PERSPECTIVES → FAMILY FIRST INBOX Issue 1091 · December 17, 2025

Family First Inbox: Issue 973

“In general, red flags aren’t usually missed, rather they’re dismissed”

Family First Inbox: Issue 973
Damaging Message [Family Living / Issue 971]

I was disturbed to see the Chanukah gift recommendations — particularly items such as girls’ slippers for $85, described as something “all girls want.” For many families — especially in the current economic climate — suggestions of high-priced, nonessential items can inadvertently contribute to feelings of pressure, inadequacy, or the sense that “this is what everyone else is buying.” It risks normalizing luxury-priced items.

S. Lieberman
Modiin Illit

Glass Dulls Knives  [Family Table / Issue 970]

In your Shoppable column, one of the suggested items to gift is a decorative glass cutting board.

May I suggest that they be gifted only in a frame that can be hung on the wall and not used to actually cut anything? I used to love glass cutting boards. Just like the suggestion calls it, they certainly can be a gorgeous work of art. And I thought — what could be more sanitary than a glass cutting board? No lines and grooves and stains from food who knows how old.

Eventually I noticed my knives were about as effective as the edge of a spatula. I could barely slice a carrot. Then I learned the truth — glass cutting boards dull knives.

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