Archives: Resources

LGBTQ+ Affirmation Skills to Support Pride All Year

Rates of mental health challenges are uniquely high in the LGBTQ+ community, which truly does make affirmation practice life-saving work. LGBTQ+ youth who have at least one accepting adult in their life were 40% less likely to attempt suicide. The LGBTQ+ experience reflects the Jewish values from our stories beautifully — a celebration of resistance, advocacy, liberation, radical joy and hope in the face of challenges.
Read more

Inclusion of Diverse Communities and Jewish Mental Health

Inclusion requires us to intentionally recognize the strengths these members bring to our communities and to honor and respond to the unique stressors these individuals may face. Inclusive practices help us welcome and support the beautiful tapestry that is our Jewish community and contribute to mental health and wellness for us all.
Read more

Beyond the Silence

An evening of storytelling, insights, and community, hosted by BeWell ATL, in partnership with the Blue Dove Foundation. Community Leaders will #QuietTheSilence by sharing their journeys through grief, mental health crises, and healing, offering hard-earned wisdom and hope.
Read more

Esther Asked for Help; So Should You – The Power of Support Groups in Recovery

Written with Selah BK | Recovery journeys can be about a variety of conditions, including alcoholism and substance misuse. With the overabundance of messaging around addiction and drug use online and in popular culture, many struggling with addiction feel they can face it on their own, believing they already know what they need to do to overcome their struggles. This sense of independence can be healthy and lead to successful recovery for some, but for others, the lack of community and accountability can be a barrier to healing, leaving them feeling isolated or unsupported in their recovery process. That is where support groups come in.
Read more

Guard Your Soul Carefully – Prioritizing Caring for Yourself

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines self-care as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health.” How we do this looks different for everyone. This resource explores proven and applicable methods of self-care and the Jewish sources that support the need for individualized self-care.
Read more

Being Mordechai: Resisting Peer Pressure and Underage Drinking on Purim

By Avraham Walkenfeld | Despite social expectations and pressure, Mordechai’s refusal to bow to someone diametrically opposed to his values demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his own. What makes this an especially powerful example is the explanation in the following verse of why he refused to bow to a wicked man like Haman: He was a Jew. To be a Jew is to live by your beliefs — Live by Them (Vayikra 18:5) — and there is no holiday where that message is needed more than Purim.
Read more

How Do You Adar? A Jewish Guide to Joy

Throughout its 3,000-year history, Jewish tradition has put a lot of thought into this deeply human question, among others, and has provided a plethora of answers. Our tradition offers paths to joy, including connection with God, finding meaning, contentment, and community. But, ultimately, what makes you happy is you.
Read more