Finding Meaning in Judaism for with Mental Illness
Spirituality can be a great source of comfort and hope, especially during times of crisis. As a Jewish mother of two children with mental health diagnosis, my perspective on almost everything is filtered through the lens of their struggles. One silver lining in the dark cloud of parenting a child with mental illness is finding deeper meaning into Jewish traditions and Torah teachings.
Reflections on Jewish Holidays & Mental Health
Beyond the Palace Walls: Reflections on Mental Health for Purim
How Queen Esther's courage 2,000 years ago inspires us to seek help to improve quality of life and actually save lives. People of all backgrounds can find meaning in my family's mental health treatment story and our connnection to the Purim holiday. Featured by the Blue Dove Foundation.
Rekindling Faith: Reflections on Mental Health for Hanukkah
Read my article on finding inspiration from the Hanukkah story to support my daughter through inpatient psychiatric treatment for acute depression and suicidal ideation. Featured by the Blue Dove Foundation.
Strengthen One Another: Reflections on Mental Health for Simchat Torah
Read about why the commandment "to be fully happy" on the holiday is one of the most difficult. Featured by the Blue Dove Foundation.
A Time of Joy & Happiness This COVID-19 Year: Reflections on Mental Health for Sukkot
Read about the darker side of a joyous holiday during a pandemic. Featured by the Blue Dove Foundation.
For the Sin That We Have Sinned: Reflections on Mental Health for Yom Kippur
Read about reciting the Viduy (confession) prayer through a mental health challenge and what I learned and the need for forgiveness. Featured by the Blue Dove Foundation.
Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die? Reflections on Mental Health for the High Holidays
Sharing my reflections as a mother of a struggling teen. Ten percent of young adults say they experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year. Awareness and support is the first step to saving lives. The messages in the article can apply to anyone no matter what religion. Featured by eJewish Philanthropy and the Blue Dove Foundation.
REACTIONS
"Your post may me tear up with the vivid sense of what could have been in that moment."
- Rabbi Mordechai Soskil, author of Questions Obnoxious Jewish Teenagers Ask
Our Bodies Are Our Temples
Read about the connection with self-harm and prayers for for personal bodily temples of those stuggling with mental health to be repaired and rebuilt in good health and peace. Featured by Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools and the Blue Dove Foundation.
REACTIONS
"Absolutely beautiful, meaningful and uplifting. You have given me a new dimension of understanding Tisha B'Av."
- Rabbi Shmuel Silber, Institute for Jewish Continuity