Patricia Raskin

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My Nana Esther, my grandmother on my father’s side, came to America from the old country, Russia, when she was a child. She was a small round woman with soft curves and a warm smile. She always wore a neat gray bun, had a beautiful face and she … more

Patricia Raskin | 2/5/16

Telling our stories to honor our heritage

Understanding our ancestral connections, our family’s genealogical roots and their stories constitutes the foundation of our very being. We can truly appreciate where we’re going when we know – and appreciate – where we’ve been. Honoring … more

Patricia Raskin | 1/22/16

Kindness in the toughest of circumstances

This story, which appears in my book, “Pathfinding,” is from my late father, who told me that it is adapted from rabbinic literature. It looks at abusive behavior and kindness in a way that brings up some questions for me. How much should we … more

Patricia Raskin | 1/7/16

When is cheating really cheating?

The Rambam states in Hilchot Mechirah (chap. 18:1): It is forbidden to lie to people in transactions or to steal their opinion, and a gentile and a Jew are equal in this matter. If a person knows that what he is selling is defective, he … more

Patricia Raskin | 12/11/15

The two sides of lashon hara

Lashon hara, which means “evil tongue” in Hebrew, is a multifaceted concept. Speech is considered to be lashon hara if it is true but says something derogatory about a person or party, divulges something not previously known to the … more

Patricia Raskin | 11/27/15

Going beyond Jewish New Year’s resolutions

The highest Jewish holidays have come and gone but their message remains alive and well and strong. For us Jews, the message on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is that we could have lived better in the previous year and ask forgiveness from God and … more

Patricia Raskin | 10/15/15

Jewish foods: Don’t toss the traditions along with the fat

I grew up on bagels, lox and cream cheese, stuffed cabbage, gefilte fish, brisket, chopped liver and chicken soup. I remember as a child sitting around the kitchen table and eating these foods with great gusto and lots of mmms! We would share … more

Patricia Raskin | 10/1/15

Obstacles can become opportunities

This is one of my favorite stories told to me by my late father and included in my book “Pathfinding.” I don’t know its origin, but my father told me there was a similar story told by a rabbi with different names. This story speaks to … more

Patricia Raskin | 9/17/15

Returning to our roots

Over the summer, Diana Douglas, mother of Michael Douglas and first wife of Kirk Douglas, passed away. She left a special legacy and remained on amicable terms with Kirk throught her life. She even appeared with him in several movies, including … more

Patricia Raskin | 8/21/15