Inventions are the ingenious gadgets and machines that have made our lives a little more fun, interesting, and easier. Real inventions are the things that we did not think were possible yesterday, and yet, it would be difficult to live without today. From the tiny paperclip to the massive jet engine, every month we will explore the history behind our world’s most famous inventions and learn about the innovators that designed them.

This month we explore the history behind an invention that most of us likely just take for granted…

LEGO Bricks

It is quite amazing that any LEGO brick produced since 1955 can interlock with any other. But, what is even more incredible is that there are 915 million different ways you can combine six eight-studded LEGO bricks!

1. Ole Kirk Christiansen  

Christiansen was born in 1891 in the village of Filskovand, Denmark.

• Automatic Binding Bricks

LEGO bricks were originally called Automatic Binding Bricks.

• Godtfred Kirk-Christiansen

Godtfred Kirk-Christiansen introducing children to LEGO sets.

• LEGO System

Pictured above is the first moveable Brick Built LEGO Train which was introduced in 1964.

• LEGO Timeline

The LEGO story started in a Danish woodworking shop in Billund, Denmark. Ole Kirk Christiansen was a creative and talented carpenter. As a young man, Christiansen turned his hobby of whittling and working with wood into a business and in 1916 he opened his own little shop.

It turned out that Christiansen was a brilliant toymaker as well. In 1932, he established his own toy company and was assisted by his 12-year-old son Godtfred Kirk Christiansen.  Ole refused to cut corners for the toys his company produced. Soon, his prototypes for model cars and animals and his cute pull-toys became quite popular. His bestseller, which is still a collectible, was a wooden duck whose beak opens and closes when pulled.

“Play Well”

In 1934, Christiansen named his business LEGO, which came from the Danish words “LEg GOdt,” meaning “play well.”

After World War II, many common manufacturing products used to produce consumer goods simply weren’t available. As a result, many manufacturers looked to advances in plastics to create cheap alternatives.

One substitute involved plastic-injection molding, in which melted plastic is forced into the cavity of a precise mold. However, due to materials shortages the Danish government forbade its commercial use until 1947. Despite the ban, Christiansen bought Denmark’s first plastic-injection molding machine in 1946 and began to experiment with it for his toys. In 1947, the ban was lifted and Christiansen was able to use his molding machine to mass-produce plastic toys.

Over the next several years, the company grew rapidly. From just a handful of employees in the early years, LEGO had grown to 50 employees by 1948.

In 1949, LEGO produced about 200 different kinds of toys, which included automatic binding bricks, a plastic fish, and a plastic sailor. The automatic binding bricks were the predecessors of the LEGO toys of today.

The LEGO Brick Is Born

In 1953, the automatic binding bricks were renamed LEGO bricks. In 1957, the interlocking principle of LEGO bricks was born. Each brick had circular nubs on the top that could be pressed into depressions of the bottom of another brick. This stud-and-coupling system was patented in 1958.

Godtfred Takes Over

When Ole Kirk Christiansen passed away in 1958, his son Godtfred became head of the Lego company.

By the early 1960s, Lego had gone international, with sales in Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, and Lebanon. Over the next decade, LEGO toys were available in more countries, and they came to the United States in 1973.

LEGO Sets

In 1964, for the first time, consumers were able to purchase LEGO sets that included instructions to build a particular model.

Four years later, the company opened its first LEGOLAND amusement park in Denmark, utilizing more than 50 million bricks to build exhibits.

Since the middle of the 20th century, these small plastic bricks have sparked the imagination of children around the world, and LEGO sets have a stronghold on their place at the top of the list of the world’s most popular toys. 

The company, still headquartered in Billund, turn out more than 19 billion individual bricks from its factories every year!

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

“Rabbi,” Ikey said, scratching his head, “I’m confused about taking medication on Shabbat. I’ve heard it’s prohibited due to the concern of grinding herbs, but we don’t do that anymore – we buy medicine from the pharmacy. Different people give me different answers. Can you clarify this halacha?”

The Prohibition on Taking Medication on Shabbat

As previously explained, halacha prohibits taking medication on Shabbat by rabbinic decree unless one is bedridden (a choleh she’ein bo sakana). Someone experiencing a maichush be’alma – a minor ailment causing mild discomfort – is typically not permitted to take medication (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 328:1). This rabbinic prohibition, known as gezerat shehikat samemanim, originated from the concern that people might grind herbs to prepare medicines, which would violate anissur d’Oraita (biblical prohibition).

Medication Compared to Other Forms of Healing on Shabbat

It’s important to distinguish taking medication from other permitted forms of healing on Shabbat for a choleh she’ein bo sakana. While such an individual may engage in healing activities, even overriding a rabbinic law (derabanan), this is required to be done in an unusual manner (shinui, ibid. 17). However, this requirement of shinui does not apply to the act of taking oral medications (Halichot Olam 4:164, Ohr Lezion 3:36:9).

The Relevance of Gezerat Shehikat Samemanim Today

A common question, as raised by Ikey, is whether gezerat shehikat samemanim still applies since we no longer grind herbs for medicine, as instead we purchase manufactured medications. The halachic principle is that rabbinic decrees remain in effect even if the original reason for their enactment no longer exists. As the Gemara (Beitzah 5a) explains that once the Hachamim issue a decree, only Hachamim of equivalent greatness can overturn it. Therefore, the prohibition on taking medication for minor ailments on Shabbat generally remains, despite the changes in how medicine is produced.

The Opinion of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, ZT”L

However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, (Chazon Ovadia, Shabbat Vol. 3 p. 358), offers a nuanced perspective. He notes that some halachic authorities consider gezerat shehikat samemanim to be a gezeira (a safeguard or preventative decree) rather than a takana (a formal, established rabbinic enactment). Unlike a takana, which is generally irreversible, it might be argued that a gezeira may no longer be binding once the original concern it addressed is absent. Following this logic, since we now obtain pre-prepared medications, the concern of grinding herbs is no longer relevant, and the safeguard is no longer necessary. While Hacham Ovadia himself disagrees with this view and maintains the general prohibition for minor ailments, he permits relying on this more lenient opinion in specific circumstances.

Examples: Sleeping Pills and Pain Relief

Hacham Ovadia provides examples where leniency is warranted. Regarding sleeping pills (ibid., p. 367), he argues that they do not cure an illness but primarily facilitate sleep. Since promoting sleep is not considered a typical medical therapy (refua) and considering the opinion that gezerat shehikat samemanim no longer directly applies, he permits taking sleeping pills on Shabbat.

Similarly, concerning over-the-counter pain relief, Hacham Yitzhak Yosef (Yalkut Yosef, Shabbat Vol. 4, p. 143) explains that alleviating symptoms like pain or a mild fever is not considered classic refua aimed at a cure. Therefore, such medications are permissible even for a mild ailment. However, Hacham Ovadia (ibid., p. 366) specifically limits this allowance to individuals experiencing pain, even when they are not bedridden.

Conclusion

To answer Ikey’s question: Taking medication to cure an illness is generally prohibited on Shabbat by rabbinic gezira for someone with a minor ailment. However, it is permitted for a choleh she’ein bo sakana. While the underlying concern of gezerat shehikat samemanim (grinding herbs) might seem outdated, the prohibition remains in effect.

Nevertheless, Hacham Ovadia Yosef offers a more lenient approach in specific situations where the medication does not aim to cure but rather to relieve pain or promote sleep, especially when considering the view that the original reason for the gezeira is no longer relevant.

Hacham Ovadia acknowledges the differing opinions on this matter. Given that it concerns health, he advises against excessive stringency as the verse states, “Venishmarten meod lenafshotechem” (Devarim 4:15) – “And you shall guard your souls very carefully” (Hazon Ovadia, p. 357).Rabbi Yehuda Finchas is a worldwide expert, lecturer and author on Medical Halacha. He heads the Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute. His latest book is “Brain Death in Halacha and the Tower of Babel Syndrome.” To contact Rabbi Finchas, email rabbi@torathabayit.com.

When Korach, Moshe’s first cousin, launched his brazen revolt against Moshe’s authority, challenging his and his brother’s right to leadership, he brought some “big names” with him.  Like a good politician seeking to earn public support, he made a point of getting some prominent people on board.  These included 250 “princes of the congregation” (“nesi’eh edah” – 16:2), identified by our sages as the leading Torah scholars of that generation.  Korach also brought onto his team Datan and Aviram, two well-known “rabble rousers” who already had a long history – dating back to Egypt – of challenging Moshe.

These people had different stakes in the game.  Korach, the commentators explain, resented the appointment of another of his cousins – Elitzafan –to the position of leader of the Kehat family, a position which Korach felt he deserved.  The 250 rabbis were motivated by genuine spiritual longing, passionately wishing to have the privilege to serve as kohen gadol inside the Mishkan.  And Datan and Aviram, as mentioned, were always looking for opportunities to oppose Moshe.  What these people all had in common was discontent with Moshe’s leadership, and so they banded together to challenge his authority.

On Ben Pelet

In the opening verses of the story of Korach, the Torah also mentions another figure who appears to have played an important role– a member of the tribe of Reuven named On ben Pelet.  We are given no information about him, but if he is mentioned by name, it stands to reason that his participation in the uprising was significant.

This implied significance makes it especially striking that his name never appears again later in the story.On ben Pelet is listed among the main instigators, but we never hear about him again.

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 110a), noting On’s mysterious “disappearance,” fills in the missing details, telling the fascinating story of how this prominent participant in Korach’s uprising was saved from the tragic fate that befell his cohorts.On’s wifewas an exceptionally wise woman, and she saw what On could not see due to his having been blinded by Korach’s charm, and by the excitement of the controversy.  She asked On what he stood to gain by joining Korach’s revolt.  After all, if the uprising succeeded, then Korach would be the leader instead of Moshe.  On would not benefit at all.  There was no advantage to his supporting Korach.

On accepted his wife’s advice, but he said it was too late.  He had already sworn loyalty to Korach’s cause, and the rebels were relying on his participation.  He could not back out at this point.

On’s wife devised a plan.  She gave him lots of wine to drink, and he fell into a deep sleep.  When Korach’s men came to bring On to join in their confrontation against Moshe, she removed her hair covering and stood outside their tent.  Korach’s men would not approach the tent, as she was standing there with her hair exposed, and so they turned around.  On remained asleep during the ill-fated confrontation between Korach’s followers and Moshe, which resulted in the burning of the 250 men who vied for the role of kohen gadol, and in the ground opening and devouring Korach, Datan and Aviram.

Manoah

Let us leave the story of Korach, and fast forward many years, to the period of the shoftim, to a time when Beneh Yisrael suffered bitterly at the hands of the Pelishtim who were terrorizing them.

We read in the Book of Shoftim (13) – in the section read as the haftarah for Parashat Naso – of a man named Manoah who was childless for many years.  One day, an angel appeared to Manoah’s wife and informed her that she would soon bear a child who would lead Beneh Yisrael to victory against the Pelishtim.  As this child would be designated for a special leadership role, the angel explained, he would need to abide by certain restrictions.  His hair must never be cut, and he must never drink wine.

Manoah’s wifewent to her husband and told her about the angel.  Seemingly mistrusting her, Manoach beseeched Gd to send the angel a second time to explain the rules regarding the child that was going to be born.  Sure enough, the angel appeared to Manoah’s wife a second time, and she ran to bring Manoah.  When he arrived, the angel told him that he must follow the guidelines that his wife had been told. 

Later, Manoah’s wife delivered a boy, whom they named Shimshon.  As the angel promised, Shimshon led Beneh Yisrael in the campaign against the Pelishtim.

At this point, I expect the reader to wonder why this story is presented here in this article, in the context of the story of On ben Pelet.  It certainly appears that these two men have absolutely nothing to do with one another.

However, one of the great Italian kabbalists, Rav Menahem Azaryah of Fano (“the Rama Mi’Fano,” 1548-1620), taught that these stories are very closely connected.  In fact, although one took place many years after the other, they actually involve the same people!

The Rama Mi’Fano writes that Manoach and his wife were gilgulim – reincarnations – of On ben Pelet and his wife.  In both stories, the wife takes the leadership role, guiding and instructing her husband.  In the case of On ben Pelet, this is obvious, but in the sort of Manoah, too, his wife was the one who received the instructions from the angel, and, moreover, the verse states that when the angel returned, “vayelech Manoah ahareh ishto – Manoah followed his wife.”  It is clear from the story that Moah was led by his wife, just as On ben Pelet’s wife steered him in the direction he needed to go.

The Rama Mi’Pano adds that Shimshon, Manoah’s son, was to abstain from wine – which is what On ben Pelet’s wife used to save him.  And the name “Manoah” means “rest,” an allusion to On’s deep slumber during his cohorts’ confrontation with Moshe.

The question, then, becomes, what is the meaning and significance of this connection?  What are we to learn from the reincarnation of On ben Pelet and his wife, and their becoming the parents of Shimshon?

The Long Haul

The answer becomes clear in light of a mysterious feature of the story of Manoah.

We find in Tanach several stories of women who were unable to conceive.  We are all familiar with the stories of Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Hannah.  Another example is the “Shunamite woman” who cared for the prophet Elisha.  In all these instances, the couple prayed for children, or had some merit on account of which they were blessed with a child.  The notable exception is Manoah and his wife.  The text gives us no indication of what they did to be blessed with a child after many years of infertility.  We do not hear about them praying or performing any special mitzvah for which they were rewarded.

The Rama Mi’Fano’s theory solves this mystery.  Manoah and his wife were blessed in the merit of On ben Pelet’s wife.  Her wisdom and her initiative saved her husband’s life, and, moreover, helped preserve the honor of Moshe Rabbenu by taking away a prominent participant of the uprising.  The reward came many years later, in the form of Shimshon.  On ben Pelet’s wife saved her husband – and so she was blessed with a child who would end up saving Beneh Yisrael from the Pelishtim.

These might seem like esoteric concepts which bear no direct relevance to us, but I would like to draw our attention to one practical lesson that we all need to learn, and that is the long-term impact of our actions.  The full reward for On’s wife came much later, well after she passed away – teaching us that the fruits of our efforts are not reaped right away, but in the future, and sometimes even in the very distant future.

Spiritual Patience is Needed

Technology has accustomed us to expect immediate results, to access information at the press of a button, to have food ready and prepared the moment we feel hungry, to experience gratification right away when we want something.  We have, I’m afraid, grown impatient, demanding “on-demand” results.

But religious life doesn’t work this way.  Torah commitment is not about immediate results or immediate gratification.  Learning Torah can be difficult and challenging, and often it is only after years of hard work that we experience the indescribable joy and satisfaction that Torah knowledge brings.People who embrace observance as adults, or who decide to raise their level of observance as adults, are likely to struggle at first before enjoying the delights of religious life.  And, we never know when and in what form the rewards for our mitzvot will come.  If we pray, learn Torah and fulfill mitzvot with the expectation of right away seeing our rewards, we will be sorely disappointed, and disillusioned.  We must be in it for the long haul.

Every prayer has value and helps us.  Every good deed we perform yields incalculable rewards.  Every small amount of Torah we learn builds us and brings us closer to Hashem.  More often than not, we will not see the value, rewards and benefits of our prayer, learning and observance, but we believe that at some point – perhaps even long after we leave this world – our efforts will bear fruit.

The Mishnah in Pirkeh Avot (1:3) urges us not to be like servants who serve their master solely for reward, and to instead serve Hashem without expecting reward.  This is not because we cannot expect rewards for our efforts – but because we never know when or how we will be rewarded.

Let us, then, commit to perform mitzvot with joy and vigor – trusting that each and every good deed is more valuable than we can ever imagine.

QUESTION:

Dear Rabbi Ali,

I know that this may seem petty or simple, but it bothers me a lot. My husband has a difficult time waking up for minyan and it seems that no matter what I say to him, we almost always get into an argument. My father and brothers all go to minyan every morning and it really bothers me that he seems to not care at all. What can I do to get him to go to minyan?

R’ Ali’s Response:

This is a very common question that I am asked and I do see this asked on many forums. I’d like to start with a point that I feel everyone must hear, regardless of whether this question pertains to you or not. You mention that this question may seem petty, insinuating that maybe you have no right to ask it or that maybe you should just “move on “ and forget about it. This is a huge mistake. Marital advice, and all types of advice are not solely for serious problems.

To answer your question I’d like to address each point that you’ve mentioned one at a time. You two argue or fight every time you bring up the “minyan issue.” I hate to sound cynical, but why would you bring up something repeatedly if it turns into an argument or a fight every time? Unfortunately, you now have two issues. Your husband is still not waking up for minyan and you two are arguing. This idea applies to all marital issues and to parenting as well. If an attempt to rectify something has failed once or twice, it’s time to stop doing the same thing and expecting different results. Many people will acknowledge what I’m telling them but still they will say, “What else am I supposed to do?” To this I say, we don’t do something that doesn’t work (and possibly causes more problems) because we don’t have a better option. We don’t use failing methods for lack of better methods. That just doesn’t make any sense.

The first thing I would advise you to do is stop telling your husband how much this situation bothers you. I will give you an idea of what you can do, but there is another point that I’d like to address. You mention that your father and brother go to minyan daily, why can’t your husband? This implies that you’d be okay with your husband slacking on minyan if your family were slacking as well. There is a grave danger in comparing people, especially in marriage. Comparing our situation to others’ is one of the most damaging things we can do for our marriage. We have to understand that our situation is different. We all have different dynamics and tests. Please try to avoid this trap.

Lastly, I feel it is of the utmost importance for people to internalize this next point. You are here to help, but you are not responsible for what choices your husband makes. He has the free will to do as he pleases. If he chooses to do something wrong, you are not responsible or at fault. This shouldn’t be taken to extremes to mean that we shouldn’t care and just leave our spouse alone. We should care and try to help our spouse out. But we should never feel as though it’s our duty to get them to succeed or make the right decisions. This is one of the driving forces behind a wife who constantly brings up the minyan issue with her husband – the feeling of responsibility. There are other motives that are less noble, such as not wanting to look bad in front of other people. Whatever it may be, try to be aware of your motives and you possibly won’t need any advice to “get him” to go to minyan.

If you genuinely would like to help and have a real concern for his spiritual growth, there is a very simple way to approach the situation. Wait for the right time and tell your husband that you’d like to discuss something. Let him know how great he is and how much you admire him and appreciate all that he does for you and the family. Then you should mention that you are concerned about his missing minyan and genuinely ask if everything is okay and if there is anything that you can do. If he says no, don’t ever bring it up again. As a follow up, when you do see him go to minyan, you can mention how nice it is to see him go to minyan. Positive reinforcement works with all people better than negativity.

Sam Sutton

The 2025 M&S Softball season has arrived – and it’s louder, deeper, and more competitive than ever. With over 50 names on the waiting list, one thing’s crystal clear: if you’ve got a spot this year, you earned it.

This offseason wasn’t just about stretching hammies and oiling gloves. It marked a cultural reset. A new energy. A different intensity. Every captain came locked in, and the draft room felt more like a war room. No picks were wasted. No names taken lightly. And as the rosters took shape, so did the storylines.

Let’s break down the squads that’ll write the next chapter of M&S:

King Salomon Part Deux
Captain: Michael Sabon Salomon
Sabon set the tone for the entire draft by pulling off a pre-draft trade to acquire the #8 overall pick – giving him the coveted 1-and-8 combo. He used his top selection on Zack Ashkenazi, widely considered the best all-around player on the board. At #8, he snagged Yitz Sutton, the top arm in the draft – giving his team a bona fide ace from Day One.

From there, Sabon stacked the deck with playoff experience and big-game DNA. He reunited the veteran duo Teddy Ishak (TI) and Sammy Esses, a pairing with years of chemistry and hardware. He brought back Morris “Mo” Shamah, one of the league’s most dependable bats, and added Eric Cytryn, a respected defensive anchor and proven playoff performer.

Vandelay Industries
Captain: Sammy Seruya
Rookie captain – rising star. That’s the book on Sammy Seruya, the slick shortstop with who hit superstar status. But Seruya wasn’t shy on draft night – he took a big swing on unproven slugger Howie Hoffman, betting on upside and power. And he’ll be riding with rookie pitcher Abraham Benhamu to anchor his defense and set the tone on the mound.

Backed by key pieces like Sauly Esses, Jimmy Malakh, Bernie Pindek, and Yossi Abramson, Vandelay is an intriguing mix of high potential and proven leadership. It’s a team that could click fast – or grow into a monster by playoff time.

Texas Longhorns
Captain: Max Yedid
A familiar face is back in the saddle – Max Yedid, former M&S Cy Young winner and championship pitcher, makes his return to the captain’s chair. He drafted a veteran-heavy roster built to win. Names like Allie Marshall, Butchie Cohen, and Maurice Haber headline a squad that’s been there, done that, and knows how to get it done when it counts. Max is back – and so is the fear factor that comes with playing against his team.

Sephardic Bananas
Captain: Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda
The reigning World Series champ is back and looking to repeat. Last year, Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda captained a magical playoff run, and this year, he ran it back with a nearly identical core. His draft centerpiece? None other than his clutch companion David “Buca” Cohen. With names like Isaac Sasson, Jack Sutton, and Alan Jemal rounding out the roster, the Bananas have chemistry, confidence, and championship DNA.

Kaboom!
Captain: Uri Adler
Let’s just say… Uri changed it up this year – and it might be his best build yet. Gone is the typical Uri mold. In its place is a sleek, powerful new roster led by Sol Fallas, Nadav Auerbach, and Abraham Saka. On paper, Kaboom has speed, power, arms, and attitude. It’s a no-nonsense team that could light up the scoreboard or lock down your offense. If the vibes hold, this group is a serious title threat.

Thundering Hooves
Captain: Gabriel Abadi
Gabe Abadi did what Gabe does – drafted a crew full of high-character, high-talent, high-vibe guys. With Mark Barsano, Carlos Abadi, and Ricky Rothstein in the mix, Thundering Hooves are built for deep playoff runs. Gabe’s squads always play loose, play hard, and play for each other. He’s still searching for that elusive first title – but don’t be surprised if this is the team that finally delivers it.Stayin’ Alive
Captain: Michael Melech Solomon
He’s back. A former fan-favorite captain, Melech Solomon returns with a roster full of loyalty and edge. He went straight to the well early, drafting his longtime guys – Steven Gindi (SJG), Joe Sefaradi (Joe S), and Saul “Soco” Cohen. But what makes this team fascinating is the youth infusion. Melech rolled the dice on wild-card youngsters like Sol Assis, one of the most polarizing players in the league. High ceiling, high volatility – and if they click, Stayin’ Alive might stay alive deep into the postseason.

By Paulette Cohen and Frieda Schweky

Years ago, I (Paulette Cohen) received news that would permanently shift the course of my family’s life – my daughter was diagnosed with serious food allergies to nuts and sesame, along with environmental and animal allergies. At the time, the medical world offered very little support. We got a diagnosis, a prescription, and were sent on our way. No roadmap, no reassurance. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed. It was lonely, scary, and disorienting.

But like many parents in crisis, I turned that fear into action. First, I made it my mission to protect my daughter. Then I realized – if I was going through this, other parents must be, too. And maybe, just maybe, I could make their path a little smoother.

Since then, I’ve spent years educating myself, creating allergy-safe routines at home, and learning how to navigate a world that often doesn’t fully understand or accommodate food allergies. I started sharing my journey through a blog, which resonated with fellow allergy moms in ways I never expected. It helped them feel seen, supported, and not so alone. That sense of community is what keeps me going.

Today, I continue this work through my Instagram platform and by working directly with families to develop allergy-safe household systems. From meal planning and emotional support strategies to communication tips and action plans, I help families feel more confident and in control.

With summer approaching, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some practical advice on keeping kids with allergies (and asthma) safe during camp, parties, and social gatherings. Whether you’re an allergy parent or not, we hope this article helps you be more aware, more prepared, and more supportive of those navigating this challenge daily.

Camp Safety Prep

Summer camp is supposed to be a magical time – filled with friendships, adventure, and memories. But for allergy and asthma families, it can also be a major source of stress. The good news? With some advance planning, communication, and confidence-building, your child can have a safe and fun experience.

Before Camp: Preparation Checklist

Notify the Camp Early: Don’t wait until drop-off day. Contact the camp weeks ahead of time to discuss your child’s allergies or asthma and any needed accommodations.

Submit a Medical History: Include previous reactions, hospitalizations, known triggers, and medications. The more detailed, the better.

Provide an Action Plan: Give the camp a written allergy and/or asthma action plan from your doctor. This should explain symptoms, triggers, and how to respond in an emergency.

Stock Up on Meds: Send at least two complete sets of medications (EpiPens, inhalers, antihistamines) – one for the camp nurse and one for your child or their counselor. Double-check expiration dates!

Label Everything: Food containers, medications, clothing, backpacks – use waterproof name labels so nothing gets misplaced.

Emergency Instructions: Include medication usage, dosage, storage instructions, and step-by-step emergency protocols.

Communication with the Camp: Speak with the camp director or nurse about their emergency procedures, proximity to medical care, and who is trained in CPR or EpiPen use.

Be prepared to ask the right questions such as:  Are staff trained in anaphylaxis and asthma management? Do they monitor air quality? Can your child get pre-exercise asthma treatment?

Food Allergy Safety at Camp

Food is often the trickiest part of summer activities. Here’s how to set your child up for success:

Speak with the Kitchen Staff: Understand their food prep protocols, ingredient sourcing, and cross-contamination measures. Ask about baking activities – many allergens hide in baking ingredients!

Provide Safe Meals (If Allowed): Send allergen-free meals or snacks as a backup, even if the camp says they can accommodate your child’s needs.

Teach Food-Sharing Boundaries: Make sure your child understands never to share food or drinks, no matter how “safe” something seems.

Collaborate on Meal Planning: If the camp chef is open to it, plan substitution options in advance.

Confirm Staff Is Trained: Make sure someone on-site is trained to use an EpiPen and respond to allergic reactions.

Managing Asthma at Camp

Check Equipment: Make sure inhalers, spacers, and nebulizers are clean and in good working order.

Discuss Triggers: Let staff know your child’s specific asthma triggers -whether it’s exercise, pollen, cold air, or stress.

Monitor Outdoor Activity: Ask if the camp tracks air quality and adjusts activities accordingly.

Action Plan Awareness: Confirm staff can recognize early asthma symptoms like tight chest, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

Empowering Your Child

Getting ready for camp is not just about medical preparedness – it’s about emotional readiness, too.

Practice Scenarios: Role-play how your child should respond if they feel symptoms or are offered unsafe food.

Identify Allies: Help your child know who to turn to – counselors, nurses, friends – if something feels wrong.

Medical ID Jewelry: Consider a medical ID bracelet or necklace to alert staff in emergencies.

Teach Self-Advocacy: Let your child know it’s okay to speak up. It’s okay to say no. Their safety always comes first.

Party Time: How to Navigate Summer Celebrations

Now let’s talk about another summer favorite: parties. BBQs, birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs – so much fun, but also loaded with food risks.

Younger Kids and Birthday Parties

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your little one feel left out at a party. One of my favorite tricks? Pre-bake or buy allergy-safe cupcakes in advance and freeze them. When a birthday invite comes along, pop one out and bring it with you. That way your child can still have their special treat when the cake is served.

Go through party favors together and teach your child how to read ingredients. Even if they’re young, use these as teachable moments. Make it a rule: never eat anything from a goodie bag until we go through it together.

Older Kids and Social Events

As children get older, it gets harder. They become more aware of what they’re missing – and it’s tough to see friends enjoying things they can’t have. Summer bar and bat mitzvahs are a perfect example. It may not be realistic for your teen to bring a full meal or dessert, so I recommend feeding them ahead of time to avoid hunger and temptation.

Before the event, shift the conversation away from food. Talk about what they can enjoy.  Help them focus on fun, not food. Remind them that their worth isn’t measured by what they eat, and that avoiding unsafe foods isn’t missing out – it’s making an empowered choice.

Most importantly, normalize saying “no” to things that don’t feel safe. Even if it’s awkward. Even if everyone else is doing it. Their safety is always the priority, and they should never feel bad for choosing to protect themselves.

Sun & Skin Allergy Protection

Summer sun and sensitive skin can be a tricky combination for allergy and eczema families. Start by selecting a truly hypoallergenic, mineral-based sunscreen (look for zinc or titanium oxide, fragrance-free, and labeled “for sensitive skin”). Test any new lotion on a small patch of your child’s skin 24 hours before a full application—especially if they have a history of contact dermatitis. Encourage lightweight sun-protective clothing: long-sleeve UV shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and swim leggings can dramatically reduce both sunburn risk and exposure to potential irritants in topical products. After a day in the sun or pool, soothe skin with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or an oat-infused calming balm. If your child develops redness or itchiness, apply a cool compress and let their skin air-dry before re-moisturizing.

InsectSting & Bite Precautions

Even kids without a known sting allergy can experience painful or swelling reactions – and for allergic children, stings can be life-threatening. Choose an insect repellent that’s both effective and gentle – DEET-free formulas or those based on oil of lemon eucalyptus are often less irritating than heavily scented sprays. Apply sparingly, avoiding the hands and faces of little ones. Pack a “sting kit” that includes an antihistamine, a cold-pack, soothing calamine lotion, and, if prescribed, an EpiPen. Teach older children to recognize early signs of a serious reaction  – hives, swelling beyond the sting site, difficulty breathing – and to immediately alert an adult. Dressing kids in light-colored, snug-fitting clothes can also deter bees and wasps.

Emotional Wellbeing and Peer Support

Allergy and asthma management isn’t just physical – it’s emotional, too. Help your child build confidence by creating a small circle of “allergy allies” at camp or home: friends and counselors who know how to help in an emergency. Celebrate every success – surviving a pool party without incident or trying a new allergen-safe recipe – and reinforce their resilience. Encourage them to join a local or online allergy support group where they can share experiences, swap tips, and realize they’re not alone. Above all, remind them that advocating for their health (saying “no,” asking questions, wearing a medical ID) is a powerful and positive choice.

Final Thoughts from The Nut Job Mom

Whether it’s summer camp, a backyard BBQ, or a bat mitzvah dance floor, the truth is: allergy safety is never off-duty. But it doesn’t have to steal the joy from summer. With the right prep, support, and mindset, your child can have a magical, safe, and confidence-boosting season.