Therapist Aliza Shapiro Shares Advice on Healing Spiritually and Emotionally
The intersection of therapy and religious life can sometimes feel confusing. In some ways, it seems like if we truly gave all our problems over to Hashem, we would be healed. Yet that’s often easier said than done. We’re beings with individual pasts and traumas that often need something in addition to prayer — along with another human being who can walk you through it to the other side. Aliza Shapiro is no stranger to the conversation. She’s a social worker and therapist at the Center for Anxiety in New York City.
10 Books to Inspire and Enrich Your High Holiday Season
We’ve already spoken about how Elul is a time for introspection. The King (a.k.a. Hashem) is in the field and ready to listen! We have this power of extra deep connection with Hashem from now through the Chagim. Whether it’s through prayer, learning, chesed, or something else there are so many ways and places to channel it. Whatever you’re dealing with, there is a book for you. Here, we’ve got a list of 10 amazing ones that will undoubtedly boost your High Holiday season.
Delicious Rosh Hashanah Simanim Ideas for Your Table
Rosh Hashanah is officially two weeks away. Can you taste the apples in honey yet? Honestly, for me, this time of year can be extremely daunting. The transition over the past few years of Rosh Hashana being a completely spiritual experience as a single woman to becoming more practical with making sure that all the food is cooked and that my kids needs are being met adds a different level of challenge. Last year, I decided I really wanted to inject more spirituality and realized I didn’t have to sacrifice so much of it — I could put it into what I was already doing.
Ruchi Koval on How to Feel More Connected to Prayer
A few weeks ago, I posted an Instagram story all about prayer. I asked if anyone else had trouble connecting to Hashem through this vehicle and so many said yes. Unfortunately, sometimes prayer can feel like an obligation we just have to check off our to-do lists versus a dedicated time to develop a relationship with G-d. I was determined to change that for myself and hopefully find someone who could inspire others in the process. When thinking of who to speak with about this, Ruchi Koval shot to the top of my mind.
7 Ways to Get More Into the Elul Spirit This Year
In Elul, there’s so much buzz surrounding spiritual and physical High Holiday prep that it’s easy to feel stuck. Sometimes when there’s too much swirling around in my brain, I just freeze and do nothing or generally have no idea where to start. Relatable? Consider this list your un-stuck guide to getting into the zone. Or, if you’re like, “Wait, what, it’s Elul?” use this article as a kickstart.
The Beauty and Power of Elul
Elul is one of those months that always seems to sneak up on me. Wasn’t Pesach, like, yesterday? So much has happened this year, yet it’s hard to believe we’re already facing a new one.
Tisha B’Av Reflections: Hashem, Let’s Go Home
On Tisha B’Av, there is a lot of pressure to feel sad. For some, this mourning comes naturally, but for those where it doesn’t, guilt can creep in and become the mainstay of the day when you’re trying so hard to get into the zone. This year, I banished the guilt.
Five Ways You Can Boost Your Business This Month
Four years ago, I started my own business — a media production company that later turned into a coaching service called Nail Your Media Interview through which I help business owners and authors promote their products, services or written work through media interviews. I used to view the summer as a time for vacation but, recently, I’ve been inspired by how much profit can actually come out of this “break” time.
10 Movies to Watch This Tisha B’Av
Tisha B’Av is a hard day. Full stop. We’re not eating or drinking, we’re atoning for all the past sins of the Jewish people and we’re attempting to show Hashem how desperately we want Moshiach. Some need to get through the day in bed in a quiet, dark room while others watch Holocaust films as a way of connecting with the utter hardships the Jewish people have endured throughout our long history.
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