Resource Category: Community

The Jewish Gift of Giving

Purim is a holiday of joy, celebration and feasting, but an essential element of Purim is giving, particularly to those in need. Mordechai established matanot le’evyonim — gifts to the needy — as a central commandment of the day. Jewish tradition and modern research alike show that generosity increases happiness and life satisfaction and activates “the happiness trifecta” of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Engaging in giving transforms personal joy into shared joy, making Purim a celebration that uplifts both the giver and the community.
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Mahjong: My Surprisingly Jewish Self-Care Practice

By Gabby Spatt | Listening to my mother’s stories, something clicked: My grandmothers were practicing self-care through mahjong and baking long before we had the language for it, connecting to each other and their families through a combination of shared baking and quality time. And now, this game and coffee cake recipe were passed down to me by my grandmothers and my mom. L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation. I even have a mahjong set that belonged to one of my grandmothers, purchased in Hong Kong in the 1960s.
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Shemini Atzeret: A Holiday of Holding

Simchat Torah is one of the most joyful days of the year, filled with music, dancing, and celebration of the Torah. However, its roots in Shemini Atzeret remind us that joy can take many forms, and the boisterous celebrations traditionally practiced on Simchat Torah may not be the kind of joy everyone needs as the High Holiday season comes to a close. Some of us find the most joy in the quiet embrace of those we love.
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Mind (From Hineni: Caring for the Caregiver)

Mental illness is rarely logical. Thoughts and feelings can collide in ways that make no sense; illness can make someone reject help they know they need and do things that can harm. We attempt to explain what we can, suggest strategies for maintaining objectivity, and point you toward resources that can provide more information.
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What is Refuah Shleimah? | A Deep Dive into Middot

An exploration of Refuah Shleimah as a guiding middah when caring for others and ourselves. In Jewish tradition, visiting the sick is one of the greatest mitzvot someone can do for another person. According to the Talmud, even just visiting and acknowledging the pain of others allieves part of their suffering.
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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.
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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.
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