Q and A Part 2 | Ask an Orthodox Jew | Orthodox Jewish Mom (Jar of Fireflies)

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks so much for stopping by today! ❤ Hope you enjoyed this q and a! If you have any follow up questions let me know and I’ll do my best to answer here in the comments ❤

[@Ieyena]

Yes I'm interested in that code for the Hebrew language learning program you use. Thank you for answering my question. I also love hearing about the books you are reading. I found out about the 5x5 reading challenge from you and did it for the first time this year. From another fellow book nerd thanks for the inspiration on good books.

[@electric_spacecats]

I have so many questions :( How do you handle Little Women, a central part of the plot is Christmas. And Charlotte's Web features a pig. I have a whole long story but I explored orthodox judaism as my great grandmother had left it behind, and I saw the rebbetzin's daughters were reading Little Women at their girls' school, and it was censored. So many questions

[@jaroffireflies]

@@electric_spacecats some families have different views on what they deem appropriate for their children and themselves. I enjoyed little women as a well written and important piece of fiction. Many books have the characters celebrating Christmas and that doesn’t make them bad books. I wouldn’t choose to read a book that was entirely Christmas focused, but I don’t mind if there’s a chapter about it.

[@marywegrzynowicz4493]

I love learning from you. I’m Catholic and studied Canon Law and Liturgy at the seminary. This is my retirement learning. I’m loving it!

[@rachelhutchinson6469]

I would love to know how you go about “cleaning” your food, rice, vegetables and so on. Thank you

[@theresadavis4885]

One of my favorite sayings: “ You don’t know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have.” You are stronger than you think you are. ❤️❤️❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

That’s a great saying ❤️

[@leahrubin7752]

I’m a frum Jew, and I love watching your Q and As because the way that you answer questions about Orthodox Judaism is so easy to understand. I want to make sure that I have the proper answers for when a secular individual asks me a question, and these videos are so so helpful for that!

[@jaroffireflies]

I’m so glad these are helpful and that you are enjoying! Thank you so much for being here ❤️

[@T_WC123]

So true - I know it’s a complex tough thing to explain religion in a way for outsiders to understand and as a non-Jew, I think she does a great job!

[@miel1074]

I just want to tell you that Yiddishkeit shines through you. I’m a frum Jew from South Africa and your channel helps me to feel connected to Am Yisroel worldwide. May Hashem bless you always!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for your comment!!! You’ve made my day ❤️❤️❤️

[@heretic1965]

I don’t want to overwhelm you by saying over and over how much we respect and admire you as a person, Woman, Wife , and Mother, but I truly appreciate your content. You give us strength when we think life is crazy ! Thank you good Sister .

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw thank you so much! I truly appreciate it so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@clareu9539]

"But of course you would!" This is such a great summary of how many of us face challenging situations. We put one foot in front of the other and do our best because that's what the situation requires of us. Thank you for sharing your experience :) I'd love to know what Jewish holidays, if any, would be appropriate to send a card to friends? I send doughnuts for Chanukah, but I understand it's fairly minor.

[@beans4853]

Rosh Hashanah, the jewish new year in September, is the holiday that sending cards are somewhat customary

[@jaroffireflies]

Hi Clare! You’re absolutely right. We do what we must. To answer your question about the holidays, I have gotten some cards around Chanukah and Rosh Hashanah, but I never expect them and it’s not common. I love getting cards in my PO Box for any reason ❤️ But my orthodox friends don’t send cards.

[@ec7568]

You're a woman, end of story. Women do what needs done - regardless of religion, culture, ethnic background, etc. We get it done.

[@Sharon-st9st]

I absolutely appreciated your Chanukah comments. It always baffles me when my non-Jewish friends wish me a "happy Chanukah" while they are silent during Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashana, and Pesach.

[@jaroffireflies]

It’s purely a lack of knowledge and that’s ok. Americans have been fed this story that Chanukah is a high ranking holiday for Jews. Hopefully conversations this help clear things up for more people :)

[@ec7568]

As someone who grew up with a lot of Jewish friends, I will say that more of a big deal was made (by them) of Chanukah - probably in an effort to "fit in" - didn't realize till I was a bit older that it's not that big of a deal in Judaism and just because it's near Christmas it's not the same holiday. Funny thing is when all is said and done, Easter ( to me) is much more important holiday in Christianity.

[@T_WC123]

I always thought it was like one of the two biggest holidays - like Christmas and Easter. I actually wished a Jewish friend a “Happy Chanukah” a couple weeks ago and got a puzzled but friendly response - now I know why it might have caught her by surprise for me to say that 😆🤦‍♀️ I’ll try to give more appropriate holiday wishes in the future. I love learning from this channel!!

[@jeannileley1208]

Thank you so much for pointing out that Christmas and Hannukah (spelling?) are completely unrelated. As an elementary school teacher in the US, we tend to bundle all the December holidays together because we don't want to leave anyone out or make anyone feel unseen. Love your comment about hyping up Rosh Hashanah. Would love to hear more about this!

[@jaroffireflies]

Amazing! So happy that was helpful! The High Holiday time (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, etc) are our big holidays. Passover is another really important holiday for us. They get overlook by the non jewish world generally speaking because they don't fall near a more popular holiday celebrated in America, so they don't get commercialized the way Hanukkah has.

[@janefoust1031]

Hello dear Chana🙏🏻 - Your phrase “But that’s OK…” has become my anthem. Hearing you repeat that gives me such joy - and support that yes indeed, things will be okay😂 PS - love love love your outakes, Blessings, prayers and 🤗hugs!

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw thank you so much Jane!

[@trishabaran1521]

Me too ! I just love how you say ( But that’s ok !) Why ? Because it reminds the rest of us if you don’t get it all done in one day (that’s ok!) it’s not the end of the world. lol! Life throws all of us a curve ball now & then. I think as parents we need not be so hard on ourselves. We all want to be super mom. Throw away the red cape & enjoy life & and playtime with your family while they’re still young CAUSE it’s Ok! I love 💕 it !

[@melissah2990]

“Ann with an e” and Little Women are definitely in my top three too!!! Happy holidays to all!

[@jaroffireflies]

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

[@jomac841]

It’s truly amazing how strong we can be if the need arises. ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

So true

[@jenniferkelley2715]

Hi Çhana! You have a powerful presence here on you tube. I've learned so much from you. I'm praying for your family, Israel, and Peace in general. Sending you love and light.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Jennifer!

[@123scrappygirl]

I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one whose minds sometimes wanders while doing my morning prayers.

[@jaroffireflies]

For sure not! It’s hard and I definitely have to focus every day

[@willsmom93]

I think the example your parents set on being devout had a positive effect on your devotion to Judaism. You have taken your conversion seriously. I applaud you. Also, Baby Firefly is a cutie!

[@jaroffireflies]

😊 thank you

[@rachelreiker7228]

You are one of my favorite content creators! You are a beautiful soul. Your videos are like a warm blanket after you’ve been out in the cold, welcoming, warm, and comforting. The way you so gracefully and gently handle hard topics/things while being real, genuine and authentic is inspiring. l have learned so much from you that I have been able to apply my own life. Thank you for sharing with us. ☺️

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! This seriously made my day 😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️

[@Lucie-ho1qv]

Project Hail Mary is an awesome Sci-fi book! One of my favourite reads this year

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for the suggestion!

[@thecatlady6]

I'm forever hearing that Chanuka is "the Jewish Xmas" since moving to central Florida lol. Several years ago, I knew a gal who was going to college to be a teacher. She had a project to do that was called "Xmas around the world". When she got to Israel, she asked me to help her with how it's celebrated there. She was convinced that Chanuka celebrations were just the Jewish or Israeli way of celebrating Xmas. I tried explaining nicely and patiently that the two are so completely different but to no avail. It can be hard to explain differences. Also, your answer to the question about being able to do all of Shacharis, morning prayers, reminds me of when I returned to Jewish observance as an adult. I thought I would have to say the entire Shacharis every morning and still make it to work on time. Hah! I remembered how to read Hebrew but very slowly. A good friend whose husband is one of the Rabbis in our shul helped me with a "shortened version" of the prayers and how, as a woman, I wasn't obligated to say all of it. This was such a relief to be able to start with where I was at and to build from there. Take care!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️

[@martinelanglois3158]

I think we get stronger when we need to be strong for someone we love, like our kids. Thank you for this informative q & a. I love the colour of your headscarf. I hope you have a very nice and peaceful week. 💙

[@jaroffireflies]

I agree! Thank you for your kind words!

[@aaania30]

I was literally screaming YAY!! in silence when you mentioned Anne of green Gables. Greetings from Canada:)

[@jaroffireflies]

Lolol!!! Love that! I’d love to visit PEI one day :)

[@ljshaw8516]

You're amazing in balancing all the demands in your life. It does sound exhausting but you do it gracefully! Give yourself a huge pat on your back. x's lj

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that ❤️

[@sashh2263]

A thought occurred to me watching you answer questions. Have you seen the musical 'Come from Away'? There is a scene in it where all the local people are feeding the 'plane people' and they are offering meat stews and fish with cheese. There is an Orthodox Rabbi who ends up running his own kosher kitchen.

[@jaroffireflies]

No I’ve never heard of this. How interesting

[@annie76800]

I love the Anne of Green Gables series so much!

[@MaureenDrees]

Thank you for answering questions honestly and carefully.

[@jaroffireflies]

My pleasure!

[@shawndavis824]

I enjoyed this Q&A so much. When you were answering the question about Chanukah it reminded me of a teacher that I had in elementary school that told us that it was “like a Jewish version of Christmas” and for many years I thought that was what it was. Then I learned the true meaning/reason for the holiday. It made me very sad and embarrassed that I just took her explanation as fact. Gret children book choices. Stella Luba is just beautiful. I also cry when I read Charlotte’s Web. Another children’s book that I cry every time I read it is “Love You Forever” Have a great week and blessed Shabbat

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes! That “Jewish version of Christmas” is what sooooo many non Jews look at Chanukah as but it’s completely not similar at all. Thanks for watching Shawn :) Always a pleasure to chat with you!

[@virginiamahon2863]

I always appreciate the time you give to these videos.

[@jaroffireflies]

I appreciate that! Thank you so much!

[@leighannloyd3712]

Blessings to you this week.

[@jaroffireflies]

Same to you! Thank you kindly!

[@inthedaysstillleft1257]

Thank you! These sessions are the best! 🙏❤️🇸🇻

[@jaroffireflies]

So very glad that you enjoyed

[@kristinmiller4779]

Good morning Chana and Firefly kiddos 💕 💖

[@jaroffireflies]

Good morning! ☀️🌞😃

[@annepence4351]

I just wanted to just tell you how much I love your channel …I also wanted to say as someone with a family with multiple health issues how much I identified with you when you simply said of course you would do whatever you need to take care of family and health…Thank you for what you do and know your kindness and love for your family comes through…

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for this beautiful comment Anne :) You really made my day

[@joybellamy5561]

I just want to say how much I enjoy your Channel I look forward to it every Monday you have a way making everything all right 😂when something goes wrong I say it is going to be all right 😅

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Joy! ❤️❤️❤️

[@timeenchantre1]

Thank you for doing these q and a sessions. I find them very interesting.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for being here! So glad you enjoyed!

[@dawnbaker9274]

Thanks for another great Q&A session. Always learn something. 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being here!

[@manyalevine1017]

I really liked how u saud "but of course u would because it's your child" My brother just lost his wife (my dear SIL) and when people say they r surprised that he does laundry and cooks and bakes ... he said " I am sorry I am not standing up to your expectations. Of course he dose it because they r his children (7 kids ag8ng 10 months to 12 years)

[@meredithwatson655]

Thank you for doing these Q & A's. I have learned soooo much from you!!

[@jaroffireflies]

You are so welcome! So happy you enjoy them!!!

[@deborahcarter3453]

Another excellent Q and.A.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad that you enjoyed!

[@nukathecat4319]

My mind wonders during morning prayers too 🙈❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

It’s hard! I keep trying every day. And if I find my mind wanders, I jump back in with focus. A little said with focus is better than a lot without ❤️

[@UFOS4]

I always love to watch your Q& A videos. I learn something new every time. I admire your strength, intelligence and commitment to something so important to you and your family. You are a rock. I'm a Star Trek fan, too.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! ❤️

[@josephanton6099]

My Jewish brother-law- was a godparent to my son. We were episcopal and not very religious. He was a good person and that was all we cared about. This was a very long time ago. My son is 58 and unfortunately my brother-law died many years ago.

[@emmib1388]

And the priest approved of thos?????

[@brunymoravcik4166]

Thanks for posting and answering questions. I always enjoy your videos!

[@jaroffireflies]

Glad you like them! Thank you for being here! ❤️

[@belyndaperry7877]

Wow! Your planner is beautiful.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@jettabartholomew1118]

Love how educational your q & a's are 🥰

[@jaroffireflies]

So glad! Thanks for being here ❤️❤️❤️

[@T_WC123]

Yay - you answered by question! (I didn’t think it would actually happen!) Thank you!! I was so fascinated by your answer - I always assumed it was one of the biggest Jewish holidays and had a whole lot of hoopla and so appreciated your explanation why it isn’t so. Thank you for helping us understand Jewish life better!! I love your videos and look forward to them so much!

[@T_WC123]

Also I love your blooper reel!! 🤣

[@jaroffireflies]

I’m so glad you enjoyed and learned from this ❤️ Thank you for watching!!!

[@Rory-nn3og]

Thank you for spreading light and positivity ❤ I love your smile ! :)

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@penelopesheehan5927]

Thanks for reminding me that our expectations of ourselves should be flexible to adjust to different seasons of our lives,

[@jaroffireflies]

So true!

[@llibrescuinaimusica7273]

A lot of love from Barcelona, Catalunya! Thank you ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so kindly! ❤️

[@livarix]

I am looking older video's and really love the ones with you and your husband. Do you intend to make another one in the future?

[@jaroffireflies]

Maybe :) It’s not the easiest thing to do 😂

[@kimtoney4823]

Thank you Chana for sharing your life experiences with us. I always enjoy your content. I appreciate how you protect your children while filming and vlogging. I am praying for Israel, as always. I have always felt that an alliance with Israel might save the Babylon that America has become from the wrath of the Almighty God. That may be silly. I am not Jewish, i am a Christian. But I love learning about your faith. It facinates me. You are God's Chosen People, and it is our duty to protect you as Christians, i believe. Anyway, i ramble on...thank you for what you do, and I am praying for your family here and in Israel.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for your kind words

[@elizabethbest6992]

Having had Jewish roommates in college I knew that Chanakuh is not the Jewish Christmas. We celebrated some of the holidays, including Purim, but not all.

[@katecroul9345]

I adore Little women! In my home country it is not very well-known, but I once came across an old film based on this book, cried through it, and decided to read more about the film. I was so surprised and happy to know that there is a book, that I immediately ordered it. I would say that Little women is my safe space, I always read the book when I am sad.

[@jaroffireflies]

I’m so glad that you enjoyed it!

[@silvanahurtadovares1528]

Hello Chana! Best wishes from Perú! I'm also a Star Trek fan 🤣... I hope Hanukkah season (or Hanukkah holidays? 🤭 ...because I've learnt it is 8 days!!) was great! We are getting ready for Christmas over here, lighting up the third canddle of the Advent wreath yesterday. There is only one left for next Sunday. December 24th was my beloved grandfather's birthday so Christmas started up with a bitter sweet sentiment for me but since I had kiddos all the festivity emotions got back to me! I hope you and your dearly family are enjoying yourself these days!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Hope your holiday season and new years are a lovely time!

[@jlnn1176]

A lot of time for non-religious people a godparent is just a significant adult in your life that you think would be a good connection and special person for your child. Our children's godparents are people we are especially close to that we hope our children can lean on and learn from.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for sharing!

[@mandych715]

I’m so glad you chose Mandy as one of your favorite children’s books! It has always been one of mine and not just because that’s my name! I read it and The Secret Garden countless times growing up!

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh we love the secret garden also!!!

[@basyisrael6885]

It was one of my favorites as well, and this is the first time I'm hearing other people talk about it!

[@jaroffireflies]

@@basyisrael6885 I never heard about it until I was an adult :)

[@cherishedlotus]

Great book recommendations! Love your channel, thank you making Monday fun 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

You are so welcome! Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@janithgottfried8320]

Hi Chana! Great Q and A! I hope you will save your book journal because it is a real work of art. I remember when I was doing alot of child minding I would optimistically bring my needlepoint, and it never made it out of the craft bag. Totally understand the difficulty of trying to keep my eyes on the kids and on my project! As always a pleasure to watch and learn.....

[@jaroffireflies]

I definitely plan to keep it! ❤️

[@lindac3395]

💖🙏🏻☮️🙂 I stand in solidarity with Israel ‘!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nancykirk2650]

I love your q and as. I just woke up from a nap and love to hear your voice. And also want to hear about the doughnuts...awww the doughnuts.

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw thank you Nancy! Stay tuned for a donut video!

[@TheShoneez]

Thanks for sharing with us you are such an inspiration ❤😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you ❤️💐😊

[@ericagoehring1089]

You make the best Q and A's 😊 Thank you!

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw thank you!

[@oliwiarak263]

Hubs and I got a bottle of really nice vodka (potato one, made in Poland) for Christmas and it turned out to be properly kosher, with a certification of the main rabbi of Poland! So when hubs made me a bloody mary with it I said to myself "Cheers Chana! Na zdrowie!" :D

[@jaroffireflies]

Awww! Thank you! What a fun comment to wake up to!

[@rinanicole2174]

So not related to anything said but as I’m watching this video I realized, I have on the same color tichel as you here😂😂 ❤ ❤😂That’s never happened before😂❤ I love hearing about all things books! I truly enjoy books and learning. So fun to hear others lists and thoughts!

[@jaroffireflies]

That is so fun!

[@pilpelet100]

Thanks Chana. You make a wonderful Q & A. It's obvious that you treat each question seriously and take time and thought to answer. I'm sure that everyone appreciates this.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! 😊❤️

[@patrickl.foster7231]

Hello Chana! Thank you for the education you provide, love to learn other faiths, especially Jewish faith, and the different types. Your out look on life is great when things happen like your Son, you deal with it. There are things that happen in life to teach you lessons, a path your meant to follow. My heart aches for all jews that endure the antisemitism that is so prevalent right now! Hate is so ugly! Have you heard of a movement this holiday for non jews to have a menorah in their window to light during Hanukkah? Be Blessed Chana!

[@giuliamotta628]

Your bloopers at the end were hilarious

[@jaroffireflies]

So glad you enjoyed that part 😂

[@marywegrzynowicz4493]

Oh yes you can. First, I don’t do yuck. However, when my husband was sick and going to pass away, I did things I never thought I would ever in life do some things. I may have gloved and masked but I did whatever necessary. Even though we wrote our own vows, I couldn’t remember them-the first time in 40 years- I remember and prayed the traditional vows. In sickness and in health til death us do part. Yes you do what is necessary for those whom you love.

[@SusanP674]

Another great Q & A, thank you Chana! 💙 The outtakes were adorable too!

[@jaroffireflies]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you for being here ❤️

[@OliviaRappel]

Hi! I’m really enjoying learning your faith and culture! I have just started learning Hebrew through the Israeli Institute of Biblical Studies. It’s very exciting

[@jaroffireflies]

So glad you are enjoying! Best of luck to you on your studies!

[@merriehaugh2338]

You are an amazing woman!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@medicgurl23]

I love these Q and A videos! It is so fascinating learning about Judaism and your life.

[@jaroffireflies]

Yay! I’m so glad! Thank you for watching!

[@yesabenson]

I LOVED the Penderwicks series! So enjoyable!

[@jaroffireflies]

We have been loving it :)

[@63Littlemouse]

Hi Chana, always enjoy these Q&A's, its nice to get to know you a little more, I don't know if you prepare you answers but they are always so well thought out & respect. Of course, I too, always cry when Charlotte dies 🕷😥 not read Charlotte's Web in ages I've no little children to read to, but hey that's no excuse 😉 Clare xx 🥰 PS outtakes make me smile Ummmm thank goodness for editing eh ? 🤣

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! I general I don’t prepare and I try not to even read them until I sit down to answer (though that’s pretty tough since I’m adding them to a document). Sometimes I’ll get to a question that I’ll pop over to the next q and a because it requires more thought (like the dinner party question) or more research on how to answer concisely (like when I was asked about Kabbalah). But I really enjoy the more off the cuff type of answering :) I’m so glad you enjoyed!

[@FinnandErin]

I think there should be a Firefly support group for any religious people working to get in their morning prayers. We all can strive to improve our practice.

[@jaroffireflies]

It’s a struggle for so many! Myself included!

[@Janella_Ice_Ice_Baby]

Jean Luc Picard!!! Omg yes!!!! I was so surprised to hear you say that and he’s definitely a fabulous fictional character.

[@jaroffireflies]

Bonus it’s getting Patrick Stewart at the same time 🤣

[@SusanNachman]

To answer your questions how we are feeling in Israel....the absolute worst were the first couple of weeks. Now, in much of the country, life is slowly recovering. Meaning the schools have reopened, businesses and restaurants are operating and the traffic jams have resumed. There are still Israelis from up north and along the Gazan border who are living in hotels, rental apartments or with family. We all have friends and family in rhe army. Tremendous solidarity and strong support for each other. Less air raid sirens but the shelters are open and you always scan your environment. The main focus now is for the safety of the hostages and eradicating terrorism so this cannot happen again. It has been difficult for all if us but I remain optimistic we will be fine.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences as an Israeli right now Susan! Am Yisroel chai! 🇮🇱❤️

[@777LoveStory]

Ok, third comment 😅. I think you answered one of my questions! That's so awesome!! It feels like I won a raffle. Growing up I almost never was picked! Thank you! 🥰

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw! Thanks for asking your question! I was happy to answer it! ❤️

[@777LoveStory]

@@jaroffireflies It's been amazing to learn more about Jewish traditions!

[@jennbidwelledwardson2885]

Thanks for sharing your life with us. I'm going to check out Mandy to read to my grands.

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh you all will love it!!!

[@janellrismiller4522]

Sink reflections help me remember to handle house chores with grace and think of them as blessings

[@jaroffireflies]

That’s a great takeaway!

[@sabrinamoskowitz488]

Hi, Chana. I hope you had a great Chanukah. I heard you mention Israeli music as something you did listen to when you have the time. During Covid, i did a deep dive into Israeli music. I've always liked Ofra Haza, even though I neither speak nor understand Hebrew and Arabic. I became a fan of A-WA; Balkan Beat Box; and Marina Maximilian. I love world music in general; but, I always come back to Ofra Haza and Esther Ofarim. Israeli music is such a vibe. Have a great week. Keep on smiling. 🇮🇱

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for sharing your favorites! I’ll have to look those up! I really appreciate it!

[@HappyGirl4666]

So happy to see your smiling face, your videos make me happy. Keep being you. Here where I am right now in Canada we get dark about 5 PM. But I am south in Canada. Most Canadians live within 160 KM of the US border .

[@jaroffireflies]

Stay warm! I bet the snow is pretty ❄️

[@HappyGirl4666]

@@jaroffireflies we have had snow off and on. We are having a warm spell for a few days 8 C and it melted away. Tonight the warm spell ends and it will be -15 C and start snowing again.

[@jaroffireflies]

@@HappyGirl4666 so cold! It’s like 65f here!

[@HappyGirl4666]

@@jaroffireflies it can get as low as -40C where I am but it isn’t common. -25C is pretty common. We have a very damp cold because we are in the Great Lakes region. It is bone chilling. Soon we are moving to somewhere even colder with colder temps . We are moving 9 hours further north.

[@jaroffireflies]

@@HappyGirl4666 oh wow! Good luck with the move!

[@reginarodgers7804]

Chana, I enjoy watching your videos and I 100% support Israel. Please don’t take this as a put down but I would love to see you in some delicate, feminine glasses frames. You are so pretty.

[@usroadtripper]

I was just in Disney World and found a menorah Christmas ornament for sale 😂

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh my 😬

[@michelledee9304]

I like to hear about your book reading and what you enjoy. I really love The Penderwicks and am hoping I get the last book for Christmas.

[@jaroffireflies]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@aprilmapp3140]

Thank you very interesting you answer the question very well.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for watching!

[@marystrackstevenson9716]

Always love your videos!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lsolo3297]

Awe, I remember Stellaluna from when I was a little kid. My local library had a version where you could check out the book Stellaluna along with a bat puppet 🦇🌕❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw love that!

[@sisterabagail457]

Awe! I was really big into Collecting All kinds of International Children's books translated into English from around the world, for my daughter WHEN she was Younger... she's now 30. We had that Book about Stelluna the Bat from South America; We Also had the Following FAVORITE♥️BOOKS: MANY Bible/TORAH/Tenakah Story Books for Children (TOP Priority), Sassafras (the Skunk), The Miracle of The Potato Latkes, The Enormous Potato, Rainbow Fish, The Great Kapok Tree, The Indian Paintbrush, Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears (African story), Hush! The Thai Lullaby, The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Birds of the World, Then Complete Encyclopedia of Animals of the World, the Atlas of Oceans, ETC...Etc .... Just too many to name! I do Love Your Homeschool Classroom & Media Sources & Resources you have for & for Teaching your Children!!! Just Awesome! You are such a Wonderful Proverbs Mother & Wife. May the LORD Always Bless & Keep You & Your Family, Protected & Guided by HASHEM! B'Shem YESHUA Amen ♥️🕊️🇮🇱♥️🕎📜⚖️📖🛡️⚔️📯✡️🕯️♥️🇮🇱🕊️ I Love the Ann Of Green Gables. I saw All of the Ann of Green Gables Movies & Series Episodes. Concerning Kosher, there are Vegan Kosher Butters, Cheeses and Meat Substitute Healthy Products. I have German-Russian Ashkenazi Jewish Ancestor Roots...and "Supposedly", Potentially related to King David. I wish so much I had a way to find out for sure, with Medical Scientific Proof. I Love Jewish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Russian Foods... And Love Mixing Cultural Foods. I am Mostly Vegan, but still eat Fish, Chicken and some meat. To me, it's always about doing what is Pleasing to HASHEM & Fostering Life to Live. I guess I am a mixture of Ashkenazi & Safardic Jewish Lifestyle of LIVING THE WORD OF GOD & TORAH. I Live a Lifestyle of Fasting All the time, as a Commitment to ADONAI TZA'VOT. I WAS Born During Rosh Hashanah, and Pomegranates are a Fruit that represents Righteous. I Love to Study and Read All the Time!!!! I feel led to be this way. I See Hope no matter what I go through because I believe the Promises of HASHEM and Believe Deeply in Tikkun Olam Or Ha'Olam, B'Shem YESHUA TORAH L'CHAIM, as a Lifestyle. I'd Love to meet the Following: Enoch, Elijah, Daniel, Deborah, Ruth, Hadassah/Queen Esther, Joseph, Samuel, King David & David Ben-Gurion! Fictional Characters I'd Love to Meet: Indiana Jones, Misses King from Scare Crow & Misses King AND Grizzly Adams.

[@elysemurray9776]

I'm here in solidarity with you. I am in the stage of life too that gets nothing done with a 16 month old and 5 year old 🤣

[@jaroffireflies]

Yessssss! Sending you a hug!

[@thebebopbopeep]

I read Mandy as a kid! I still think about it and I'm nearly 35.

[@jaroffireflies]

It’s such a good book! I’m so happy to hear how many others have enjoyed it!

[@user-gs3fm2rh3j]

Question/request: I would much appreciate for you to expound further on defining the different kinds of kosher please!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@lauramotola6231]

Thanks for another great Q&A!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for being here!

[@gothgirlatheart3545]

Can we get a video about the for the lack of a better word, styles, of keeping kosher? Or levels of observance? I would also love a story about how you eventually went to the level of observance you are :-) much love From Dallas/Midcities

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for the suggestion! ❤️

[@Korea4Me]

I have a ten week old kitten. He's trouble, too, but so cute. ^_^

[@jaroffireflies]

Awwww! 🐈

[@colleenorrick5415]

Book suggestion. A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. It’s fiction about Jews in Italy during WW2. I loved this book.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@looovegoodmusic]

Love your channel, love your positivity, kindness and grace with which you handle everything. I'm really struggling now with the antisemitism (yes, I live in LA): just reading and watching the news, comments and see your neighbors marching... and all... a lot of rage and crying.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for your kind words ❤️ I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with so much antisemitism right now 😞

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

These were a great set of questions. Thank you sharing so much with the JoF family. You answered my question!!!!! Thank you!! ♥♥♥♥ And for the kids at the back of the class, despite my obsession with all things hockey I did NOT ask the kids sports question (though that was a great question) - mine was the Shabbat times question.

[@jaroffireflies]

🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for your question!

[@Julie5231veg]

I love your videos hearing about your life and Judaism which I find fascinating. In this video you talked about two different types of Jew with slightly differrnt rules on some things. Could you could explain more about where these two groups came from and do all Jews fall into one of these groups? Apologies if you have covered this in an earlier video. I only found your channel a few weeks ago and haven’t watched absolutely all of your videos! Also just wanted to say I admire how you are able to juggle all the things going on in your life, although why you aren’t totally exhausted all the time is beyond me!! ❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello! The two groups are Ashkenazi and Sephardi. Sephardi Jews come from mainly Spain and Ashkenazi Jews come from mainly Eastern Europe. Both groups settled there after they were ethnically cleansed from the land of Judea. This is an extremely nutshell answer.

[@Julie5231veg]

Thanks for that Channa. That makes things a lot clearer. I’ll definitely look more into that. I also meant to ask .. what do you put in your book journal I think you called it on your video today? And again, how do you find the time?, !?!

[@jaroffireflies]

@@Julie5231veg you are so welcome! As long as the journal, I include some basic information like the title, number of pages, year released, etc. And I include a picture of the cover of the book. Then I just write a bunch of my thoughts on the book, and what it was about I decorate the pages with washi tape pictures that have to do with the book.

[@hollyderosa2288]

Love your book choices!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Holly!

[@lyndajones2029]

Oh my you picked out three of my favorite adult books. I would have to add one more Tale of two cities by Dickens. I knew you have a great reading culture in your home.

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh I love that!!!! So funny that you mentioned Dickens, one of the reading challenges I’m doing this year (that I’m for sure not finishing lol) had to read a dickens work you haven’t read before. I was hoping to get to Tale of Two Cities! But alas I did not. Maybe next year ❤️

[@Trekkifulshay]

One time when I was in the grocery store I went & picked up Dairy Free icecream this was 10+ years ago so it wasn't as common as it is now. This woman remarked oh that is so expensive. I said we were going to have ice cream so I was getting my dairy allergic child safe ice cream. She was like oh I couldn't do that. Do what? Feed your child safely? She suggested we get ice cream while my allergic child goes without. Well that's what I couldn't do eat ice cream in front of a kid who can't have any that's mean. I'm like if it's your child your actual child you will rise to the challenge. She did finally agree she would if she had no choice. Then my youngest went on to develop diabetes so I'm just out there reading all the labels at the grocery store.

[@jaroffireflies]

You totally get it ❤️

[@katieking4849]

Hello and thank you for doing this

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Katie!

[@leannsgottaplan7203]

I get those comments ALOT too pertaining to our son with T1D and my mind always plays the same response…for our son we would do ANYthing and so would you so YES you could and would do exactly what we are doing.🥰

[@jaroffireflies]

Exactly!