viewpoints » S end letters to: letters@thejewishnews.com Ask Attorney Ken Gross about… for openers Plagues And Punishments A few weeks ago, my friend said There’s a saying: “I used to be a good she witnessed her Darling parent, but then I had kids.” The thing that Child A hit her Darling Child B. really throws us off is that children just Every motherly instinct scream- aren’t as angelic as they’re sup- ing in indignation, Mother posed to be. Nobody is, of course, Dearest jumped to her feet, parents included, but it’s still a bit with arm outstretched, roaring, of a disappointment. And now “You don’t hit! I’ll teach you and again we have to come up not to hit!” (Y’know, ’cause the with an appropriate consequence best way to teach something is that preferably fits the crime — to totally do it yourself, which and that can take some creativity. kind of explains why the Little Ever seen the Daddy-sized “get- Rochel Burstyn along T-shirt” that two squabbling Darling was hitting in the first place.) Mother Dearest high- siblings are forced to wear? Fear tailed it after Darling Child A, who spun sometimes works: One set of parents told on her devilish little heel and took off. their nose-picking daughter that boogers Unfortunately for Mother Dearest, the are actually brain cells. There are time-outs cleaning lady had departed just an hour for kids, time-outs for parents, revoking before, leaving behind a sparkling tidy privileges or anything in between. My new- house, including dangerously squeaky- est, most-effective threat is to tell a child in clean floor and, as Mother Dearest mid-tantrum: “Anything you say or do may rounded the table, she skidded, feet or may not be written about and printed in pedaling desperately in the air and then the Jewish News.” landed with an undignified bang on her If we want inspiration for original pun- bottom and a crunch on her back. ishments, we need look no further than the In an unprecedented display of unity, her Pesach story. The Jews had been subjected Little Darlings crowded around her, staring, to back-breaking slavery in Egypt for many half in horror, half in amazed delight, all years so God sent Moses to Pharaoh with a punishment forgotten. Which just goes to message to let the Jews go. Despite numer- show: It’s not always good to have a clean ous warnings, Pharaoh refused. (He didn’t house; large, soft bottoms can be quite use- realize what could happen, or if he did, he ful in a crash-landing situation; and even if was in de Nile.) No time-outs, God came it seems hopeless, siblings might one day up with the most creative punishments find things in common. ever: The 10 plagues. At the Pesach seder, we com- memorate the miracles of Exodus. While remembering the plagues, we take a moment to spill out some wine from our cups to symbolize that God does not take pleasure from punishing His creations, deserved or not. Parents can understand that — it’s a bitter herb to swal- low when two of your offspring don’t get along; they’re both yours, it doesn’t matter who’s right. (The year-round four ques- tions: Who started it? Why? What did you do to him first? And why can’t you just get along!?) While we’re not going to smite anyone or do anything involving blood, frogs or lice (unless you want to freak out a teenage girl, and then all you have to do is mention the word!), it can be hard to find the right balance when thinking up appropriate consequences. The good news: Sibling rivalry, like matzah, too, shall pass. Probably not today, but eventually. Have a wonderful Pesach. * letters Women’s Foundation Aids Family Service Thank you so much for publishing the recent guest column “Seeking Harmony In The Home” (March 31, page 8) about the new 100 Mensches campaign at Jewish Family Service and its essay contest to raise awareness about domestic abuse in our community. In this piece we neglected to write that all of Jewish Family Service’s efforts at rais- ing awareness about and ending domestic abuse in the Jewish community (JCADA, 100 Mensches, etc.) are supported through the generosity of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit. While funding of course is key, true partnership is better, and JWF has done nothing short of being an exemplary part- ner in every way. So, thanks to our part- ners at JWF for its support of JCADA/100 Mensches, JFS’ Legal Referral Service and all of the other programs it has funded at JFS, in our community and abroad. Don Rochlen, president, board of directors Perry Ohren, CEO Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit West Bloomfield continued on page 8 Your Your Legal Financial Issues Issues IT IS TIME TO ACT! Can you solve my tax problem? Yes, I can. Tax problems are stressful – they cause loss of sleep and enormous pressure. The biggest mistake people make is ignoring them. There are good solutions available, at reasonable cost, to release levies and often settle the debt. Unlike may fi rms recently claiming to handle tax problems, THAV GROSS has been solving tax problems for individuals and businesses in the area for 33 years. If your bank account has been levied or wages garnished, the fi rst step we do is contact the IRS or the State and work to get your money released. If you have unfi led tax returns, we will help you get the returns fi led. If unpaid taxes are the issue, we will analyze the years and dates to determine if the statute of limitation has or is about to run. Income taxes are also sometimes dischargeable in bankruptcy – so we also examine that option to eliminate the tax. For both income and payroll tax liabilities – an Offer in Compromise with IRS and and now with the State is a possible way to settle the tax for pennies on the dollar. The important point here – is that there are options and avenues to solve the problem. You should call us today – for a FREE CONSULTATION. Happy Pesach! THAV GROSS has been solving its clients’ business, tax and fi nancial problems since 1982. Be sure to tune in to the new Law and Reality – Saturday mornings to 10 AM on WDFN 1130 AM Radio and Sunday’s at 11 AM on TV20. thavgross.com ‡ lawandreality.com 30150 Telegraph, Suite 444 Bingham Farms, MI 48025 April 14 • 2016 5