Ask Me Anything | Orthodox Jewish Vlogger Q and A | Orthodox Jewish Mom (Jar of Fireflies)
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- Its a Q and A! I am answering your questions on a variety of subjects like my favorite kid book recommendations, what my perfect day looks like, political views of my religious community, visiting Israel, my Live Generously t-shirt, Jewish hotels, post baby Jewish laws and so much more! Thank you all for submitting your questions! Enjoy the answers!
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Hello and welcome! My name is Chana, I’m married to my best friend, and we have four wonderful children together. We also happen to be Orthodox Jews and we homeschool our kids. This video is a sneak peek into our daily lives :) You can see how this particular Jewish homeschool mom sets up her days, rolls with the punches, and gets it all done. Thanks for watching!
Why I chose the name Jar of Fireflies:
• Answering Your Questio...
#jewishlife #qanda #askmeanything
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Contact / Collab: jaroffirefliesvlog@gmail.com
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Filmed on iPhone 11 Pro Max
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p.s. Please like this video if you enjoyed it, it really supports my channel and helps me see what kind of videos you want to see more of. Thank you!
I think we can squeeze in one more of these here in a couple weeks to finish up as many of your questions as possible :) Hope you are having a wonderful start to your week and thank you for stopping by!
I like Q&A I was able to swap some clothes about summer to the back/bottom and autumn/fall stuff to the front easy access. I do feel as if I've achieved a huge thing. For some reason this past weekend it has got a strange chilly, I don't normally do this until October but last night was brrrrr brrrrr here.
Do you now or have you ever questioned any Jewish laws? I do not mean question if you should do something or how you should do it, but question the reason behind a rule or law and did you get an answer that you can understand?
I thought of this question when you mentioned Lancaster PA (I thought Amish country) as my dad was raised in an Amish home and I asked him as well as a couple of others about why they can or can not do something in some situations and the only answer I got is, "I don't know. Those are just the rules. It has always been that way.".
I think that if I wanted to join a religious faith, club, or anything with rules, I would not have a problem following rules or laws but I would want to know the reason behind them.
I’m curious and this was floating around in the back of my head all weekend: Do you know any vegan Jews? I’m a vegan myself and I do wonder how that affects any of rituals and laws you have to follow? Not just food but for example, a shofar is made from a rams horn and would therefore not be considered vegan (at least as far as how I approach my veganism. Like the only exceptions I make are things like medicine).
Question for next Q&A: Would it be possible for an orthodox Jewish woman to decide not to get married and instead to have kids on her own (through artificial insemination or adoption) and to work full time to support the kids? Would that be frowned upon or not allowed?
I’d love to find out a bit more about your head coverings- as a Muslim I cover all my hair. I have seen in your other videos you can cover any way (wig/scarf etc) but i also notice you show some of your hair, is there a certain percentage of hair you’re allowed to show? How does it work? 😊 thanks for your videos I really enjoy finding out more about your culture!
As a mom of a 3 year old, I really felt that “perfect day” that included “no one complains” frequently.
😊❤️
Your videos are excellent! You give a very beautiful description of the Jewish experience. My problem is that I wish that I could have converted years ago. Congratulations for actually doing it.
When I read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane to my students, I would choke up at the end. What a journey Edward has gaining humility and the capacity to love. I am glad your kids liked it. They must be loving, empathetic souls!
Thank you 💜 Love that you read it to your class!
Chana and Firefly Family, my thoughts and prayers are wth all of your family and hoping they are safe. My heart is breaking from this horror. 🙏
Of course everything takes longer with a newborn around, totally get it. And let me just say, you are doing amazingly! I'm always amazed by your commitment to this channel and how are still able to post videos with all your family obligations and a newborn. it's inspiring!
Thank you ❤️
I think it very wise to keep politics off your channel ..Its lovely to get away from them and find joy in your lovely videos..
So glad you like the content 💜
I would love a bookshelf tour.
As someone struggling to have children you have given me hope that someday my turn will come. I never mentioned my fertility issues because I didn’t want to be THAT person. I’m happy for you for your four little blessings! ❤
I’m so sorry that you are dealing with that struggle! I know how heartbreaking it is.
@@jaroffireflies thank you Chana! It’s hard, for sure. I tell myself that G-d’s plan was for me to work with children. And I love being my pre-k class’s mommy away from home. It stings a bit sometimes when they slip up and call me mommy but it’s very rewarding watching the littles grow.
Children's books are so precious. They hold the wonderful memories of bedtime stories. I saved all our favorites...just couldn't part with them !! Thanks for all your honesty with questions.
❤️❤️❤️
I “liked” the video before the video even started! Your videos make my Monday mornings very enjoyable and peaceful, and I especially love when it’s long like this one. Have a great week Chana, Mr. Firefly, and 4 kiddo fireflies! I hope all the Firefly Followers (firefly minions? Lol. We should come up with a fitting name for followers of this channel) also have a great week. 😊
Aw thank you so much Abigail!!! You are so sweet!
I always just try and make a habit of liking a video before watching. With Channa, i know im getting her kindness and her possitive attitude. Whats not to like? Lol
@@gigidodson thank you!
@@gigidodson that’s a good idea because a lot of times I forget to like a video after it’s over
Cracking up at your “um” outtakes 😂
Glad you enjoyed 😁
So interesting to hear how your routine has been affected by the various seasons of life you’ve moved through. There is a proverb that says “You should sit in meditation 20minutes a day…except if you’re busy… then you should sit an hour!” 😅 I think the times where you feel the most frantic are often the times when you need prayer the most 😊 also got a kick out of the “um” cuts at the end lol 😂
Love that :) And thank you for watching till the end!
Love your head cover. You look great in purple it brings out your eye color. You look great by the way and you do not look tired at all. So glad you are doing well. God bless you and your family
Thank you 😊
It is so nice to have a mixed community! There's only one orthodox Shul in my city so we have Yeshivish, Modern Orthodox, Center Orthodox, Giurim, Baal Teshuvas, and even secular people. Keeps things balanced.
You have many of my favorite childrens books as your favorites! Mandy is one of my favorite books ever! I read it as a child because Mandy is my name and I have read it over and over through the years even now as an adult! I still absolutely adore childrens literature!
Mandy definitely lands on my top ten kids books. Such a great story! I too love childrens literature 💜
I love the story of how you chose your name. Chana was also my Aunt's Hebrew name. I never knew my Hebrew name. I asked my parents and elderly family members and no one remembered! I consulted with a Rabbi and was told that I could choose one that I liked and had meaning for me. My English name is Cheryl Robin. I chose Chaviva (beloved) Rafaela (G-d has healed). Rafaela has special meaning since I had a stroke about 4 years ago, and although I am not at 100%, I am a lot better than I was 4 years ago. Baruch Hashem! Chaviva is about celebrating the love my husband showed for me while caring for me while recovering from my stroke.
I am quite happy with the names I chose!
- Chaviva Rafaela
Thank you for sharing the story of your name!
I could watch your Q&A all the time.
😊😊😊
Hi! Just wanted to add that morning prayer cannot be said before a certain hour. All prayers actually have a range of time when they are supposed to be said. For women it’s less strict, because there is no obligation to pray the same way as for men.
Thank you for that addition! I should have mentioned that :)
You are seriously one of my heroes. I can only hope to be as cheerful and put together and keeping a beautiful Jewish home as you when I have a family one day.
That is so kind of you to say 💜
You mentioned it getting harder to film with Baby Firefly. Girl! I had my granddaughter this weekend. I'm only 45 and raised 4 boys, so I thought it'd be no problem. I was wrong LOL! She's 19 months and gave me a run for my money! Give yourself a pat on the back for all that you do.
Thank you 😊
"Sink me!"❤. I could listen to your soothing voice all daylong...
Love these Q&As, and if they work better for you with Baby Firefly, I'll happily watch more! Prayers as you keep adjusting to life and family and work with baby #4 :)
Thank you Leah 💜
Goodmorning Channa, as you might remember I work in a Jewish Hospital and today the Jewish Departement surprised us with little jars of Applejam and Honey to celebrate Rosj Hasjana which will start this Sunday! So for you Sjana Tova💕
Delicious! So nice that they did that!
Your generous spirit inspires me. Your discipline in your faith rituals make me more and more curious. As a non Jewish person, your channel is one of my absolute fav. I understand how chaotic it can be with a new baby + 3 other children, please know that I will be here patiently waiting for your content.
Thank you for your kind words! I will post today as soon as I am able!
Definitely visit Lancaster County! Beautiful area plus they have TONS of fabric stores! I’m a quilter who lives about 90 minutes north and love going shopping there with my quilting mom :)
Thanks for all the book recommendations! Reading new books is one of my 2 yo daughter’s favorite things to do.
So glad you enjoyed the book recommendations! I want to do a whole bookshelf tour after the holidays so stay tuned for more! The fabric stores in Lancaster country sound amazing! I will need to leave extra room in my suitcase LOL
@@jaroffireflies For sure! Quilting fabric adds up quick…might need an extra suitcase! Most of the fabric stores are Mennonite-owned and carry a huge variety of quilting cottons.
Looking forward to the bookshelf tour when you have the time to film it. Really been enjoying the Q&As in the meantime. Enjoy this precious time with your little one!
@@growingtraditions2264 thank you ❤️
I love your q and a videos!! We get so much insight into your life and who you are! Purple hair is a great color for you! It puts a bit of gold in your eyes!
The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books of all time I just love it!!
That’s a great one!
Thank you for your joy , Chana, I am laying here so very early in the morning . We all have Covid right now and feel rough.
Oh no! Holding you feel better soon! Refuah shlema!
@@jaroffireflies ❤️
Oh, I love the Scarlet Pimpernel! (The one with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour, right?) That is one of my favorite movies. I remember watching it for the first time with my family; the next day was a snow day from school
Yes! That's the one! I watched it over and over! Absolutely a fantastic film :)
@@jaroffireflies I watched the real old version with Leslie Howard
@@lindaversil1121 I highly recommend the newer Jane Seymour version if you liked it :)
What a beautiful explanation of how you chose your name!!
I love your out takes, they make me laugh so much, thank you ❤️❤️ xx
So glad you enjoyed :)
Praying for your people and the loss of innocents on both sides. It is such a sad time I cannot even watch the news about it anymore. Xoxo
When I watch your videos I feel comfortable and happy 🥳🎊♥️ I wish to see you always and wish you a happy life my best friend🫂🍡❤️🥰😍😘🍭🌸💖💕🧁.
Thank you for your kind words!
The Live Generously t-shirt originates from Thrivent Financial. They give grants to their members who organize nonprofit volunteer events, and the tshirts come with the grant money.
Thanks for the info!
Oh my gosh, I loved Mandy as a kid!! My third grade teacher introduced me to it and I still have a copy today as a reminder. It's such an excellent book!
The purple tichel looks beautiful on you. It looks great with your coloring.
Oh thank you!
A little late to the party today - been a very busy week around here. And it’s only Monday evening. 😂
Your bloopers at the end made me laugh so hard. You do a phenomenal job of editing all that out. Your finished product videos are always awesome. I would say “uhh” 781 times as well in an attempt to collect my thoughts. Sounds easy - is NOT so easy.
Have a great week!
Thank you for watching all the way till the end!
I'd be interested on your views on Feminism and how they may have changed when you converted.
The outtakes are so funny. Thank you for letting us see them!
I enjoy your videos very much. Besides learning more about your faith, you're always so positive and happy, that I always feel better after watching them. Thanks for sharing. Bless you!
Aw thank you Sharon! 💜
Your bloopers are so funny...I hope you keep doing them!!!
I plan on it ☺️😁
I love the scarlet Pimpernel too! I think I've watched that movie at least 30x. I never thought about introducing it to my kids. They like classics, so maybe I'll try it out this week
Oh so fun! Enjoy it!
You are so endearingly honest. Thanks for this Q and A and the final chorus of ummms😁
😊😊😊
What a delightful video! I loved all the questions. Your description of your perfect day was so fun and sweet. And those bloopers! 😅
Thank you so much :)
That comment on canning was a good one. A lot of us who are Jews and keep kosher actually have multiple canners just like having 2 refrigerators 2 sinks 2 sets of dishes etc. To make things even more simple it's not recommended that you not can dairy items (not Jewish law but USDA guidelines).
I’ve considered getting a second for parve canning but the meat equipment hasn’t been a problem yet :) Ive never canned dairy
I'm a Christian but i love to hear you stories have a great week!
Thank you Andrea! I’m so glad you’re here!
@@jaroffireflies thank you that is really sweet
Your reason for picking Chana is soooo beautiful
Thank you 😊
It's always nice to watch a video from you. Looking forward to more!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you!
Andrew Peterson’s - Wingfeather Saga had our family (include Pappa) hooked. We laughed, cried (alot- happy and sad tears) waited in suspense and looooved the books so much. Its for the whole family and we read/ listen to it yearly… it is very special and dear to our family and our hearts ❤️
Thank you so much for the suggestion!
Chana, this was so informative! BTW, do try and visit Lancaster County; I've been going to Amish country there since I was twenty-two..I absolutely LOVE it! 🤗 It's one of my favorite places to visit, and, it's great for the kids, too. TFS..see you on Thursday! Rosemarie 💖
I certainly hope to get there maybe next year
Caddie Woodlawn is a good book. Read it when I was young and I'm 67.
Such a good book :)
I watch all the Q and A (and all the other videos too!) but this set of questions has been my favorite so far. Have a wonderful week!
Yay! So glad to hear!
My daughter is 37 and I have saved most all of their books for their kids. “”Their” would be by son also. Anyway… she also received Mandy from her third grade teacher, she loved it. Her daughter is reading it now.
Love that you saved all the books!!!
I live in the next county over from Lancaster County PA.
And it’s actually pronounced LAN-kis-ter County. Emphasis on the first syllable.
I love your Q&A's!!! You Never disappoint 💗💗💗 Oh my gosh! The outtakes were very entertaining 😂😂😂 and I love that you
share them 💗💗💗
So glad you enjoyed!!! 💜
@@jaroffireflies I thoroughly enjoy your channel 💗💗💗
I loved the umms and ahhs at the end. I laughed so hard, I am sure my neighbor lady wonders what is wrong with me😂!
I loved the question about books! Not something I thought to ask but I really appreciated your recommendations
I'm so glad! I want to do book shelf tours after the holidays so stay tuned for more recommendations!
Hi Chana
Another great Q & A today!
Some really interesting questions - thanks for taking time to answer them.
Your outtakes today were hilarious!
Have a great week.
Lesley
Thank you Lesley ❤️
Dear Chana, really enjoy (much simcha!) your videos. I have a quick question and a little story for you. Question: do you still have your beautiful dog? I don’t think I’ve seen her for awhile. And for my story: I spent a recent Shabbat at a home here in Brooklyn, NY with two of everything: two ovens, two sinks, two dishwashers, two refrigerators, two microwaves! Of course the silverware, all dishes multiple sets. it was impressive!! It was an amazing experience with delicious food and a LOT of blessed people.
So glad you are enjoying :) Yes! We absolutely still have our Bella! She is doing fantastic :) I just haven't been doing day in the life type videos as much lately but you will see her more soon as I start doing more off those again :) Sounds like you had a fun trip to Brooklyn!
I give my elementary students a Mo Willems book at the end of the year. Love his books!
What a lovely gift!
So relaxing to listen to you after having done my Latin homework. I think that you have kind of a relaxing voice. Have a nice rest of your week.🌸 Best wishes from Paris.😊
Thank you so much Amalia ❤️
Buying the book "How to make an apple pie" for the kids. What a great way to learn about where things come from! Ty.
It’s a super fun one :) We trace the route on our globe and a map.
I am so looking forward to your kids' bookshelf tour! I love good children's literature, I have a ton of favorites, and am always on the lookout for new recommendations. Caddie Woodlawn was a big one when I was a kid. Have you read All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor? Good look into life in 1902 on the Lower East Side, though this family lived better than most at that time. Still a great book!
I haven’t read that one yet but I’ve heard about it and would love to read it!
Shavua Tov hope all your Rosh Hashanah prep is going well...have a wonderful week ahead
Thank you Devorah! I haven’t started Rosh Hashanah prep at all 😬 We hosted a sheva brachot last night so now we can move on the RH :) been busy around here!
@@jaroffireflies I saw your pictures from the Sheva Brachot everything looked beautiful!
@@devorahfonn613 thank you! It was sooooo much fun to host! Our first time to host one in our home :) (my husband helped host one in NJ last year, but I wasn’t there)
@@jaroffireflies awesome...
You absolutely have to go to Lancaster, Pa! I go at least three times a year. It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive for me from Connecticut.
"They seek him here. They seek him there. Those Frenchies seek him everywhere;)"
I love seeing all the Scarlet Pimpernel fans!!!!
Hello chana , thank you for this interesting q and a.greatings from the Netherlands.
Thanks Annie ❤️
I live for these bloopers
My favorite children's books when i was a child. I was a huge reader. The regular laura Ingalls wild books. All of them . As a girl th Anne of green gables books , again all of them.
But a single book that i read over and over was Wolves of Willoughby Chase. I loved that book.
I was a very solitary child being the only girl and much older than the siblings . So i read a lot.
Incase you didnt know it only takes 1000 books to be a library.
I have a library. Lol
I definitely have a library too then lol and I can say that without counting 😂 I have heard of the Wolves of Willoughby Chase, but never read it, I’ll have to add it to our list!
Just wanted to make a comment and then had 2 questions. While we are of totally different faiths, it gives my soul joy to see your soul's joy regarding prayer and religious studies. The spiritual journey we each take is such a beautiful path, the twists and turns and surprises along the way is one of life's greatest gifts. What a blessing that each and every one of us can access what the soul needs. My two questions are, while I realize you can't truly fully participate, can you attend family members' religious celebrations such as weddings and baptisms etc? My other question is have you read any of Patricia Polacca 's books for your children? I give copies of her books every time I have the opportunity to give a child a gift. Thank you for continuing to share your life and your beautiful family with all of us.
The tale of the last great wangdoodles by julie andrews was one of my favorites growing up! i think your kids would love it!
We have that too! It’s in our to be read stack :)
This has been my favorite Q & A!!!! Loved it!!!!
I love your feather bookmark. It is beautiful. Love your videos.
Thank you 💜
Check out any of the Newberry Award winners for children's books. When I was little, I loved Island of the Blue Dolphins and The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. I love kids books. Have a great week. Michelle
Thank you for answering my question ❤Niamh
You’re so welcome! Thanks for asking!
I love to travel as well. Great bucket list to aim for
I start my week with you 💕 you're so inspiring to me I love the Q&A 's
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I had a baby 3 days before Yom Kippur (she’s turning 15 this year) and was told not only to not fast but actually have full shabbos meals! (It was Shabbos that year.)
I have zero interest in looking at food for at least 2 weeks after having a baby so it was pretty difficult for my mother who was with us. She’s a terrible faster and she had to make sure I ate and chase after our 16 month old!
But-everyone should ask their own rabbi about eating or not eating. I had some specific circumstances.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Oh I loved Edward Tulane!!I always try to give a book or two as a baby gift. It Looked Like Spilt Milk is one of my favorites for babies. Being an old preschool teacher I love childrens books.
What a lovely gift!
I’ve never seen someone else who has the Apple pie book!! My grandma had that when we were kids and I loved it so much
It’s part of the kindergarten curriculum my older two both used :)
I live in Australia and have lived in most states. Love living in Brisbane which I'm sure you would find lots of great hikes. Planning to go to Great Barrier Reef next year. 🐨
Another excellent video! I hope that you can do some videos on Jewish History. Also, contemporary issues in Jewish America.
The other issue is, how welcome are converts in America at this time.
Have a great evening! Sorry that you didn't like my comment.
Sorry that you didn't like my comment. I wish you the very best!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. I am not able to get to all comments, and I’m not able to get to all comments promptly. As for videos on Jewish history, that’s not really in line with the content of this channel. I’m sure there are many other (and much better) resources available for that topic than me :)
Also, that’s the best blooper reel! 😂😂😂
Thank you 😊💜
You should definitely come to Lancaster County. It’s a beautiful area!
You’re looking beautiful and refreshed!😊
Thank you 😊
Thanks for answering questions. Blessings.
You are so welcome! Thank you for being here!
Enjoy your Q&A videos thanks for posting❣️
Thanks for watching!
Great video, Chana! You look absolutely fabulous!!! ❤️❤️
Thank you Trish ❤️
Chana is really pretty. I am obsessed with names and their meaning and origin. I look them up. My sister gave her two boys really unique names because their last name is so common. When I was debating whether or not to write a fiction novel, or more fanfiction, I got even more obsessed with names.
Thank you Michelle :) I love names too.
Good questions. Great answer's.
yas a bookshelf tour would be fantastic :)
I hope to do it shortly after the holidays :)
I live an hour east of Lancaster, pa, definitely a beautiful place to visit. Love your videos. Have a great week.
It looks really lovely:)
Great books! We love a number of those, too. We haven't read Nim's Island. Need to pick that up!!
Enjoy it! There is a movie of it also if you like movie nights after books :)
Another informative video. You are a delight to watch🥀⚘️🌷
Thank you kindly Barbara :)
When we lived back in Baltimore we went up to Lancaster several times a year. My children loved Dutch Wonderland and the Strausburg Railway not to mention the beautiful farms.
Sounds lovely :)
@@jaroffireflies Your children would love it and the crafts are something you would love !!!
There are a number of kosher hotels. It's apparently a "thing" for some families to go to a kosher hotel for the entirety of Pesach so they don't have to worry about extra cleaning and cooking for Pesach. Some of these also have it where you can reserve just for the seders...
Hi Chana! You are looking wonderful! I love your Q and A videos, as always a pleasure to watch and learn...
Thank you Janith!
❤❤❤ the video. I learned so much -as always.
Have a blessed week.
Thank you Shawn! You too!
I LOVED "Frederick" as a child! I 100% recommend it!
Such a great book! Reading it with my kids was our first time :)
Hello can’t wait for the time that you will form a new morning routine with baby firefly have great week ahead
Thank you Fatima ❤️