One of the couponing groups that I frequent posted a bunch of stuff for Memorial Day. The majority of these deals and freebies were specifically for Military families, Active Duty, and Veterans. Since Memorial Day is intended to honor our fallen heroes, this makes perfect sense to me. 

It was shocking to see the amount of nasty comments many folks made, complaining that everyone should be entitled to the deals. (How unbelievably petty, huh?)

Should we not recognize, as a society, that our military men, women, and their dependents deserve special privileges? They are willing to sacrifice their time, their living arrangements, their health, their safety, and sometimes even their lives, to provide freedom and security for our nation. 

Not a day goes by when I don’t pray for these brave souls who allow me to live in comfort. At the bare minimum, they deserve our thanks, and if a business is willing to provide a free meal, or a free flag, or a discount, that’s even better. 

Since we no longer have a Draft and every member of the military is a volunteer, we should be even more grateful. Less than 1% of the country has ever served. That is really incredible when you think about how few people are making the sacrifice for the greater good. 

As a proud patriot, I can’t say enough good things about our military. Every member who died is entitled to be honored and those who may have to give their lives in the future should also be acknowledged. They are the backbone of our great nation, yet some would begrudge them a free burger. That is truly sad!

Let’s celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day. Put up a flag. Go visit a military cemetery. Say thanks to someone in uniform. Attend a parade. Do anything that recognizes what this special day is supposed to represent. We are Americans and we need to understand that freedom isn’t free and those who provide it deserve our gratitude. 

Have you ever wondered if studying abroad is right for you or a relative? 

Foreign learning comes with a whole host of benefits. From the different climates that other countries offer, to practical new life skills such as improving your Hebrew, or getting better at cooking traditional food, there are plenty of reasons to do it. Studying abroad does, however, come with some important challenges and questions, and it’s vital that you address these before you make the big move.

Consider what you want to learn

Different countries/regions offer different areas of focus when it comes to what subjects they prioritize, so it’s wise to do your research first to make sure that you find the right school. In some East Asian countries, for example, a strong emphasis is placed on subjects like science and engineering. If a humanities degrees is your desired area of specialty, it could be challenging to find the right fit there.

The structure of universities can also differ around the world. Here in the US, it’s very common for colleges to be campus-based, whereas some European universities prefer to integrate their universities into the city or town in which they’re located.

Check entry and visa requirements

Moving to a new country, even as a student, can pose a huge range of administrative headaches. Many students who move overseas need a special visa that can take months to secure. Some countries also have additional requirements above and beyond visas and passports.

Many Jewish students want to study in Israel and will need to undergo an entrance test. The psychometric course at HighQ is a great way to study for this. Whatever the requirements are in your country of study, it’s important to make sure that you do your research and know about them so that you can prepare in advance.

Think about coping mechanisms

Even if you’re really excited to get started with your year or degree abroad, it’s likely that there will still be some unexpected moments of struggle. You may be affected by culture shock, which is the mind’s way of reacting to a sudden change.

Feeling a little homesick during important family-oriented periods such as Hanukkah or High Holidays is a given. For that reason, it’s a good idea to have some strategies lined up. Arranging a weekly call back home on Friday afternoons to family and friends is an easy way to overcome the distance. If possible, organize a family vacation to your new study country before the move, so they will understand how and where you’re living abroad.

No matter where you’re heading for your studies, it’s likely that you’ll deal with these issues at some point. While it may seem like a lot to anticipate, it’s nothing that a little research won’t solve. By looking up the relevant requirements and deadlines well in advance, you’ll be able to make sure that your study abroad trip goes smoothly.

Are emotional service animals a legitimate need or a rapidly-growing scam? Like anything else, the answer depends on whom you ask. I am a huge pet lover, with dogs, cats, fish, and a hermit crab sharing my home. I don’t bring them to most public places, however, because I don’t want to annoy others and I also see no point. Movie theatres, restaurants, and shopping malls are not designed to accept animals. When it comes to travel, the situation can become downright circus-like.

There have been numerous odd instances where someone tried to board a plane with a peacock, or a pig, or a turkey, etc. Call me crazy, but the thought of flying cross-country next to an ear-piercing gobbler that isn’t bathroom-trained is my idea of hell!

According to new rules issued by American Airlines, most people agree with me. If your animal is an insect, ferret, hedgehog, goat, spider or chicken, they will no longer allow them as a traveling companion. Strangely, miniature horses are still welcome.

To me, there is a huge difference between a service animal and a support animal. The former would be a seeing-eye dog to help the blind, whereas the latter could be a boa constrictor that soothes an anxiety disorder. It’s just not the same. 

Every reasonable effort should be made to assist the disabled—wheelchair ramps, braille, or motor scooters in grocery stores are all good examples. But when it comes to emotional issues, it’s very hard to prove that bringing your llama to Walmart will actually improve your symptoms. 

Anyone who has a serious emotional problem deserves to be recognized and if their needs don’t infringe on the group as a whole, of course we should do it. The question is where to draw the line. I have the utmost sympathy and compassion for anyone with PTSD, major depression, or panic attacks. But please don’t ruin my dinner out or my trip with barking, urinating, and/or aggressive animals that don’t want to be there anyway. 

There is a time and a place for everything. Let’s use our common sense to determine what that rightfully would be. A baby Chihuahua tucked into a bag isn’t going to bother anyone; an enormous, screeching zoo creature surely will. 

What an amazing celebration it’s been. Not only is it Mother’s Day, it’s also Jerusalem Day—two events that mean the world to me.

I’ve been spoiled non stop since I woke up—pancake breakfast in bed, homemade cards, purple tulips. After that, we enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner consisting of steak, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and asparagus. Dessert was a giant chocolate chip cookie. 

And my big surprise? It’s a gift certificate, good for 6 sessions, at a local pottery painting studio! (How cool is that?) When I was in my teens and 20’s, I did a lot of artwork. As I’ve gotten older, it’s dwindled, but that hobby filled me with joy and it’s something I want to take up again. 

In addition to my own personal blessings, the greatest joy for me is to see Israel and America, standing strong together, with the Embassy about to open. This has been longed for by Jews around the world, a wish, hope, and prayer that has been delayed so often, it seemed like it would never happen. But the Good Lord, in His time, has finally made the dream into a reality, showing once again that anything is possible with enough faith and fight.

This Embassy is the most important thing. Why? Because it guarantees that the Capital is much less likely to be divided, nor will Israel be chopped into Two States. 

Israel and America mean freedom—for men, women, and children who love the Lord, love liberty, and want to preserve both. I pray that these great nations with always be best friends and 500 years from now, these celebrations will continue.