Articles

Remember to Nishmah

In the aftermath of trauma, one can easily become consumed by a sense of restlessness and a need to “do,” or a task to “na’aseh,” without taking time to pause and “listen” to their hearts. When the Jews escaped Egypt and transitioned into life in the desert, they likely felt that way, compelled to “do” without listening to how they were feeling in that moment. Perhaps God was reminding them to do so at the end of the Torah portion Mishpatim, where the iconic phrase, "Naaseh Ve'Nishmah - We Will do and We Will Listen!" is found.

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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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Living Your Values: Emotional Resilience and Navigating Difference in Turbulent Times

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.

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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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Reimagining Traditions to Promote LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Jewish tradition encourages us to be an “open tent” the community can walk into, which invites the question: How do we open up so LGBTQ+ people feel welcome? A creative reimagining invites us to explore tradition for connection opportunities that focus on belonging for all.

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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.

Audio + Video

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.

Suggested Readings

For Jews traumatized by Oct. 7, Passover Seder is a Model for How to Process It

The Seder is a powerful example of how trauma can be reframed through ritual, turning horror into a story of hope and renewal.

Articles

Finding Balance – Connecting and Setting Boundaries around Difficult Conversations

What is it about these gatherings that make them so hard? It can be one of the rare times the family is gathered together, which brews the potent combination of pressure to enjoy every minute with diverse personalities and expectations. Being around friends and family can remind us of the happy memories of childhood, but it also can dredge up memories of conflict, trauma and loss.

Articles, Community Support, Jewish Support, Mental Health Support, Stories of Hope, Support Resources

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.