Rachel Hochheiser Schwartz
Rachel, a Maryland native, is Director of Conferences at an International non-profit organization. Living in Bethesda, she stays busy as a mom to three kids: Hannah (2010), Josh (2012) and Emma (2017). In her spare time, Rachel teaches Zumba, serves as a room parent and Girls on the Run coach, and sneaks in as much exercise as she can. Her guilty pleasures include watching TV, wine dates with friends, and frozen yogurt with sprinkles.
High Holidays From Home: Creating a Meaningful Rosh Hashanah Experience for the Entire Family
Rosh Hashanah is one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar (the reason this holiday, along with Yom Kippur, are called the High Holidays or High Holy Days). Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish...
Keeping the Memory Alive of Grandparents Our Children Never Met
The pain of losing a parent at any time is overwhelming. The pain of losing a parent too young is devastating. Part of that pain is our own—not having our loved one physically in...
You Can Do Hard Things: When the Global Pandemic Challenges Us
I am a huge Peloton fan. Instructors often say, "you can do hard things." This mantra is commonly shared by instructors before leading the group up a steep hill on the bike or as...
Room Parent Update: Celebrating the End of the Virtual School Year
Nine months ago I wrote an article with tips for being a room parent. I could never have guessed that I would end the year writing an addendum to that piece with ideas about...
The Guilt-Free Mother’s Day
We may not be able to go out for a nice brunch or host all of our extended family, but there are some advantages to Mother's Day during a shelter in place order. I...
Passover in a Pandemic: Resources to Celebrate in Unprecedented Times
"Why is tonight different from all other nights?" This is one of the most iconic questions asked during a Passover seder (ritual meal). In celebration of being led out of Egypt from slavery to...
Sitcoms for Moms: Six Binge-Worthy TV Shows That Laugh at Motherhood
I love watching TV. I find it relaxing and probably even more importantly, distracting. It makes my chores more fun and provides some good bonding/cuddle time with my family. It is also my only...
The Jewish March Madness: Purim {& Bonus Recipe}
On the evening of March 9, 2020, you will hear people in costume yelling "Booooooo" in synagogues all over the Washington Metropolitan Region (and the world). No, it isn't a springtime Halloween or even...
Leap Day 2020: An Extra Day, an Extra Reason to Celebrate
Every four years we get an extra day. That elusive February 29. The day usually passes without notice except for the leaplings (people who were born on February 29) who finally get to celebrate...
The December Dilemma and the Evolution of Hanukkah
As a kid, we spent a lot of time in Hebrew School discussing the “December Dilemma.” This is the idea that Christmas comes around each December, and Jewish children who don’t celebrate feel left...
The Invisible Weight: Approaching Each Other with a Generosity of Spirit
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we are reminded everywhere from decorative hand towels to Hallmark movies to be thankful and generous. We give thanks for the people and things in our...
Creating a Halloween Neighborhood Anywhere
Halloween is my Superbowl. I spend weeks preparing and the full day executing a number of events in school, at home and in the neighborhood. I have always loved Halloween, but when we moved...
Rachel’s Morning with Family: A Photo Essay Series
When I scheduled photos with Bridget Eldridge with my family one morning, I didn't know what to expect. I hoped for good behavior and some smiles. What I didn't realize is that capturing the everyday moments,...
Room Parent Tips and Tricks for a Successful Year
The beginning of the school year means new backpacks, awkwardly posed pictures and so much paperwork. There are forms that need to be submitted, extra-curricular registration deadlines, and of course, opportunities to volunteer. As...