Mental Health and the Holidays
Thank you Rav Yoni Rosensweig for these incredible words of chizuk/strength about mental health and the high holidays with a few reminders.
"Those Who Sow in Tears Will Reap in Joy"
This moving piece from Rachel Rosenthal so eloquently weaves together the pain and joy of the holidays and life through the lens of infertility and loss.
Anger Towards G-d
Especially during the time of the Yamim Tovim when our year is laid out for us by G-d, you may feel anger towards G-d for choosing infertility and loss for you and for causing you pain year after year.
Don’t Ask Anyone If They Are Fasting… Ever.
Tonight begins Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year. And sometimes more than the themes of atonement and forgiveness, people tend to focus on the food...or lack thereof.
Forgiveness
Sometimes we forget how powerful forgiveness can be when we are in a dark place. Even in the face of the unforgivable - it’s important to remember that forgiveness is not just for THEM, it’s also for YOU.
“Last Year I Stood In Shul”
A letter to G-d from a member of the community before Yom Kippur. “Dear G-d…. I call out to you from the bottom of my heart, please bless me with a better year. Fondly, your daughter.”
This Year
To those of you who have found enough peace to make it through the holidays, we support you. To those of you feeling deep deep pain and struggling to make sense of it all, we support you too.
You Will Get Through This
Yom Kippur just ended, Sukkot is coming in 3 days, next week starts Infant & Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month?!? You are going to get through this.
Spoon Theory
Have you heard of spoon theory? Spoon theory empowers people to set boundaries to safeguard their mental and physical wellbeing. It’s a reminder to save some spoons to take care of yourself.
Things Are Not Always What They Seem
This piece shares an important reminder that you can’t always tell what someone is going through just based on how they look on the outside.
Holding Different Emotions
Just because you are sad about one part in your life doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy other parts, especially during holidays. It’s OK to hold different emotions at once.
It’s OK to Say No
Here’s a message for Chol Hamoed but also all the time: Go easy on yourself. Just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you HAVE to. It’s ok to say no.
Sukkot Reflections
Swipe to read this beautiful voice from the community about the profound impact of this community and how the sukkot holiday has impacted this follower.
Tips When Life is Overwhelming
Here are some tips for when life is overwhelming and it feels like the world is falling apart. They include: prioritize, meditate, practice mindfulness and more.
Staying On Top Of Everything
And now with all the things going on in Israel, how does anyone manage "regular" things anymore? This is the question we keep getting...that no one has an answer for.
Why People May Not Offer Support
If someone doesn't reach out or offer support while you are struggling with infertility or loss it does not mean you don't deserve love and support during this time!
Small Talk
That feeling when someone asks you "How are you?" and you contemplate telling them the honest truth, but then you decide otherwise and just answer with "I'm fine".
Celebrate Victories
Don't let the worries of tomorrow's troubles take away from today's peace. It's ok to take a break from the dark thoughts. Giving yourself a moment to enjoy the good in life won't make you a bad person.
You Can’t Control What Is Happening
You may be feeling a sense of helplessness. So much is out of our control. The only thing we can control is how we respond.
“Make Jewish Babies”
Everyone is asking: how can I help? Please know that even if you cannot bring more Jewish babies into the world right now, there are other ways you can help.