Being a Mother
Demands the wisdom of Solomon
Patience of Hillel the Sage
And strength of Samson the Mighty

Being a Mother
Requires the wallet of Rockefeller
Innovation of Benjamin Franklin
And comedic timing of The Three Stooges

Being a mother
Entails burning the midnight oil
Seeing the glass half full
And stopping to smell the roses

Being a mother
Means crying or laughing at 4 a.m.
Sharing the shiniest part of your heart
Taking equal-parts blame and appreciation

Brightest and best of all
Being a Jewish Mother
Is looking back, forward, up
At our matriarch role models
Sara, Rivka, Rachel and Leah
Holding our often-weary hands
Every step of the winding way

– Chana Perman