Elul 5782: My Hope for the Upcoming Year
Hello, old friends! I know, I know, it’s been quite a while since you’ve heard from me, so let’s catch up. A lot has happened in the last few months. For starters, I moved out…
Adar 5782: Feeling as a Means to Joy
I realized that disregarding my feelings to reach this higher state of joy was completely counterintuitive to the goal. By taking the time to listen to my body, its stresses and challenges, I gave it space, cultivated a stronger internal relationship within and felt so much more connected to myself and Hashem as a result.
Why Esther Wein Wants You to Stop Looking for Your Purpose
Looking back, it’s crazy to think Esther Wein was going to ever be anything but a teacher of Torah. “Torah teaching was basically my mother’s milk,” Esther says. She was born into a family of greats — her grandfather was Rabbi Shimon Schwab, an influential Rav who had a big impact in reshaping Judaism in America.
On Rediscovering Your Identity in Motherhood, With Coach Bayla Abdurachmanov
Motherhood is a time of deep, intense change. Even if you’ve dreamt of becoming a mother your entire life, it’s one of those things you can’t really understand until you’re in it. The all-encompassing nature of motherhood — that hits you instantly and, at the same time, slowly sets in — can be overwhelming. As many say, you’re not just giving birth to a child, but to a new version of yourself.
Kislev 5782: How Do You Define Home?
The past two months have been a bit of a whirlwind. My husband, son and I left Moscow to go back to America for the Jewish holidays, stayed there for six weeks and from there went straight to Israel for three more weeks, for my sister’s wedding. The entire experience was magical and so special amidst the exhaustion that naturally came with it all. It was a period that brought immense connection, spirituality and reflection — in some unexpected ways.
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.
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