Posted in Other Ramblings

We moved to Worcester about 5 years ago.  Before that we lived in Natick, MA which is a smaller suburb to the west of Boston.  It was a VERY small Jewish community (which is one of the reasons we moved), but it was also a very warm welcoming community.  One of my neighbors was a woman named Evelyn Kreiger, who had 3 lovely children.  Her oldest daughter is named Leah and she is now 17.  Evelyn has also left the Natick area (but not MA), and she now homeschools so I still talk to her/see her fairly regularly - much to my delight.

About 4 years ago, when Leah was 13 she was reading an "American Girl" Magazine and wishing that there was something out there for Jewish girls.  So she decided to make one.  I have to admit that when I first heard about it, I was supportive, but kind of just humoring her. After all, how will a 13 yo girl publish a magazine?  Much to my surprise she did it.  I was extremely impressed by the first issue and have been a big fan ever since.  She now has subscribers all over the world - including us - and an editorial board made up of all young Jewish girls.  The magazine is completely done by girls ages 8-18, and is very impressive!  Nothing is more exciting to my girls than when Yaldah is in the mailbox!

Leah has become a huge role model for young Jewish girls.  And a great one she is.  Little Miss almost seems to think she is royalty whenever she is around her.  Her big goal right now is to someday get on Yaldah's editorial board. Despite this, Leah is still very down to earth and just an all around great person.

Yaldah magazine has been growing for the past 4 years.  Leah has been getting acclaim left and right - deservedly so.  But she has reached a point that for her to expand any more she needs more capital.  She recently was named a finalist in the Well's Fargo Someday Stories (her mom is actually the finalist,  because at age 17 Leah was too young to enter).  The winner is determined by voting and if she wins she will get $100,000 which will allow the magazine to grow tremendously.  Leah is currently in the lead, but it is a VERY close contest and she really needs every vote she can get.  You do need to register to vote, because you can only vote once.  But this is just such a great cause - and it is a chance to support another homeschooling family.  So please vote - and spread the word!

For more information:

Someday Stories Home Page

Yaldah Magazine Home Page (I encourage you to subscribe any Jewish girl you know)

An interview with Leah at KidMagWriters.com

She also won an IdeaCafe Business Grant

Leah was spotlighted in HHS's GirlsHealth.gov website

Jewish Women You Should Know -Leah Larson

Leah was also spotlighted in InspireMeToday

At a time when it is so hard to find good positive role models for our children, here is one that is doing great things.  I hope you will all support her.