• English
    • Español
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Privacy Policy
  • BLOG
  • PODCAST
  • SPEAKING
  • RESOURCES
    • Shabbat Guide
    • Bat Mitzvah Guide
    • Parenting Principles
  • CONNECT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Search

Jewish Latin Princess

Dina Hurwitz: A Story of Hope and Inspiration

March 28, 2017 by Yael Leave a Comment

Dina Hurwitz with Yael from Jewish Latin Princess

B”H

Hi all! Last Wednesday night I had the pleasure to attend a lecture by Dina Hurwitz at Houston’s ERJCC. Dina is a mother of seven, whose life turned upside down when her husband, Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz, was diagnosed with ALS in 2013. ALS is a a rare progressive, neurodegenerative disease. Dina talked to us about what it has been like to see the love of her life in this “predicament,” (as Yitzi prefers to call it), raising her kids during this time, leaving her community in Temecula, CA and relocating with her family to L.A. Dina was incredibly HONEST to us about her struggle and her constant quest to find joy and meaning throughout it all. A room full of women laughed and cried together as Dina inspired us with her message of devotion, faith and courage. Below, I’ve jotted a few take aways that I remembered and my wonderful friends in my community also helped me remember. (Thank You!) But, before that, here is a BEAUTIFUL VIDEO that was made of a song that Rabbi Yitzi composed well before he was diagnosed.

Before loosing his ability to move, Yitzi was an extremely musical person. His kids found a recording of this song, which Yitzi composed. Uplifted and inspired by listening to their father’s voice, which they had not heard for two years at that point, Dina and the kids shared the song with a close friend. He then took it over and turned it into the beauty that you’re about to hear and see. The second voice you hear in the video is Yitzi’s, actually!

Here are few of the take aways and lessons that Dina left us with. I hope you find them helpful. (Thank You to all my friends in my community who via What’s App helped me recall many of these and review them, so I can share them with you.) To hear more about Dina, her words of faith, inspiration, and a candid look at the human struggle – which we can all relate to – follow Dina’s blog The Caffeinated Thinker.

With regards to her and Yitzi telling their older kids about the doctors’ prognosis, here are two points which they said to them:

  • This does not give you an excuse to ruin your lives.
  • You don’t have to figure out the rest of your lives now. You just have to figure out how to get through this moment. One moment.

Regarding us as women:

  • Be as kind to yourself as you are to others. Yes, surprisingly we are often kinder to others than we are to our own selves (read: the stuff you sometimes tell yourself, you would NEVER think to tell anyone else, unless, of course, you want them to never be your friend again.)
  • Take care of yourself and make time for yourself in order to have the strength to be there for those you love.
  • G-d has already given you all the tools that you need to fulfill your unique mission in this world. We often think, “well if only I had more money, or more talent or more time or more this, then I’d be able to…” No. You have exactly what you need. Do not wait. Take action now.
  • Be a friend. Listen and create a safe place where your friends can share their fear and pain without judgement. Don’t push a friend to a place where she’s not ready to go to.

Us as mothers:

  • When making a decision for your kids, we often get in the role of disciplinarian (ie. well I can’t jut say Yes or I have to say No.) Put it in perspective and think if this will matter in 5 years from now and if you can, then just say yes. Do whatever you need to do to make your kids happy (not meaning spoil them, give them everything, or over indulge) but spend time with them, read them another story, give them experiences and things within reason, which will help in their happiness.
  • Music helps! Turn on the music in the house (or play instruments). It helps to set a happy mood all around.

Our relationship with G-d:

  • As long as we’re struggling with G-d, it’s a good struggle.
  • We are not in control of our lives. Give that up already.
  • There is a difference between pain and suffering. We all have pain in our lives. We don’t have to suffer. Suffering is how we choose to behave about that pain, and more specifically suffering is pain without a purpose. You have to find meaning and purpose in your pain. Otherwise, you’ll be suffering.

Her conclusion to all of us:

  • No matter what you’re going through, always remember to thank G-d for the good and blessings that you DO have.

Yitzi writes a weekly blog on the Torah portion, through a computer that senses the light on his eyes and can then transcribe his words (I’m sure I’m butchering how this system works, but it’s nothing short of incredible). He told his wife that he feels like he received a “promotion from G-d” as his message has gone from reaching his small community in Temecula, CA, to reaching thousands who read his blog every week.

No words. So I leave you with much to think about and I hope I’ve done an Ok job of capturing Dina’s messages. You can follow Yitzi Hurwitz here and Dina at The Caffeinated Thinker.

I encourage you all to do a huge mitzvah and contribute to the Hurwitz Family Fund. All donations are tax deductible.

If you were there, and were touched by anything you heard, please share it with us in the comments section below. I’d love to hear.

Wishing you a week full of blessings,

Yael

You may also like | Puede que también te guste

  • Bat Mitzvah Inspiration || Inspiración para Bat MitzvaBat Mitzvah Inspiration || Inspiración para Bat Mitzva
  • Mi casa es SU casa: Miri NadlerMi casa es SU casa: Miri Nadler
  • Episode 86: Chaya Mushka Ben-Shabat, Founder & CEO Menachem Mendel AcademyEpisode 86: Chaya Mushka Ben-Shabat, Founder & CEO Menachem Mendel Academy
  • Episode 175: What’s Your Earliest Money Memory?Episode 175: What’s Your Earliest Money Memory?
  • Tisha B’Av: Destruction or Construction?Tisha B’Av: Destruction or Construction?
Episode 2: Leah Gottfried, Actress and Film Director
Passover Table Decor

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

INSTAGRAM

Follow on Instagram

Jewish Mom Blogs

Judaica by Kate Spade NY

Sponsors I Love

Sponsors I Love

Ready to enjoy a joyful & richer Jewish life?

Recent Posts

  • 319: Financial Wake Up Calls and Leaps of Faith with Cost Segregation King, Yonah Weiss
  • 318: Your Attachment Style & Your Relationship with Money
  • 317: What Happened with SVB and Signature Bank and What Should I do?
  • 316: Creativity, Money and G-d with Hollywood Writer David Sacks
  • 315: Minisode — Unconventional Lessons in Public Speaking 

Testimonials

  • Chaya Mushka Ben-Shabat, Founder and CEO, Menachem Mendel AcademyChaya Mushka Ben-Shabat, Founder and CEO, Menachem Mendel Academy
    Being a guest on JLP was a true delight!  Easy, quick, hassle-free, and most of all…FUN!  Yael made the entire experience feel like a chat with a long-lost friend, and I finished with the interview feeling invigorated and excited to re-focus on my mission.  May Hashem give us MANY more women like Yael in this world to hasten our righteous Moshiach NOW!!
  • Harriet Lerner, PhD, Author of Why Won’t You Apologize?Harriet Lerner, PhD, Author of Why Won’t You Apologize?

    I loved being in Jewish Latin Princess. Yael made me feel right at home. Her careful reading of the book and her interview style was terrific. I also enjoyed sharing a part of my life that I don’t usually get to share in interviews. Thank You Yael!

  • Jamie Geller, the Queen of KosherJamie Geller, the Queen of Kosher

    I had a great time being on Jewish Latin Princess Podcast. Yael is a great interviewer and fun. The questions just flowed and they were the perfect balance of thought provoking and deep, while also keeping the conversation very real and practical. I’ve done many interviews in the past and I can say, Yael is great on the mic!

  • Shira Kraft, Director of Nishmah, JCC of St. LouisShira Kraft, Director of Nishmah, JCC of St. Louis

    I can’t thank you enough for joining us at the retreat and being a truly special guest! Your words were beautiful and meaningful. You exceeded our expectations and were a pleasure to work with. It was wonderful to share this Shabbat with you.

  • Lenore Skenazy, America’s Worst MomLenore Skenazy, America’s Worst Mom

    It was a joy to be interviewed by Yael -- she's fun, prepared, quick and smart. A truly zesty conversation. What more could an interviewee want?

  • Julie Starr, Possibility Life Coaching for WomenJulie Starr, Possibility Life Coaching for Women

    Being interviewed by Yael is pure joy! Her insightful comments, powerful questions and warm interaction helps one share with ease. Yael may you go from strength to strength with your mission of spreading goodness throughout the world!

  • Faigy Pollock, Expert on Marriage & IntimacyFaigy Pollock, Expert on Marriage & Intimacy

    What an honor to be interviewed by Yael. In my eyes, Yael's show is a place to glorify Judaism and the Jewish way of life, and I am humbled to have been invited to share my passion. Yael made me feel so comfortable and confident. Her easy going upbeat energy was felt way across the globe as if I was sitting right there next to her. I enjoyed every moment of the interview and couldn't believe that an hour and a half went by so fast;-) I look forward to connecting again soon. Yael, keep up the good work!

  • Amy Kritzer

    I loved being a guest on Yael's podcast! Her questions are thoughtful, and it's like chatting with a good friend. The time flew by. I wish we could have chatted more.

  • Silvia Cohen, Food Creative Blogger en LemishmashSilvia Cohen, Food Creative Blogger en Lemishmash

    Yael de JLP no es solo mi gran amiga sino que es una host maravillosa, con la voz más dulce y hace las preguntas más asertivas. Te hace sentir en casa estando tan lejos y en un micrófono. Yael es el perfecto ejemplo de mujer mamá judia trabajadora que lo puede todo! Y todo lo que hace lo hace perfecto. No solo recomiendo escuchar sus podcast que son maravillosos sino seguir su blog y sus ocurrentes historias y los mejores tips.

  • Stacy Middleman, Author of Dear Cancer, Love StacyStacy Middleman, Author of Dear Cancer, Love Stacy

    Yael is a delight! My interview with her for Jewish Latin Princess was like talking to an old friend. Her questions are thought-provoking, insightful and generous. Her warm approach allowed me to be myself, and I loved having the opportunity to share my story in such an engaging way.

  • Michelle Poler, Founder of Hello Fears, Speaker & Fear FacerMichelle Poler, Founder of Hello Fears, Speaker & Fear Facer

    I loved being part of your podcast, I had no idea what to expect and it was refreshing as a Jewish woman to participate in your podcast. Your questions related to what I do, combined with Judaism gave me a lot to think about. I love getting new questions instead of the typical “why did you start the project?” which is important but I’m glad you gave it a twist. I hope your listeners enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed being part of it! Thanks for challenging me to think about my topic and religion as one.

  • Nomi Freeman, Expert in Near Death ExperiencesNomi Freeman, Expert in Near Death Experiences

    It was great talking with you yesterday. You made me feel totally comfortable from the start. Your style is so dynamic, and your interviews so thought provoking! Our interview was just one fun conversation and it flew by so quickly!

  • Rebecca Schweiger: Artist & Founder of The Art Studio NYRebecca Schweiger: Artist & Founder of The Art Studio NY

    By far the highlight of my week was interviewing with Yael for JLP! I felt like I plugged into an outlet of inspiration and human connection. Yael has brains, spunk, spirit and curiosity, all of which come through her thought-provoking and engaging interview style. Thank you, Yael, for including me in your podcast. You are a pleasure to join forces with!

  • Shirley Varnagy: Periodista, Anfitriona de Radio y TVShirley Varnagy: Periodista, Anfitriona de Radio y TV

    Gracias por la estupenda entrevista que me hiciste, siempre es grato que te entrevisten de otra manera, es una conversación que nunca olvidaré. Al final el propósito de una buena entrevistadora es que su entrevista deje huella, y tu lo lograste.

  • Abigail Pogrebin: Author of My Jewish YearAbigail Pogrebin: Author of My Jewish Year

    Yael's careful preparation and genuine sensitivity are evident in every question she asks and in how attentively she listens. It was a pleasure to talk to the Jewish Latin Princess!

  • Bari Lyman: Author & Creator of Meet to MarryBari Lyman: Author & Creator of Meet to Marry

    It was such a delight to be interviewed by Yael. She is so warm, on target and really insightful. Instead of feeling like an interview, it was like have a cup of tea with a really good friend. Thanks Yael for sharing your gifts with the world and creating a platform to share ours.

  • Bari Tessler: Financial Therapist and Creator of The Art of MoneyBari Tessler: Financial Therapist and Creator of The Art of Money

    Yael and I went deep into my journey to becoming a financial therapist in her podcast. Thank you for this lovely interview.

  • Rena Reiser: Intuitive Eating CoachRena Reiser: Intuitive Eating Coach

    I'm brand new to the podcasting world, and Yael made me feel right at home and relaxed. She's so curious and honest, making it a pleasure to speak to her. Being interviewed by Yael is like sitting in your best friend's living room shmoozing and laughing about the day.

  • Barbara Stanny: Bestselling Author, and the Leading Authority on Women and MoneyBarbara Stanny: Bestselling Author, and the Leading Authority on Women and Money

    You are a truly terrific interviewer. I'm also filled with joy and gratitude to have had such a juicy, deep, and spiritual conversation with you. Thank you so much for inviting me on your show.

    Author of Prince Charming Isn't Coming, Overcoming Underearning, and Sacred Success

  • Vicki Samuels: President & CEO, Jewish Herald-VoiceVicki Samuels: President & CEO, Jewish Herald-Voice

    Yael is a gifted and intuitive writer. So impressed was our staff, that the Jewish Herald-Voice offered her a monthly column, "Defining Jewish Women." We have received only positive feedback and our readers look forward to the third Thursday of every month. In between, I personally follow her blog and gain much insight into myself through her words and emotions.

  • Gila SimchaGila Simcha

    What a treat to hear Yael speak at the Jewish Women's Retreat in San Antonio. Her presentation, "Mi Casa es Su Casa, The Kabbalah of the Home" inspired me to express my Judaism in a way that speaks to my creative side and love of all things chic without compromising my true self and style. I'm so glad I got the chance to hear her message of creativity and Torah. Bravo!

  • Sandy FrydbergSandy Frydberg

    I enjoyed your presentation very much. Your way of presenting material is your strongest asset. You are organized, friendly and approachable, and you speak beautifully, including when you incorporated Jewish teachings in Hebrew. I would be happy to learn from you as you make it fun and interesting.

  • Tina GrossTina Gross

    Thank you so much for a wonderful presentation....You are a great speaker and all the ladies loved hearing your stories....

  • Shoshana BonnShoshana Bonn

    I am writing to share how much I enjoyed your presentation on the kabbalah of home at the 55th N'shei Chabad convention in San Antonio, Texas. Your vivacious speaking style, the clarity with which you made your points, and your warmth toward your audience made this one of the best breakout sessions I attended. You offered both depth of Jewish knowledge and perspective on how this applied to people's individual situations. I look forward to my next opportunity to hear you speak.

  • Ronit Spiwak WolfRonit Spiwak Wolf

    Gracias por crear un blog tan necesitado para la mujer moderna Judia.

  • Clara GrossClara Gross

    Yael y JLP son muy especiales para mi. Fue gracias a JLP que me di la oportunidad de intentar nuevamente preparar Challah para mi familia - desde que JLP publico la Challah que nunca falla en nuestra mesa hay hermosas y deliciosas Challah todos los Shabbat y en las festividades. Soy una foodie así que no me pierdo las recetas que publica y hasta ahora han sido un éxito total, sin contar que me inspira la bellísima presentación de los platos y como presentar una hermosa,  sencilla y a la vez elegante mesa para nuestra familia e invitados.

  • Miranda HurwitzMiranda Hurwitz

    In preparation for my wedding, I had the opportunity to learn with Yael. Creativity aside, she is a wealth of knowledge, both passionate and practical, about what she teaches and how she teaches it. I'm also proud to say that through our experience together she has become a great friend and is someone that I can I always talk to.

  • Melinda SilberMelinda Silber
    Yael can be defined as “refreshing inspiration.” She is well-versed in an array of topics from Jewish femininity to design details. Every time I hear her at a speaking engagement or in passing conversation, she always brings an awareness of Jewish femininity to the forefront, constantly reminding women of their spiritual role and importance in ‘everyday’ things. I was thrilled that she passed this concept on, along with her deep knowledge of Judaism, to my daughter during their Bat Mitzvah lessons together. Yael always rises to the occasion (no pun intended) with her eye for design and attention to details. Her subtle palette, creativity and organizational skills are her recipe to success!
  • Vanesa KreindelVanesa Kreindel

    Estoy inmensamente feliz de haber conocido a Yael. En ella no solo encontré una persona con inmenso talento, sino que también encontré una gran amiga que abre su corazón y te contagia su alegría, creatividad y armonía. Me fascina leer su blog - en el siempre encuentro algún nuevo “tip” y también disfruto muchísimo de las clases de mujeres que nos da mensualmente.

  • Anat ChenAnat Chen

    My daughter Stav had her Bat Mitzvah a few months ago.  I wanted Stav to go into her 'Bat Mitzvah' understanding the meaning of the term, and with the knowledge of how to apply it to her life. Even though she learns in a Jewish Orthodox school, I felt that she needed extra learning and inspiration for her coming of age.  Luckily, I knew Yael from before, and heard that she teaches Bat Mitzvah classes.  I had a feeling that this would be a good match... I wasn't wrong :)

    Yael teaches ancient ideas in a modern way.  Stav came back from classes inspired, thinking and asking herself questions.  I'm thankful that my daughter had the opportunity to learn with Yael for her Bat Mitzvah in a interesting, welcoming and inspiring way.

  • Kayla WarrenKayla Warren

    Yael has creativity, vision, and energy, and she uses them all to the fullest for her clients. She came up with the color scheme, all the accessories, the overall “look” of the day, and I just happily and gratefully followed along. But I don’t want you to think it’s only what Yael wants, Yael does. She asked me for input every step of the way. She always checked in with me about what she was buying, what she thought we should have at the party, and she was always conscious of budget. I wanted everything she suggested, but I know that if there had been anything I wasn’t keen to have, she would have changed it until she found something that I loved. She wanted my daughter and me to be happy with everything. We weren’t happy – that’s too meager a word – we were elated!!! Working with Yael was such a pleasant and joyful experience. And those are two words I don’t use lightly when it comes to describing planning an event.

  • Elisheva GolaniElisheva Golani

    Yael helped me style my son's upshernish as well as my living room. She is wonderful to work with! She is talented and extremely organized which is super helpful! She has an incredible eye and knows how to beautify absolutely anything!

Ready to enjoy a joyful & richer Jewish life?

75 yael@jewishlatinprincess.com
xo Yael
  • English
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG
  • PODCAST
  • SPEAKING
  • RESOURCES
  • CONNECT

© 2023 · Jewish Latin Princess · website by Pretty Darn Cute Design