Rachel Hochheiser Schwartz
Rachel, a Maryland native, is the Associate Vice President of Conferences and Events 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 sneaks in as much exercise as she can. When she gets a moment to relax, she loves watching TV, wine dates with friends, baking and ice cream.
Ready To Celebrate: Purim 2025
The Jewish holiday of Purim, which is filled with costumes, stories, celebrations, treats and shenanigans, begins on the evening of Thursday, March 13th and...
Why Summer Break is No Longer THE WORST
I planned to write about "Why Summer Break is THE WORST" then didn't... Everyone is so excited for summer break and I get that--if...
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...
Forty And… Figuring It Out
I'll soon be forty (and figuring it out). Forty. ForTY. FORty. FORTY. As forty drew closer and closer, I kept thinking I would be one of...
Why an Au Pair is Also Great Past the Baby Stage
Six and a half years ago, I was pregnant with our third child. The understanding that we were about to be outnumbered sent my...
Hanukkah In-Person and Virtual Events
It's that time of year! Hanukkah is just around the corner beginning THIS Sunday evening!
This year, Hanukkah starts with the first candle on Sunday, December...
3 Ideas to Create a Meaningful Rosh Hashanah with Children
Rosh Hashanah is one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar (the reason this holiday, along with Yom Kippur, are called the High...
Hosting An Au Pair: Is it the Right Fit for Your Family?
For years after we had children, my husband suggested participating in The Au Pair Program. I was very hesitant and worried about someone else...
5 Movie Theater Rental Options to Safely Take Kids to the Movies
I love going to the movies. The smell of popcorn, the quiet darkness, a moment to be entertained. I also love taking my kids...
Travel Stories from A Vaccinated Life: First Flight Back
I'm writing this post from an airplane. It is my first flight since February 2020. Pre-pandemic, I traveled all of the time for both...
Big Kids, Big Problems: Managing Anxiety in Children
I am not one for clichés about childrearing. I find them dismissive of the parenting experience and they only give me guilt about the...
Ten Months Later: My New Self in My Old Office
Ten months to the day after I left my office for the last time pre-lockdown, I went back. I walked into the building a...
The Anti-Resolution Guide to 2021 Resolutions
January has arrived, which means that people everywhere are promising themselves that things will be different this year. They are planning to make huge...
Hanukkah 2020: The Festival of (Virtual) Lights
Hanukkah is a holiday of miracles. It was a miracle that the Maccabees found oil in the Temple after its destruction. It was a...