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G-d the Warrior Vs. G-d the Peacemaker: Who’s Throwing Spears Now?
The Emotional and Psychological Complexity of Hashem as a “Warrior” in the Machzor As the Yamim Noraim approach and we pull out our Machzors for another year, the complexities of our relationship with Hashem often come to the forefront. One image that can elicit strong feelings is that of viewing… -
How to Jet-Set Without Stress: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Neurosis or Depression, and the Art of Going with the Flow
So, you've got your bags packed, your playlist curated, and your mind set on adventure. Whether traveling to a tropical paradise or a bustling city, the world is your playground. But let's not forget our slightly clingy plus-one: mental health. The good news? Exploring the globe with neurosis or depression… -
Navigating the Book of Life: My Strategy to Cope
My Strategy to Cope with Existential Triggers This Rosh Hashanah The Ten-Day Crunch and the Machzor’s Existential Question The clock is ticking, and the sense of urgency is undeniable. With only ten days remaining until Rosh Hashanah, I am surrounded in a complex blend of spiritual contemplation and practical preparations.… -
Be An All-Star Stepping Up to the Plate: Rallying Support for Loved Ones Battling Depression
Introduction "Take me out to the ballgame, take me out with the crowd!" Ah, how these lyrics stir memories of cheering crowds, buzzing excitement, and a shared spirit of camaraderie. Yet, beneath the bright lights of the stadium, we're reminded that life - much like a ballgame - is a… -
Self-Harm: The Invisible Foe - Now You See Me, Now You Don't!
Mental wellness refers to a state of emotional and psychological well-being, where an individual is able to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, maintain positive relationships, and make meaningful contributions to their community. It encompasses factors such as emotional resilience, self-esteem, and the ability to manage and… -
Judicial Reform and Trauma: What’s the Connection?
You know that feeling when you're deep in a discussion about judicial reform, or any other major social change, and you suddenly realize you're really, really stressed? Well, you're not alone. It turns out that debating serious issues can, ironically, be a bit like juggling live porcupines: prickly, challenging, and… -
Game Plan for the Heart: Building a Community to Support Our Children Through Depression
Introduction Calling one and all - Moms, dads, siblings, relatives, friends, madrichim, rabbis, teachers, anyone with ears to lend -, we're talking about something big today, something that needs all of us to chip in: depression. Whether you've been down this road or just stepped up to the plate, it's… -
Depression: The Rollercoaster Ride That Never Goes Up
Every person I've met with a mental illness seems to be a fascinating puzzle of uniqueness. It's incredible how they can surprise you with their hidden battles, like having OCD or facing the darkness of contemplating suicide. It's like they have this hidden side, but instead of saving the world,… -
A Tale of Two Cities: Navigating the Landscapes of BPD and Trauma
Imagine yourself as an intrepid traveler, venturing into unexplored territories of the mind. Today, we're embarking on a unique journey that will take us to two contrasting cities: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) City and Trauma Town. Just like the bustling streets of Tel Aviv and the complex history of Jerusalem,… -
My Beloved Israel: Why We Need to Hit “Ctrl-Alt-Delete” on Mental Health Care
Ah, Israel—my home, my heart, the land of milk, honey, and groundbreaking innovation. Seriously, folks, if patriotism were a sport, I’d be in the major leagues. I love this place down to its last grain of Dead Sea salt, the one tourists pack in their suitcases thinking they’ve discovered the… -
Travel far from what you know; embrace the unfamiliar
Traveling Beyond the Horizon: A Journey of Self-Discovery The allure of the unknown has always been a tantalizing draw for many. As we navigate through the pages of history or thumb through personal journals, one sentiment stands out, echoing through time and space: “Travel far from what you know; embrace…