A Tale of Two Dilemmas: Family, Faith, and Fences

The Weight of Tradition vs. Personal Choice

In the quiet hum of a family dinner, an unspoken tension lingers. Two brothers, raised in a Jewish household, now face a question that bridges generations and beliefs. One brother’s first wife was Jewish; his second is not. Over a recent meal, the second wife disclosed her husband’s final wishes: a cremation, followed by a memorial service. She insists that several rabbis have deemed cremation acceptable—a claim disputed by the family’s own rabbi.

But here’s the twist: the brother suspects his wife’s influence may be guiding this decision more than his own. Should he draft a letter, advocating for a traditional Jewish burial? Or remain silent, trusting his brother to choose what feels right? The answer, delivered without hesitation, is this: Do not impose. Instead, approach the conversation with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to listen.

The setting matters. A phone call or face-to-face meeting fosters understanding, allowing both brothers to voice concerns without pressure. The goal isn’t to steer—it’s to support.

The Battle Over Boundaries: Fences, Rules, and Friction

Neighborly disputes are as old as property lines themselves—but this one has escalated into something far messier. A homeowner’s long-time neighbor has been inching into their driveway, violating local setback regulations for years. Countless attempts to resolve the issue went unanswered, dismissed with indifference.

Then came a legal earthquake: changes in state law stripped away protections that once shielded the homeowner from adverse possession claims. When pressed to formalize an easement and remove the encroachment, the neighbor’s response was explosive. Demands for surveys, legal threats, and a refusal to comply followed.

The final insult? The neighbor moved the driveway—but left it in disrepair, still defying the setback rules. Worse, whispers spread, painting the homeowner as unreasonable. The advice? If the goal is to enforce property rights, an attorney may be the only path forward. Sacrificing boundaries for the sake of neighborly harmony is a losing game.

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