You set out to do something meaningful—to bring more goodness into the world beyond your daily routine. But when you entered the world of volunteering, expecting selflessness and unity, you found ego, politics, and power struggles. It’s disheartening. How can a place built on kindness feel so familiar to the flaws of the corporate world? • Aharon Schmidt replies, from the Living Jewish’s Farbrengen column • Read More

“I travel a lot for work, often to places that don’t observe my level of kashrut. I used to bring my own food or stick strictly to what I knew was within my standards. Sometimes that meant eating very little. Over time, I became more lenient—I’ll now eat things without a hechsher, telling myself, “It’s probably fine, and I need to eat.” But I know deep down it’s not right. I want to return to how I used to be, but I can’t seem to get back there.” • Aharon Schmidt replies, from the Living Jewish’s Farbrengen column • Read More

We are a group of five women friends who make time once a week to go out for breakfast together. However, one woman in the group is very conceited. She rarely shows interest in anyone else and tends to dominate the conversation by talking about herself. This frustrates me and fills me with resentment and negativity. How can I stop feeling this way? • Aharon Schmidt replies, from the Living Jewish’s Farbrengen column • Read More

“My marriage has been very difficult almost from the beginning. Recently, I learned about verbal and emotional abuse, and I suspect I might be in such a relationship. But how can I know if my husband is verbally abusive? Maybe he’s just challenging, or maybe it’s my fault. I don’t know—but much of what I’ve read seems to describe my situation” • Aharon Schmidt replies, from the Living Jewish’s Farbrengen column • Read More

Question: I work a full day, leaving the house at 7 a.m. and returning home around 7:30 p.m. My wife works in the morning and is home by 1 p.m. Now that we’re cleaning for Pesach, she expects me to do as much as her. She says she’s also busy with other household duties, but I barely have time to sleep after my long workday. Do you think this is fair? • By Aharon Schmidt, From the Living Jewish’s Farbrengen column • Read More

Question: “A couple of days ago, I gave a friend a ride to Jerusalem. He shared that he has been feeling somewhat down and unsuccessful in life. He said he earns an average living, but his family is always struggling financially. Additionally, he feels stuck spiritually—without much time to learn Torah. Seeing people around him who seem to be better off both financially and spiritually makes him feel increasingly inadequate. What do you think would have been the best way to respond?” • By Aharon Schmidt, From the Living Jewish’s Farbrengen column • Read More