Written in Collaboration with Dr. Dani Rosenkrantz, Licensed Psychologist and Expert in Jewish LGBTQ+ Mental Health
During turbulent times, it can be challenging to support our mental wellness while also remaining connected to our communities. We each face a unique balance that allows us to honor our values, boundaries and the health of our relationships.
Leaning on our Jewish values can be a powerful tool to support our mental health during difficult periods. The Blue Dove Foundation highlights middot (values) that help draw connections between Jewish values and mental health.
Chesed u’gevurah — balancing loving kindness and discernment — is a particularly meaningful part of creating healthy relationships. It reminds us we need to be kind and loving, we need to take care of others, and we need to have boundaries to practice loving-kindness for ourselves. We also invite you to draw on Jewish values of inclusion, such as those offered by Keshet, that remind us our tradition is one where diverse perspectives are honored, and tikkun olam — repairing the world — is our collective responsibility.
Turbulence as a Vehicle for Deeper Connection
Our relationship with tradition also inspires us to see conflict as a part of relationships that helps us to clarify and connect deeper. Yisrael — or Israel — literally means “to struggle with God.” We are uniquely encouraged to wrestle with our tradition, being asked to study, question and find practices that meet our needs. From this, consider how to wrestle in community while celebrating our culture of asking questions. Just like Passover is not complete until we ask questions, meaningful connection in times of turbulence is essential to maintaining our community health.
We should note that we don’t have to be experts to have meaningful conversations. We also want to acknowledge that conflict can feel scary, especially when we don’t feel we have the tools for it to feel successful.
We hope to support you in building emotional regulation skills, setting clear intentions in conversations, learning how to balance advocacy and practicing self-care and burnout prevention.
Dr. Dani Rosenkrantz (she/they) is a Jewish + Queer licensed psychologist and owner of Brave Space Psychology, a virtual private practice rooted in Florida that provides therapy and coaching, gender affirming care assessments, consultation and training across the U.S. Dr. Dani helps Jewish, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC community members heal and connect to joy, identity affirmation, and empowerment despite ongoing oppression-based trauma, minority stress, and political overwhelm. Dr. Dani is passionate about building Brave Spaces that empower families and communities with tools for affirmation. Dr. Dani offers parent and grandparent affirmation coaching and support groups focused on empowering families to best support their LGBTQ+ children and grandchildren. Dr. Dani speaks and educates nationally to reduce the impacts of minority stress and build communities where all can feel seen and thrive.
Website: www.bravespacepsych.com Instagram: @Bravespacepsych