Judy Gruen is the author of Bylines and Blessings, The Skeptic and the Rabbi, and several other books. Based in Los Angeles, she is also a regular columnist for the Jewish Journal and a book editor.
by Judy Gruen
Thoughts on lighting the 20th yartzeit candle.
Chasidic Israeli filmmaker Rama Burshtein’s fascinating film is almost as fascinating as her own story.
What if there was a summer camp for moms?
In the 1960’s they used to say “Don’t trust anyone over 30”; Now, they say “Don’t trust anyone who looks older than 30!”
Next-generation technology is watching you. Behave, or else!
On the strategic benefits of finding a husband at college.
While my body would love to go away for Passover, my soul enjoys making Seders at home.
The Shabbat of Unity allowed me to get out of my own bubble and connect to Jews different than me.
Why do people think I’m a menace?
Fewer Americans are dieting now than in recent years. If you ask me, that’s very healthy.
First time grandmother Judy Gruen finds out that looking after a newborn is harder than she remembers.
Ideas to light up your celebration during the eight nights of Hanukkah.
When my kids drive me, they drive me crazy.
Can fat people be good role models?
My tip for a more meaningful Yom Kippur – lighten up.
I long for the days when grocery shopping was simpler.
Many young women are realizing just how damaging were her views.
”Like” this article or we are no longer “friends.”
Belief was the easy part. Friendship took more work.
Israel’s real secret weapon against the Iranians: Rita Jahanforuz.
Politics aside, the real war on women is being waged by fashion designers.
Today I announce my candidacy for president of the United States. My motto: "Opinion over Experience”.
Does being Jewish make us smarter?
Michel Hazanavicious’s Golden Globe winning silent film imparts powerful lessons about the power of speech.
Is Tim Tebow taking a page from Judah the Maccabbee?
I’m sitting out Thanksgiving this year. Not because I am un-American, but because I’m full.
How Jewish guidelines of male-female relationships could have helped.
The fathers I know don’t look anything like the ones we see in the media.
Students around the world who will be graduating shortly, gather around and listen to my pearls of wisdom.
I love cleaning for Passover. No, I am not mentally unstable.
I was no spiritual seeker and wary of drinking the kosher Kool-Aid.
Amy Chua unleashed a firestorm of debate about “wimpy” western child rearing. Is she right?
The Man Booker Prize winning novel raises important questions about Jewish self hatred and anti-Semitism.
January is national “Get Organized Month” and I just may get around to organizing… by next January.
It’s time to outsmart our smartphones.
A review of Herman Wouk’s epic WWII miniseries.
After 18 years of selfless love, all I get before my son leaves is: “Bye, thanks”?!
After 20 years, my husband and I decided it was finally time for a vacation.
Where has all of our clothing gone?
They don't call gossip "dirt" for nothing.
Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? How about a phone call once in a while?
Everything I ever needed to know I learned in the Nordstrom shoe department.
Nervous about going to a religious person’s Seder? So is my Aunt Ellie, and this is what I advised her.
My decision to cover my hair with a wig has me feeling better about myself physically and spiritually!
My trip to Beverly Hills made me realize that I like living on the “wrong” side of the tracks.
What do a Jewish mother of four and a Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard have in common?
I didn't expect that my kids' knowledge about all things Jewish would outstrip mine by the time they were in the third grade.
I brought my kosher lamp to a hotel where I was staying over Shabbat. I rubbed it and became a kosher genie.
Make the joy of Sukkot a daily part of your life.
Even though I had to give up aspects of my career to work from home, my kids are still the most impressive part of my resume.
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