Lifestyles

Mitzvot and Kindness Mark Visit to a Recycling Center

As I took my bottles and cans to EDCO Recycle this morning, I reflected that the “haul” used to be filled with Diet Coke cans. However, years ago, I switched to SodaStream, an Israeli product that carbonates your water.  I don’t add any syrups.  I simply drink fizzy water.  The volume of my recycling has decreased, but I feel, nevertheless, that I am dong my part for the environment. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Romance Novella Emphasizes Importance of True Communication

Arielle Weiss and Asher Gold are home for the Thanksgiving holiday in Chicago and run into each other at the local neighborhood bar as they reunite with others from their Hebrew School class. They immediately locked eyes on each other and stepped away from the group to talk. Each received mixed signals. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Founders of Western Negev Towns More Resilient than Younger Members after Oct. 7, 2023 Terror Attacks

About 64% of the respondents were residents of the kibbutzim, 33% of them were the next generation of the families that founded the kibbutz or the Moshav, in which they live. 83% were at home that Saturday October 7, and 45% of them directly experienced the infiltration of the terrorists. 52% reported that they had a family member/close friend who was murdered, kidnapped, or wounded during the events of October 7. [Press Release]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education

Males Buy Themselves Trouble when Suppressing Emotions

Dr. Levant, a renowned psychologist, delves into the underlying emotional and psychological challenges that many men face in contemporary society. He addresses the traditional notions of masculinity that often compel men to suppress emotions, leading to detrimental effects on mental health and interpersonal relationships. The book provides insights into overcoming these stereotypes and encourages men to engage in healthier emotional expression and vulnerability. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

How to Find Liberation Through Acceptance

Although I had no control over the progression of her disease, I did have a choice regarding how I could  respond to it. I could choose to deny her condition, continue with life as usual, and, in doing so, avoid my aching heart, none of which would cure her or serve her. Or, I could tenderly accept this new reality. [Shayna Kaufmann]

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International, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shayna Kaufmann, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Hillel Responds with Compassion to Fire and Shooting Near SDSU Campus

After the fire was contained, the stay-in-place order was lifted, and everyone was able to go home– we learned a student’s apartment had severe smoke damage and she needed a place to stay. We called on our amazing community and a remarkable community family hosted this student for Shabbat and the weekend– ensuring she felt nurtured and cared for. Well-being was our priority. [Karen Parry]

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Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Mothers Can Ameliorate Children’s PTSD, Study Finds

Mothers may need to process information relevant to the child and the situation efficiently and rapidly (e.g., understanding the threat and quickly evacuating to a safe room), mediate the situation to the child, and regulate her own and the child’s emotions. Therefore, the mother’s ability to effectively convey relevant information may contribute to her ability to respond appropriately to the child in critical moments and strengthen the child’s personal resilience. [Press Release]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education

Diverse days in Israel

How were Jews supposed to celebrate Simhat Torah (simcha means joyous) on the anniversary of the massacre? At our synagogue, ordinarily we would go outside and take turns dancing with the Torah scrolls. This year, in a more sedate manner, we stayed inside and made do with circling around the sanctuary. This was done to denote the subdued atmosphere and for safety reasons, because of the daily rocket attacks, mostly from Lebanon, which attack many areas of Israel. [Steve Kramer]

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International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food

Easing Loneliness with Compassionate Listening

Jewish Family Service offers a companion program called “Friendly Match” to connect volunteers – everyday San Diegans who are looking to practice compassionate listening and give back – with local seniors experiencing loneliness of all faiths and backgrounds. [Rabbi Susan Freeman]

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Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors