As a professional baker, the sight of my dough double in size is one that sparks joy for me every time I bake. Watching bread pouf up in the oven gives me a feeling of satisfaction. An indication of a good product or at least being on the right track…

To be Bisimcha doesn’t mean to be happy. — it’s means experiencing. shleimus. To be complete. It’s not possible to always be happy. If you are — it’s fake. You’re not being real with yourself. Shlemius means feeling the full range of emotions. Even tishabav is called a Moed! It…

Many a curious time, I pondered the miracle of the tree, How from a tiny, corruptible seed, She blossoms so undauntingly. Long before her branches show, The seedling grows her way, Into a firmly rooted, unbreakable core, Strong and free of sway. When at last her branches grow, And blossom green with life, No rain, no storm, no howling wind, Can destroy her in the strife. When the inevitable storms do lash out,

one of pause and inner grace A path to mend the soul, A quest for a safer place. It begins with self-reflection, and readiness to grow. The will to face the fears, And allowing the wounds to show. It’s about learning to live freely, with an open and loving heart Listening to your inner voice, And embracing a fresh new start, I know that healing is a process, It needs time, courage, and fight, patience, gentleness, and grit.

NAVIGATING CONFLICT AND CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR Fresh Start Alumni Webinar with Dr. Stuart Ablon Ph.D. and Rabbi YY Jacobson Compiled by Rabbi Yanky Goldstein M.Ed. Children do well when they can. When a child exhibits a challenging behavior, he is usually lacking skill, not will, to do better. Oftentimes, children aren’t…

Chanuka is that Godly ability to create purpose, perseverance and perspective in the times of our lives with the least amount of light and warmth and at. the time of year with the least amount of light and warmth. As life propels forward and creation marches towards our collective purpose…

The House Didn’t Burn Down My experiential. The unspoken pending, Peering in, Vulnerable. Plain scared, Worried of judgment, Horrified of unveiling myself, Intimidated by the what ifs. Letting go, Showing myself, Unguarded and seen. Gut wrenching sobs, Deep howls of pain, Remembering the trauma, Looking at the abuse in the face. Asking the group to close their eyes as I opened mine, Looking around, The house did not burn down, The souls in the room seemed to stand up for me.

She is so sacred, so holy. And she allowed me. I fear it is too much of a responsibility to allow her in. I fear I can’t protect her enough. But she sat there and begged. She looked at me and opened her big eyes. And her eyes spoke louder…

Making Decisions So, you may be waiting for me to write some creative and emotional poetry coming from the inside of my heart. No, I won't be doing that. No. I can't be doing that. You see, trauma is blocking me from tapping into my creative side. I will tell…