while, and it's so lovely to see you, Chana! The green scarf really brings out your eyes, beautiful girl!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Hi!!!! 👋🏻 Welcome back! Thank you for your kind words 😊💜

[@lauravasquez-ithinksewblueribb]

Loved your video. Just went to a zoom class last Thursday night from a Temple near me the Class was called Taste of Judaism Course. I was so enthralled with it they sent a set of information that they were going to go over and I printed them out. The next sessions is next Thursday and I hope to be going to that one as well. Keep your videos coming and Bless you and your family.❤ Shallom

[@jaroffireflies]

So fun! Enjoy your class!

[@garybrunet6346]

Thank you Chana, for enlightening me about Jewish culture with every video you post. I, absolutely, love one of the reasons you created your channel was to help us understand Jewish life. You are knocking it out of the park! I look forward to each video you post, especially the Q&A videos. Until next time!😊🇨🇦

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Gary!

[@ThriveMarket]

💚

[@juliaforbes-nish9027]

I love your candour and honesty. The advice about children is spot on. Enjoy them ! They grow so fast you should treasure every moment

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!

[@kimmykat9]

Wow...never ever would have known about the kitchen tiles !!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

😊

[@bogusiasymonowicz7649]

I love the painting at the back with a fiddler❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you :)

[@mnbsmom2]

I love your advice about having your face light up when your child enters the room❤

[@jaroffireflies]

💜💜💜

[@diannewigger2953]

A friend homeschooled her 3 boys - she was very organized and structured . Her boys are grown and all are successful - one is a physician . I think it’s a wonderful way to educate children however I knew I was not cut out for it ( a bit too scattered)

[@mags102755]

I always enjoy hearing your answers to the questions that people have. Thanks!

[@jaroffireflies]

My pleasure!

[@annnoyez]

Salaam aleilum or sjaloom... I am a Muslima, converted. And I find it very interesting to learn from you how Jewish people are. I will follow you... 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! And welcome! I am so glad you are here!

[@taleof2wives187]

I love the advice to light up every time your kid walks in the room. It’s such a boost for them and us.

[@jaroffireflies]

Absolutely 💜

[@hihihi59751]

the califia farms oat milk is the BEST oat milk EVER!! I have never turned back to milk for my coffee after it

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@arielserfaty8736]

I agree with your thoughts on depictions of Jewish life in films or series! Your channel is a mitzva.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@damealeta3541]

Regarding parenting advice: My mom loved us so very much. She couldn't understand when people would wish for summer vacation to be over and the kids back in school. Parenting (if done right) is flipping hard. It takes patience and time and lots of love. When people would ask what I wanted for our daughter to be when she got older I would always answer "a kind human being." And guess what, she's all that and more. Thank you as always for giving us an inside look at your life. I love your scarf, by the way. It's green and I'm like a raven with a sparkly gem when it comes to green stuff! LOL 😘💚

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello! You sound like a fabulous mom :) and thank you about the scarf! It’s probably my favorite right now too :)

[@barbaranielsen2888]

You Rock! I love your channel! I am learning so much from you! Not just about practicing your faith but about life lived on your own terms!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Barbara 💜

[@gardenia77]

Homeschooled children are favorites among college admissions personnel. I believe people are uneducated about homeschooling. There are many reasons to homeschool, and one of them is the ability to give your children a stellar education.

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh I did not know that about admissions! awesome!

[@purpleandred7]

Chana, I agree 💯 with all of your "Just Wait!" ideas .. and can I add one more? Just wait til you have grandbabies; what amazing joy! 💜

[@jaroffireflies]

Absolutely!!

[@indigomoon777]

I’m enjoying it much more than mothering! Lol!

[@purpleandred7]

@@indigomoon777 Haha, me too!! 💯!!

[@BettyHorn]

​@@indigomoon777 and great-grandbabies!

[@chaviv1178]

Hi Chana, I loved your parenting advice. I love your perspective of taking it all in and enjoying your kids now, and looking forward to what will come in the future. Raising children is a hard challenge, but at the same time it can be an amazing, fun, and rewarding one!

[@jaroffireflies]

Absolutely!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

I've been fascinated by Judaism since I was six or seven years old. (I was a very precocious child and could read and write by the age of about 3 and a half to four, and I read everything I could lay my hands on). I had a brief period of time wanting to be a nun, but I blame that on Audrey Hepburn and playing the guitar! But there is something about Judaism that just resonates with me. Because of this knowledge, I've always thought the way that the faith is represented in the media to be highly misleading and mostly negative. Years ago, there was a three part (could have been six) series done in the U.K. That was much more positive overall. I think it was set in Leeds. (Up the road from me). We have quite a strong Jewish community where I live. I used to go and see a Jewish lady for reflexology and Indian head massage and I told her that I felt an affinity with her faith, and over a few sessions, she would sing Jewish songs to me. We had to stop, because every time she sang to me, I would cry! The last one she sang to me with her hands on my head and I cried so hard. I was genuinely distraught and I have no idea why!! Yes, I'm weird! Much love to you and the family xxx

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh wow thank you for sharing 💜

[@SusanP674]

I always love your Q & A videos, thank you for sharing! ♥

[@jaroffireflies]

Glad you like them! 💜

[@dawnbaker9274]

Yay! Q&A with Jar of Fireflies is the best. You are so honest if you know or not, and you answer without making a video of each question. Thank you.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Dawn 😊😊😊

[@steph1986]

No questions, but I just wanted to say I love your attitude and perspective on things. You put such a positive and sunshiny vibe (without appearing fake) into the world and we need more of that.

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw thank you Steph ❤️

[@candicewiggins166]

I love the advice you gave of finding a mentor 10 years ahead of you, that is something so very much needed for so many areas of our lives and something I think that has been lost in most communities. this was so good, thank you for sharing!

[@irisuhde7635]

Tanks,IT was interesting to listen to your QA while I was free motion quilting my blue and green star in a star quilt. 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

That sounds fun Iris! Hope you enjoyed 💐

[@manyalevine1017]

As for kitchen tiles. I had the same thing happen to me. I asked to do a spesific pattern with the kitchen tile and when I can in it was all done with a different pattern (same tile). I should have asked them to pall it all down and do it again but had enough by then, so I put it down for "zecher la'churban" 😉

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw I’m sorry that happened to you

[@HauntedFamilyPodcast]

You may end up loving the glossy tile near the stove, glossy tile is suppose to be easier to clean than matte tiles.

[@jaroffireflies]

I hadn’t thought of that!

[@KirstyJonesLouise]

Loved your kid advice - you are so right. I have a eighteen month old and I love it. So much fun watching her develop into her personality and explore the world around her. But I remember when she was 9 month old and my Mum saying just wait until she is a full on busy 18 month old. Now I realise how much I wish she said it the way you did - as it is so much fun!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing that :-) yeah, I think it’s all about perspective perspective ❤️

[@rissylantz4072]

Questioning is the ability to organize our thinking around what we DON'T know. Love this quote reminded me of you, Chana, and letting us ask you any question. I'm sure it's not easy being so vulnerable, but you are so brave to share with us. Thanks, my friend. Much love, Rissy ❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

Ohhhh that is a great quote! Thank you Rissy ❤️

[@esthersmart1351]

I am so pleased you are showing your lifestyle so naturally and different from the way Jewish life is often portrayed in movies or other Yotube channels.

[@jaroffireflies]

So glad you are enjoying:)

[@sharonhannah7832]

Your green eyes pop out with your green scarf. Beautiful! Thank you for such and informative Q & A. 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh thank you! So glad you enjoyed 💕

[@hattiecolley54]

New Subscriber here. My Compliments to u and ur Family. Watching u Smile is so Joyous. Ur Face just lights up before a d after speaking. Thank u for ur Courtesy in Explanations. Looking forward to Listening and Learning more.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much 😊 And welcome! I am so happy you are here!

[@chellybarnard6394]

That tichel is beautiful on you! That color is really becoming!

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh thank you Chelly!

[@jodireid1467]

I too have a white kitchen with black worktops, a pantry and put in an extra window for natural light… I love it

[@jaroffireflies]

Sounds lovely!

[@uniquelyplanned443]

I love your advise to new parents! I’m a first time grandmother to an awesome almost 5 month old little girl and I am loving every minute!

[@jaroffireflies]

Love it!

[@ginna1375]

In regards to the homeschool students getting into college question: My husband was homeschooled K-12. His mother was his primary instructor for 80% of his high school courses with some dual enrollment and co-op classes. He successfully completed a degree in biomedical engineering and works for Mayo Clinic now. So anyone reading this: Don't worry one milli-second that homeschool students are not successful academically.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing!

[@hopeayton3461]

I love the beautiful colored sewing threads you have behind you on your thread stand in the video, podcasts are amazing there’s so many good ones to listen to

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Hope! I totally agree about the podcasts, I find new ones I enjoy all the time!

[@gj6209]

Such a cute video! You are so personable! Very informative! Thank you! ❤️👍🌹

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!

[@Fallinginbloom]

Love this video! Some rather random notes: The LGBT question is in part because some religious people, primarily Christians, simply won't love their children anymore. There's also a lot of violence from some religious groups. Example: there was a pastor calling for all gay people to be lined up and unalived, Club Q shooting, etc. I think one of the reasons you got this question was because so many people believe Christianity and Judaism is the same thing, or at least really similar. All of this to say, I think your answer was perfect. Ultimately, I think loving your child regardless is the important part. At 17:20, the channel referenced is frum it up. She's in Canada, so the community is pretty different. I actually love both of your channels, so it made me laugh to hear her channel mentioned. Thank you for sharing! Always excited to see you a new video from you, Chana!

[@numanumaviolin]

Why do you home school your kids? What about growing up with friends? Learning how to get along with other children?

[@jaroffireflies]

My kids have lots of friends :) They get along with other people very well (kids of all ages and adults). We homeschool to get a broader and deeper education.

[@suemoravec422]

Thank you for answering all these questions we are learning so much from you. The word is frosted glass.

[@jaroffireflies]

You are so welcome!

[@ZukAniFan]

I love the advice that you shared for new parents! Especially about your face lighting up when your children come into the room or close by! I do this all the time with my 2 year old all the time! She lights up when she sees me smile!

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw I love that you do it too! 💜💜💜

[@lightbearer972]

Thanks for answering my question, Chana! I knew Jews can and are even obliged to break Shabbat if something urgent happens to THEM; I was more interested in knowing what happened if someone ELSE'S emergency (G-d forbid) affected you. I'm glad to know you've never had to deal with that!

[@jaroffireflies]

It was a great question and one I’ve never been asked before that I can remember:)

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

I’m sorry if this question is down below I’m late to the party. I love your kitchen you didn’t talk about this when you talked about the things you would do differently. If you could have would you have installed a second dishwasher so you could have one for dairy and one for meat? I’m just thinking of all the time it could save you hand washing all the dairy dishes. And as everybody has said below thank you for having this wonderful safe and caring space for us. You don’t have to share your family life with us I’m so grateful that you do.❤❤❤❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Great question! No, we talked about it but knew we would rather have the cabinet space. We do t use enough dairy dishes to make it worth it :)

[@susanhobbins3744]

Do your children have Christian friends and do you have Christian neighbors? And do you ever invite them to shabbat. I commend you on including me and everyone who is not of the Jewish faith and making us feel welcomed and share your life faith customs I have learned so much ❤Have a wonderful week and a peaceful shabbat

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes my kids and I both have Christian friends and family and they have joined us for meals of all kinds :)

[@fd5818]

Your kids seem ahead of kids in public school. It’s been a long time for me, and you have so much patience.

[@katherineh.6852]

❤

[@Lightsaber360]

I remember one TV show I used to watch in the late eighties, early nineties that revolved are a Jewish family. It seemed really good at portraying Jewish family life at the time. I wish I could remember the title of it now.

[@jaroffireflies]

If you do please let me know :)

[@mollypapazian4423]

😮 The "just wait" and "light up"❤❤the best advice😊

[@jaroffireflies]

❤️❤️❤️

[@NicSullivan15]

My parents have the same matte/gloss tile thing in their kitchen, and my mum wishes she'd have gotten them changed, but I only notice it because I know about it xxx

[@jaroffireflies]

I am not the only one!?!?!? And ya, literally no one but me notices LOL

[@NicSullivan15]

@jaroffireflies you're not the only one. Honestly, if my mum hadn't mentioned it the (what feels like) 5000 times, I'd not have noticed xxx

[@jaroffireflies]

@@NicSullivan15 💜🤣🤣

[@FennecTheRabbit]

@@jaroffireflies I never noticed and guarantee by next video I’ll have forgotten about it.

[@jaroffireflies]

@@FennecTheRabbit 😁😁😁

[@emmafagence5503]

I love how your face lights up when you talk about your children. Children are the best and if you ever have a bad day just themselves coming to you makes it all better x

[@jaroffireflies]

:)

[@jeaniecollins295]

Good advice on all , does mr fireflies feel the same as you if the kids were lgbt 😉, i just loved how you answered that question. Glad you told us about the hair whether you shaved or not .

[@fiaprice2599]

Former homeschooled kid here: I got into college, graduated with honors, and then got into grad school. It’s very possible homeschooling doesn’t hold kids back 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

🎉🎉🎉 Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@H2_O2]

I love your motto of "always have your face light up when your children come into the room". I guess it's not always easy when you're stressed and four kids need their mother and want seemingly unimportant things. Always smiling at them certainly makes them feel loved and appreciated in every minute. And I have a question, maybe for your next Q&A: You're not allowed to work physically on Shabbat and use electricity and write things down and so on. But what about mental work? If you're, say, a novelist and have to think about the plot of your next chapter. Or in any profession, you have to think about a problem to find a way to solve it. Or you think about what to include in next week's homeschooling. Would this mental work be allowed on Shabbat? And if not - you can't turn your brain off, so how would you handle that?

[@beans4853]

Such a great question! Jewish law is action based. The ideal is not to think or feel anything forbidden, as well. While you can't turn your brain off, you can "change the channel" and choose to think of something else. It's really hard, yet doable with a lot of practice

[@michelledee9304]

My kids are in their 20's and were homeschooled. College, military academy, jobs have been no issue in any way. The Air Force Academy actually seeks out homeschooled people from what I understand.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing!

[@kmbarnett1200]

Great Vlog! I must admit, your "Just wait..." advice made me l little misty, in a happy way! I don't have kid's but it's such terrific advice for aunts & uncles and all older cousins. Always be happy to see the littles.

[@jaroffireflies]

I'm so glad! Thank you 💜

[@lizroberts7806]

Fantastic Q & A, Chana! 🙏

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Liz!

[@jessicaburali2295]

Hi Chana, I am impressed by all you do. I hope you make it to Israel. Saludos from Cuernavaca, Mexico

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Jessica! I hope so too :)

[@HooknCookbyDespinaTrina]

Thank you Chana for inviting us into your life to learn so much about Jewis culture ❤ It's been such an educational experience and so lovely to see ..hope you have a blessed day lots of love from the UK

[@jaroffireflies]

My pleasure!

[@HooknCookbyDespinaTrina]

@@jaroffireflies 💟💟

[@ericagoehring1089]

I love your advice to new parents. ❤ I totally agree!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Erica ❤️ So glad you liked that

[@marybee4734]

HI CHANA, I LOVE YOUR ANSWERS TO ALL THE QUESTIONS LOVE YOUR VIEDOS THANKS FOR SHARING AND I'M SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND YOUR CHANNEL 🥰🦋🦋🦋🌻🌻🌻🐝

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Mary 💜💐 I’m so glad you are here too!

[@barbarashames1372]

I always enjoy your Q&A so much. Have a wonderful day!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! Hope you are having a great day too!