The familiar melodious hum of the time-honored circus music is the backdrop to the sensational three- ring performance about to begin.

The spotlight shines upon the figure on the right, a gaily-dressed juggler, expertly hurling and catching four small balls, only seconds apart from each other. The audience oohs, aahs and cheers ecstatically…

Then, one more spotlight focuses on yet another boldly attired entertainer to the left. This man catches the audiences’ attention even more so as he nonchalantly maneuvers six symmetric balls, – tossing them high, high above as he retrieves them with poise, never missing a beat. The applause is deafening…

Finally, a third bright spotlight highlights the center stage, as well – the grand performer. This entertainer is entirely different. Dressed in common, ordinary unassuming clothes, her exertion is evident as she casts a dozen or so balls of various shapes, sizes and weights heavenward and recovers them as they rapidly descend. Her task is daunting, seemingly impossible, yet she never falters. She runs this way and that, at times perspiring, forcefully pitching and regaining, chucking and recouping, heaving and collecting, without stop.

The audience catches a collective breath as it momentarily grasps the enormity of this exercise of challenges by a true artiste. Soon the antics become burdensome even to them, however… They turn their concentration to the others who display far more gaudiness, pomp, and ceremony, regardless of the inferiority of the feats, only gazing briefly back to the center in awe from time to time…

In the complex arena of real life, the Jewish mother is that unsung dedicated multi-juggler. Her central position involves a myriad of tasks and responsibilities that have never before been so mind-boggling.

“This is the first generation after the Holocaust that a woman must play so many vital roles,” explains Dr. Faye Zakheim, co-chairman of the Task Force on Families and Children. “Oftentimes, today’s woman does not just have the responsibility of being a loving wife, good daughter-in-law, responsible daughter, and caring mother; she must also assume the role of doting grandmother, while taking care of aging parents in what has become referred to as the “sandwich generation”. In some cases, today’s woman is the mother of a new baby herself while addressing all of her other all-encompassing jobs. Add that to the intense framework of the workingwoman in the current economic downslide, and the pressures mount extraordinarily.”

No doubt, the challenges involved in being a Jewish woman in today’s intricate society are enormous, but they do not stop with taking care of the many charges in our care. In order to be successful wives, daughters, and mothers, we dare not forget about ourselves either.

The Task Force for Families and Children is an organization that comprises of thirty-five different agencies that addresses all forms of abuse in our community as well as organizes ongoing conferences and counter-conferences on neighborhood awareness. Join its upcoming exciting seminar with Rabbi Yarachmiel Milstein, Executive Vice President of Project Chazon and Faye Zakehim, Ph.D, Co-Chairman of the task force in discussing the follow-up of last year’s successful summer workshop: “The Juggling Act: Taking Care of Our Children, Our Husbands and Ourselves”. Scheduled on Wednesday July 22 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cutler Cottages, Cutler’s Shul, 117 La Vista Dr. in South Fallsburg, N.Y., it is free of charge and features an enticing refreshment buffet.

Most importantly, this seminar promises to be a compelling event that will only strengthen our resolve and serve to better our multi-faceted relationships and countless exceptional responsibilities unique to the Jewish woman’s calling.

*Special thanks to Shelly Silver and his desire to help the Jewish family

**For further information, please contact Shana Frydman, LCSW at Met Council, at sfryman@metcouncil or telephone her at 212-453-9580.

(YWN Desk – NYC)