Resource Category: General Education

Exploring Social Connectedness and Mental Wellness

In May 2023, the U.S. surgeon general released a new advisory on the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of connection in our country. With the holidays approaching and this public health crisis at hand, we must ask what our responsibility is to support ourselves and each other in fostering meaningful connection. The Jewish value, or middah, kol Yisrael arevim zeh la zeh – כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה, all Jews are responsible for one another, is a reminder of our responsibility. It helps us understand we are interconnected and must be invested in the mental wellness and overall well-being of others.
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The Campaign to Manage Election Anxiety

In a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association, more than 70% of Americans reported the upcoming election is causing them anxiety. Election anxiety can potentially harm relationships, foster confusion about what is taking place and generate distrust in the government and the electoral process itself. Here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health.
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Coping with Grief and Trauma Following October 7 and Recent Events in Israel, Gaza and the United States

By Ruth Weinberg, LPC | There is no one Jewish experience or perspective. Clients expressed a huge range of feelings, reactions, opinions and political beliefs. This has been an unbelievable time in our world. My heart goes out to all living beings struggling with the terror and violence they have lived, witnessed or been exposed to. In addition, I empathize with all those who have endured hateful and painful experiences as they try to cope with these events. Though sadly there is no easy fix for our pain, this article offers strategies for coping with grief and trauma arising from the recent violence in the Middle East and the reverberating antisemitism that has followed.
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Pride All Year Long: How to Build a More Inclusive Jewish Space

By Shoshana Nerenberg | June, which often houses Shavuot, is the national month of Pride, but our inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ Jews into our broader communities shouldn’t end there! There are lots of ways to incorporate inclusion into the day to day, and a lot of important information that you should constantly be aware of. If you’re feeling a bit lost on some little (and not so little) ways to be more queer inclusive this year, this is the resource for you.
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Navigating Difficult Conversations

Created with BeWell | As we navigate the current situation in Israel and Gaza, as well as around the world with the rise in antisemitism, we want to validate the wide range of mental, physical and emotional reactions you may be going through. While many of us share a strong connection to Israel, we need to be sensitive to the different feelings and experiences people have had since October 7, 2023. Conversations around the situation in Israel will naturally arise during the summer with staff and peers. This resource offers ways to think about how to have these difficult conversations.
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The 7 People You Need as a Leader

Created with Pastor Serve | Many leaders from our historical texts experienced extremely tough times where they questioned and struggled with God. Rather than turning away from God, they sought the answers to help them understand how God would rescue them from or meet them in their suffering. In their quest for answers, they voiced their confusion and frustration very honestly and openly to God. They were often so honest and open, you might duck from the lightning that you might expect to fall on them as you read these pieces of Scripture from their stories.
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SUMMER HARD – The Ultimate Guide to a Fulfilling Summer: Boost your Mental Health and Deepen Connections

By Justin Milrad | The longer days and warmer weather of summer offer the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, spirit and soul. It’s a season of growth, exploration and connection — a time to prioritize joy, personal development and meaningful interactions with others. However, while we all KNOW we need to disconnect from our work and take time for ourselves for the sake of our health and spirit, sometimes we need to be reminded HOW to do it during the precious days of summer. If you need help doing that, we have some tips for you:
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