Resource Type: Downloads

Setting the Table with Hakarot Hatov

Eating can be a self-centered activity, wherein we fixate on our own needs and appetites. Of course, that doesn’t mean eating is a bad thing, but we should acknowledge how often our stomachs take on lives of their own, letting us forget about everything outside of our plate. Jewish tradition’s system of blessings reflects its understanding of that aspect of human psychology and equally recognizes the benefits of gratitude for our mental health and wellness. While the blessings directly reference God as the ultimate source of our food, this system nonetheless invites us to see beyond our self-interest, so we can think more broadly about where our food comes from...
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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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U’neTanah Tokef and Suicidal Ideation

One stanza in particular stands out as uniquely highlighting an aspect of life to which anyone who is struggling with suicidal ideation can connect: Who in good time and who by an untimely death. To die by suicide is an inherently untimely death, and it can certainly feel sealed for people struggling with it. But like any other death or negative change in circumstance listed in this prayer, that decree can be averted with righteous actions. Yet the righteous action taken to prevent an untimely death might not be the actions of the person whose death is predicted. It might be your righteous, selfless act that makes the difference.
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Yom Kippur and Tu B’Av: When Love is the Only Answer

On the surface, this all seems like a strange pairing of holidays. The two traditions and atmosphere of the two could not be more different. Yom Kippur, an auspicious day of judgment traditionally marked with fasting and repenting for our sins of the previous year and Tu B’Av, the Jewish holiday of love. It is even more strange that a day as auspicious as Yom Kippur be called a “joyous” day dedicated to matchmaking. However, if you consider the fact that Tu B’Av follows the emotionally strenuous holiday of Tisha B’Av, there is actually one area of significant overlap between the two days.
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Coping: Addressing the Difficult Moments as they Arise

As we are approaching the year anniversary of the attacks on October 7, we should think about the ways we can create space to support our community members and Jewish professional staff during the Chaggim, High Holidays, this year. We should also be thinking about the ways we can be compassionate to ourselves as well as others.
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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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