My Mother is My Biggest Inspiration

Summary:
In this heartfelt article, I reflect on how my mother has been my greatest inspiration throughout my life. Growing up in a Jewish household in Miami, she instilled in me the values and traditions that shape who I am today. I share the lessons she taught me, and how our strong bond makes us look like twins, both in appearance and spirit.


1. A Strong Foundation in Jewish Traditions

From a young age, I remember how my mother embraced our Jewish traditions with open arms. I feel grateful that she dedicated herself to raising me in a home filled with love, faith, and the teachings of our ancestors. Each Friday night, we would gather for Shabbat dinner, and I cherished those moments. I experienced the warmth of family as she lit the candles and recited the blessings, creating a sacred space for us to connect with our heritage.

Traditions We Cherished:

  • Shabbat Dinners: A time for family bonding and reflection.
  • Holidays: Celebrating Passover and Hanukkah with special rituals and foods.
  • Jewish Education: Attending Hebrew school together, where I learned about our history and customs.

2. Life Lessons from My Mother

My mother didn’t just teach me about our faith; she also instilled in me important life lessons. I thought her resilience was inspiring. Growing up, she faced challenges with grace and always encouraged me to be strong. I remember a time when I struggled with a difficult subject in school. Instead of simply helping me with my homework, she shared stories from her own life, showing me how perseverance can lead to success. I still carry those lessons with me, especially when I face obstacles.

3. Our Unbreakable Bond

People often say that I look just like my mother, and I take that as a compliment. We share the same bright eyes and warm smile, but it’s our personalities that truly mirror each other. I feel a deep connection to her, not just in appearance but in spirit. We both have a passion for cooking, especially traditional Jewish dishes. I recall one Sunday afternoon when we spent hours in the kitchen making kugel and matzo ball soup. Laughter filled the air as we swapped stories, and I felt like I was in a time capsule, sharing her wisdom while creating new memories.

Here’s a pic of my mother from 1983, followed by one of me in high school.

Like twins!

Our Favorite Recipes:

  • Matzo Ball Soup: A family staple, perfect for any occasion.
  • Challah Bread: Baking together always brings us closer.
  • Rugelach: A delicious treat that we love to share with friends and family.

4. Inspiring My Own Family

As I raise my children, Elliott and Hannah, I strive to pass on the traditions my mother taught me. I want them to feel the same sense of connection to their heritage. I often think about how my mother’s influence shapes my parenting style. I remember the joy on her face when I took the kids to their first Passover seder. She watched as they recited the four questions, her eyes shining with pride. It reminded me of my own childhood, and I felt her presence in every moment.

5. Celebrating My Mother’s Legacy

I believe that my mother’s legacy will continue through me and my children. She has taught me the importance of community, faith, and family. As I navigate my own path, I carry her lessons in my heart. I feel incredibly lucky to have her as my biggest inspiration, guiding me in both my personal and spiritual journey.


My mother is more than just my inspiration; she is the foundation of who I am today. Through her teachings, love, and unwavering support, I’ve learned to embrace my Jewish heritage and pass it down to the next generation. The bond we share, reflected in our appearances and our hearts, is a beautiful testament to the enduring power of family and tradition.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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My Mother is My Biggest Inspiration