Marketplace Ask Wendy God Is More Than A `Concept' Dear Wendy: My husband and I just had our first child. We are not observant Jews, but we are spiritual people and our identities as Jews are impJrtant to us. In the absence of ritual and practice, how do we teach our son about the concept of God? — Tying to explain God Some of the most essential con- structs in your child's life will be per- fectly concrete, like cookie or televi- sion or dump truck. But your child will learn about many other critical components, despite the fact there is no concrete reference to which to point. Like love. And trust. And respect. The presence of God falls into this category. If you sit down to explain "God" as a concept, you are sure to fail. But you can point easily to flow- ers, souffles, triplets and cashmere. If your belief in God is a part of how you and your husband view the world, your child will easily pulsive disorder], excessive absorb your faith; his under- hand washing in particular. standing of God will be as She has been off medication integral as his understanding for several months and there of your love for him. has been no recurrence. I You child is an infant so I care for this woman deeply, will end my answer here. and we are both marriage- But, if your identity as a Jew minded. I strongly wish for is important to you and this relationship to continue WENDY something you wish to pass to grow, but wonder if she BELZBERG to your child as he grows, I could handle the stress of a Special to must suggest that you join relationship, marriage and the Jewish News _children. How do you sug- some kind of a community — even if you do not gest I proceed? choose to join a synagogue. Write — A stressful encounter back when you are ready for part two If there were such thing as guaran- of this lecture. tees in life, I could imagine opting for stability. But what are the chances Dear Wendy: you will find another woman for I have been dating a wonderful whom you care deeply who does not woman for the past month. She bring other issues to the table? recently confessed that her previous As my bubbe used to say, "every- engagement broke off when the body has something." You could stress of the wedding brought about break off this relationship, but who's symptoms of OCD [obsessive-com- to say the next girlfriend won't devel- Sellers & Buyers of ,Real Estate Have your Real Estate Documents reviewed by a licensed Attorney, Who is also a licensed Realtor and licensed Builder. Consulting for Personal or Business Matters & Estate Planning. Call today for a free quote... Doug Wozniak Office 248-457-7073 Voice Mail 810-615-2500 How to Sell Your House Without An Agent FREE Report reveals "10 Insider Tips to Selling Your House by Yourself" Free recorded message 1-800-747-5390 ID# 1017 HomeSource op OCD after your first child is born? Or agoraphobia or multiple sclerosis? Will you then consider trail ing in your wife for a (seemingly) healthier model? The good news is that OCD is treatable with medication, your girl- friend's case appears to respond to Medication, and the two of you are able to discuss these matters after only one month's acquaintance. This is as close as you get to a guarantee it life; I'd jump on it. Your girlfriend was brave enough to tell you the truth; she deserves to be with someone who will love and reward her for her honesty. And you don't know what the ex-fiance was like, do you? Maybe you'd be washin your hands, too. LI Write to "Ask Wendy" at 954 Lexington Ave. #I89, New York, NY 10021, or e-mail askwendy@thejewishnews.com NORTH FARMINGTON HILLS AREA FARMINGTON HILLS SCHOOLS Estimated 3,100 to 3,200 sq. ft. with over $100,000 of recent tasteful renovations. 4 bedroom colonial with 2 half baths on first floor. Super-sized newer kitchen, family room, library and finished basement. Newer furnace, cen- tral air, roof, deck and hardwood floors throughout. A great family area with 3 parks, pond and many trails. Move-in condition. A must see! Underpriced at $389,900. (248) 553-5929 or (248) 895-6382 An Intimate And Elegant Enclave Of Detached Condominium Homes In West Bloomfield. Enchanting wooded setting overlooking a meandering stream. Gracious first-floor master and two-story plans from 3,150 sq. ft. Classic architecture, brick driveways, walks and porches. Incredible standard features include: granite countertops, oak flooring, two fireplaces with marble surrounds, premium appliances, two-person Jacuzzi and more! FROM TFIE S55/1/ S Presented by fir 6/8 2001 120 Daventry WOODS www.hermanfrankel.com Beautilully decorated model open daily noon to 6 p.m. ;Closed Thurs.). Farmington Rd. between Maple Rd. and 14 Mile Rd. 248-8::1-3.500 uu.