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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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....
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,...
Our Brave Children: The Argument for Participation Trophies
Scrolling through Instagram, I stopped on a picture of my friend’s daughter receiving a medal. The caption read that her daughter was “getting a...
Living For The Week: TGIT (Thank Goodness It’s Today)
T.G.I.F.
We have all heard it. We have all said it. Famous musicians have sung about it. There is a restaurant named after it. And...