Judy Gruen

Kosher coaching fuses spirituality, nutrition

Published on January 4, 2012

Do women and food always have to be locked in a complicated, co-dependent relationship? Not if Shimona Tzukernik and Miriam Wiener have anything to say about it.

Are you ready for an MBA?

Published on January 4, 2012

Thinking of returning to school for an MBA? If so, you have lots of company. Highly ranked MBA — master of business administration — programs remain extremely competitive, despite the economic downturn. This is true not only for the full-time and part-time MBA programs that are geared toward people who have between two and eight years of work experience, but also for executive MBA programs tailored for more seasoned workers.

Exodus from ... too much stuff?

Published on March 24, 2010

I once attended a class on Pesach preparation taught by a rabbi who told his all-female audience that the entire search for chametz outside the kitchen should take no longer than one hour, tops. This was an Orthodox rabbi, mind you, speaking to women who had been going mano a mano (so to speak) with the business side of a scrubbing sponge for days. This rabbi was never seen or heard from again, undoubtedly whisked away into the Kosher Witness Protection Program by colleagues who feared for his life.

Inspiration Amid Horrors

Published on December 9, 2009

Waiting for her flight to take off from Denver to New York, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis is on the phone doing what she does best: speaking from the heart about her lifelong mission to rekindle the connection between assimilated Jews and God.

Doctor Turns Cancer Victory Into Oncology Career

Published on October 6, 2009

At the beginning of his senior year in high school, Amir Steinberg attended Yom Kippur services with his family in Houston and listened to what has since become known in their family as “the bitachon sermon,” referring to the Hebrew word for trust or faith.

Equip Tween Girls, They’ll Defy Sexualized Images

Published on April 8, 2009

In September 2004, Dove did something radical for a player in the beauty industry: it launched an ad campaign that didn’t feature the typical size 0 model. Instead, it featured real women who clearly defied the starlet-skinny chic that had come to represent the media “ideal” of the female form.

Looking for a few good men—or at least one

Published on May 10, 2007

When my friend Lisa dropped by to report on her blind date, clutching a bottle of antacids and sporting a brand-new twitch in her eye, I sensed that it hadn't gone well.

After 40, it’s all maintenance

Published on February 15, 2007

The other day at the gym, the teacher sent us to the wall for a set of standing push-ups.

"Place your hands on the wall at breast level," she instructed.

I placed my hands on the wall at breast level. I saw that my hands were headed for the Gulf of Mexico.

Semper Fiber

Published on January 18, 2007

Too-frequent weigh-ins can sabotage any diet efforts, because a woman's weight is a mysterious, jumpy, undependable thing that does not follow any known laws of nature. Over-weighing would lead to stress. Stress would slow down my metabolism, which was already prone to sleeping in late.

Time warp again? Take a step toward tradition

Published on January 11, 2007

On her big day, Yael spoke with maturity and depth about the concepts of oz and hadar, strength and splendor, for which the Jewish woman is praised in Eishet Chayil. She explained that this is the kind of strength that springs from faith in God and from the courage of one's convictions.

I’ve Got a Secret

Published on July 13, 2006

I thought I had struck social gossip gold when my friend Paula let slip a delicious bit of intelligence straight into my eager ears. But as it turns out, Benjamin Franklin was right: 'Two can keep a secret, if one of them is dead.'

I’ve Got a Secret

Published on July 13, 2006

I thought I had struck social gossip gold when my friend Paula let slip a delicious bit of intelligence straight into my eager ears. But as it turns out, Benjamin Franklin was right: 'Two can keep a secret, if one of them is dead.'

Ready, Aim, Birthday!

Published on March 9, 2006

It's not every day that I am E-vited to a birthday party promising to feature live ammunition. Excitedly, I E-sponded with a resounding "yes." Paula was throwing a Wild West-themed shindig for her husband Bill's birthday. It was a "BYOF" (Bring Your Own Firearm) affair.

Snow Job

Published on March 2, 2006

Maybe I'm crazy, but each winter I plan a family vacation that is fraught with danger. To reach our destination, we must drive up a perilous mountain road studded with hairpin turns. Oddly, during our ascent, this NASCAR-approved artery is usually choked with fog or hail.

Fit L.A. - The Birthday Party Crasher: Dr. Atkins

Published on January 19, 2006

The timing couldn't have been worse. I was happily toting a batch of homemade bread and a broccoli quiche to a pot-luck birthday party, eager for some good fun and good eats. But I had barely crossed the threshold, when Sandy, the hostess and erstwhile birthday girl, announced that she had lost another 10 pounds on the Atkins plan.

Post-Bar Mitzvah Stress Disorder

Published on January 12, 2006

Post-Bar Mitzvah Stress Disorder (PBMSD) usually follows a case of Pre-Bar Mitzvah Stress Disorder. This is characterized by speed-dialing your caterer several times daily until you actually hear him chewing antacids while you speak; zipping around so frantically from errand to errand that you have no time to eat anything other than large brownies in the car (perversely, this still causes weight gain), and bursting into tears with no warning because your little boy is no longer a little boy but a newly minted teen who has the audacity to catapult into puberty before your very eyes.

Dancer’s Second Act as Pilates Instructor

Published on November 24, 2005

As the owner of Studio 613 -- located on South Robertson Boulevard, between Olympic and Pico boulevards -- Friedman has found her niche. Her women-only Pilates venue is providing a safe space for Jews and others to get in shape while maintaining their modesty.

Kohelet 5766

Published on October 20, 2005

On the holiday of Sukkot, it is customary to read Kohelet, the Book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon. The following "updated" version of Kohelet is written by Judy Gruen, with major apologies to King Solomon.

Rough It in Style at El Capitan Canyon

Published on August 18, 2005

As a city woman whose family is unaccustomed to "roughing it," I planned our family vacation to involve a lot of nature but no sleeping on hard ground. That's what made El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara the perfect place for us: It's camping for people who like staying in Hiltons.

A two-hour drive north of Los Angeles, El Capitan Canyon is a former private campground that was transformed five years ago into a plush nature resort on 65 acres heavily populated with oak and sycamore trees. It allows guests to savor a rustic environment, but with down duvets and gourmet coffee for the coffeemaker.

Walk a Mile With My Pedometer

Published on June 30, 2005

It does not augur well when you must suck in your gut and hold your breath as if you are having multiple X-rays taken simply to zip up your skirt.

When this happened to me, I knew I had two choices: give up my current wardrobe or lose the excess baggage. Since I recently wrote a book on diet and exercise that ended with my buying a new, smaller wardrobe, I decided it would be too embarrassing to blow up like Kirstie Alley. Better that I should return to vigorous exercise and horrid Weight Watcher bars. I perused several fitness magazines I had at home and found an article about walking.

"Brisk walking is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise, even for out-of-shape marshmallows like you," the article explained. "It is suitable for all ages and abilities and requires no special equipment beyond a good pair of walking shoes and a commitment not to double-dip into the cookie jar. A simple, affordable pedometer or step counter can help motivate you to a more active lifestyle."

Resorting to Passover at Home

Published on April 7, 2005

My friend Rhonda asked me nonchalantly, "Where are you going for Pesach this year?"

Envisioning the whirlwind travels ahead, my head began to spin. "I'll begin at Target for new shelf paper, sponges, paper goods, cleansers and a new broom. Then I'll dock briefly at Ralphs for the special deal on shmura matzah and whatever else they've got for Pesach that's on sale. Next I'll bully my way in to the kosher market for meat, wine and enough matzah meal to plug up the Hoover Dam. Then I'll get over to Stan's Produce for fruits and vegetables. By that time, I'll have thought of dozens of other things I need, and start the whole thing over again. How about you?"

Spiritual Help Can Benefit Hopelessly Ill

Published on March 31, 2005

When my friend, Debra, learned that a young man she knew had been in a tragic accident and was comatose, she went to the hospital to visit him every day for three months. No one knew if the man would emerge from his deep, distant sleep, but Debra believed that he would.

Keeping My Hair Under Wraps

Published on February 17, 2005

Recently, I found myself spellbound while watching "Girl With a Pearl Earring." This film, based on the excellent Tracy Chevalier novel, is a fictional account of the history behind Vermeer's famous painting of the same name. The novel revolves around a servant girl, Grete, who became a secret assistant to the painter in his studio. In one scene, Vermeer accidentally glimpses Grete with her hair uncovered. The moment is electric. Grete, like all women of her social station, covered her hair at all times. It was as if Vermeer had caught her unclothed.

Why the Left-Wing Hand-Wringing?

Published on November 18, 2004

I should have known better than to forward an e-mail recommending a boycott of French products for France's anti-Israel stance and willingness to tend to Yasser Arafat on his deathbed.

Why I Keep My   Hair Under Wraps

Published on October 21, 2004

A few weeks ago I found myself spellbound while watching "Girl With a Pearl Earring." This film, based on the excellent Tracy Chevalier novel, is a fictional account of the history behind Vermeer's famous painting of the same name.

The novel revolves around a servant girl, Grete, who became a secret assistant to the painter in his studio. In one scene, Vermeer accidentally glimpses Grete with her hair uncovered. The moment is electric. Grete, like all women of her social station, covered her hair at all times. It was as if Vermeer had caught her unclothed.

It was odd to feel such a kinship with a fictional character, and one who lived in the 17th century at that. But, like Grete, I also keep my hair covered in front of all but family members.

Mom Was There

Published on August 12, 2004

"We only have your dad and my mom left," I told my husband then. "The rest of the week is too hectic for visits. We've got to get them over here for Shabbat."

I could never imagine how much more precious this time would become, having had no inkling that it would be so limited.

Turning The Pages of Childhood

Published on July 22, 2004

"Mommy, will you read to me?"

My 10-year-old daughter asks me this question every night. Even if I'm exhausted, or just want some time to myself, I almost always say yes. Before I turn around, she'll be 11, then 12, then a teenager.

She will no longer need her reading fix with Mommy. "Time will not be ours forever," as Ben Jonson wrote back in 1607, when the printed word was still a new invention. I want to make this time with my daughter last.

Commitment’s Price

Published on July 8, 2004

These days, many women complain about the epidemic of males who run in terror from the thought of a committed relationship.

Our Cross to Bear?

Published on June 17, 2004

At first blush it seemed an odd thing for an observant Jew to do: Slogging my way through morning rush-hour traffic to get downtown to demonstrate against the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' decision to remove a small cross from the county seal.

And yet, I felt compelled to be there. The supervisors had already capitulated, in a 3-2 vote, to a threat by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to sue the county over the cross. Surprised by the public outcry, the supervisors called for another vote to consider a so-called "compromise" with the ACLU in which the cross on the seal -- just one of a dozen various symbols of the region's history -- would be replaced by a mission. But as one clever observer noted, a mission without a cross just looks like a Taco Bell.

Spiritual Cleaning

Published on March 25, 2004

There's something very ironic about Pesach. Why is it that getting ready to celebrate our liberation from slavery involves so much hard work?

True Tale Of Homework Hell

Published on February 26, 2004

The overflow of chutzpah (Yiddish for "unmitigated gall") from my kids never ceases to amaze me. On a daily basis, they make the most brazen declarations while still expecting three square meals a day for the next 15 or 20 years, regular birthday presents, new shoes every two months and allowances that include automatic adjustments for inflation.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Published on December 4, 2003

As Shabbat inches closer each week, my kids usually don't ask what I'm making for dinner. Instead, they ask, "Who's coming for dinner?" This is because they realize that even if I were to serve something as exotic as Thai or Moroccan food (unlikely), it's our guests who really spice up our Shabbat and holiday tables. It's kind of like diner's roulette: Often, we meet our guests for the very first time when they walk through our front door for the meal.

As part of an Aish HaTorah community that emphasizes kiruv (outreach to unaffiliated Jews), we enjoy hosting guests who are new to Judaism.

Obesity WeighsHeavily on Jews

Published on January 23, 2003

Lynn Kaufman admits that she comes from "big, hearty stock." But after 30 years of being overweight, the Westside resident decided to get control.

"I had gotten to a really scary number on the scale," said Kaufman, a veteran of numerous diets and 10 years with Overeaters Anonymous. At long last, Kaufman lost 42 pounds with Weight Watchers and has kept them off for two years.

Of course, she needs to stay slim to keep her job as a Weight Watchers group leader.Spirited and passionate about health consciousness, Kaufman even drastically curtailed her hours as a personal injury attorney in favor of a far less lucrative career with the weight-loss company.

Fretting About Fressing

Published on August 29, 2002

Apples dipped in honey. And while you're at it, dip the challah, too. Chicken soup with knaidel. Here, who's gonna finish this last little piece of brisket? What? You didn't try the noodle kugel? Don't tell me you're too full for my homemade honey cake and cookies -- it's Yom Tov!

When She Smiles

Published on July 4, 2002

Los Angeles has just bid farewell to one of its most acclaimed and popular Torah teachers.

Pre-Pesach Culinary Blues

Published on March 21, 2002

The pre-Pesach season is both exciting and disturbing to my family. Exciting, because due to our exuberant cleaning for the holiday, emptying drawers, overturning mattresses and, in general, preparing the house for a visit by Martha Stewart, we find all kinds of things that have been missing in action for months.

Six Months Later

Published on March 7, 2002

Sept. 11 was a watershed event in American history. Every decent person felt shock and revulsion to the very core.

The Way it Is

Published on February 21, 2002

This week, Atlas spoke at B'nai David-Judea Congregation in Los Angeles to a small but passionately concerned group of local Jews about the state of affairs in Israel and about the phenomenal impact of Arutz 7 (Channel 7) in particular.

Confront and Comfort

Published on November 29, 2001

Avi Schnnur doesn't get a lot of sleep these days. Schnnur, a West Los Angeles physicist who works for the defense industry, now spends nearly all his nonwork hours putting the finishing touches on a communitywide conference he has organized, billed as "Spiritual Responses to September 11."

From Baptist to Beshert

Published on April 5, 2001

Growing up in Mississippi, the granddaughter of devout Baptist sharecroppers, Delores Gray came from what she calls "a praying background."

People of the Book

Published on March 29, 2001

Business has continued to burgeon in the decade since Rabbi Shimon Kraft and his wife, Elizabeth, opened the 613 Mitzvah Store. There is rarely a slow time in the shop.

Local ArtscrollContributors

Published on March 29, 2001

A growing number of Angelenos have either authored or sponsored Mesorah Artscroll texts.

The 700 Habits of Highly Defective Parents

Published on November 30, 2000

Gone are the days when responsible parents could get all the child-rearing wisdom they needed from Dr. Spock's "Baby and Child Care" and the occasional coffee-klatch with another parent or a clergyman.

Challenging Content

Published on September 21, 2000

Hollywood may be taking a drubbing lately for its content and marketing practices, but if you ask Mark Honig, the industry has no one to blame but itself.

Here Comes the Bride, No Stress in Sight

Published on February 10, 2000

I love a good party, so when they announced a Shabbat kallah at shul last week, I showed up.

Community Briefs

Published on September 30, 1999

A play with both wit and heart is a compelling combination, and it's one that playwright Donald Margulies' pulls off in his mostly rewarding "Collected Stories."

Sticker Shock

Published on May 20, 1999

After months of debate and deliberation, my husband and I decided to trade in the ocean breeze and proximity to the brand-new Starbucks on Lincoln Boulevard for the clogged air and congested streets of Pico-Robertson. I had toyed with the idea earlier, and had even lookie-looed my way into a few open houses, but this time, we were lookie-loos no more. My kids were eager to be near their school friends and within sniffing distance of the kosher pizza shops. I wanted to walk to the bakery, where the proprietor still calls little boys boychikel and where I could feel slightly more justified in buying the shop's obscenely rich chocolate custard cakes for Shabbos since I would be walking home with it. (That is, whatever still remained by the time I got home.) I could even brush up on my Farsi waiting in line behind all the Iranian women in the cramped little markets along Pico Boulevard.

Personal Voice

Published on November 6, 1997

The news hit me as hard as a stale mandlebrot: Noah's Bagels wasgoing treif. They were abandoning us, tossing aside Los Angeles'loyal kosher consumers like so many day-old minis.

One People: Religious Christians and Jews?

Published on October 16, 1997

Most of the mainstream secular Jewish organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Congress would like us to think so. But a recent gathering in Washington proved that a grass-roots movement is taking hold among Jews -- not only the Orthodox -- whose views are economically,politically and socially more in line with members of the Christian Coalition than with either the ADL or the AJC.