By Mindy Rubenstein Seventeen years ago, my husband and I, along with our two oldest kids—then just toddlers—attended our first Shabbat dinner with Chabad. That evening sparked the beginning of our journey toward becoming more religiously observant.Growing up mostly secular, I had so much to learn about Judaism and wanted to do everything right away. … Continue reading Climbing Your Ladder: A Spiritual Journey of Growth and Connection
Tag: 12 steps
Untangling Emotions: Reconnecting with My True Self
By Mindy Rubenstein For much of my life, I was deeply attuned to others—reading their emotions, especially when they seemed angry or unhappy, and absorbing their energy. I wasn’t just noticing their feelings; I was drawn to it, as if their mood was my responsibility. Over time, this left me disconnected from my own emotions, … Continue reading Untangling Emotions: Reconnecting with My True Self
Some personal thougths from a mom in Israel…
Photo by Dalia Rubenstein: Sunset over Zichron Yaakov, Israel July 29 Journal Entry I'm on 50 mg of Zoloft, and it's been 11 days now. This morning for the first time in a while, I felt like smiling. I spent time with Ariella. Our conversations are always deep and meaningful, and I truly enjoy them. … Continue reading Some personal thougths from a mom in Israel…
We don’t have to suffer alone.
I’m a Jewess, and I made Aliyah. As much as I choose to focus on the good, I also acknowledge that it’s really hard. Advocating for my children, and acclimating to this totally new life—it’s a deeply challenging and rewarding investment. We may feel confused, distracted, overwhelmed, or deeply sad. Maybe more irritable and tense, … Continue reading We don’t have to suffer alone.
He’s trying to reach me, if only I’ll pay attention.
I’m trying to live as if things are normal. But at the moment I feel a bit lost, disconnected. Sometimes waves of pain come through me, physically and emotionally. A toothache. Injured toe. Sore knee. But it's the emotional pain that takes me over and seems unbearable. Oh, the lonliness. The story I tell myself. … Continue reading He’s trying to reach me, if only I’ll pay attention.
Tree of Life & Forest Bathing
I love trees. They literally have the power to heal us. Today I wasn't feeling so great. So I took my laptop outside and worked at a table next to a tree. I leaned against it, felt its rough bark, noticed the shape of its leaves. I sat out there for hours, taking in the … Continue reading Tree of Life & Forest Bathing
Our Jewish Mission
When our plane landed in Eretz Yisrael five months ago, it was my first time ever being physically in this land. But it was a homecoming for my soul. My grandparents, Adeline and William, visited here a few decades ago. Each week I use the green-glass Shabbat candlesticks they bought in Jerusalem, along with the silver … Continue reading Our Jewish Mission
The Power of a Smile
Fake it till you make it. It’s now Adar on the Jewish calendar, which our sages say is a month inherently infused with increased joy. But each year at this time, I reflect on why I don’t necessarily feel a spike of simcha. Now that we have made Aliyah, evidence of Adar and the upcoming … Continue reading The Power of a Smile
Continuing My Mission in the Holy Land
I am so grateful to be growing my business from here in the Holy Land. Five months ago I made Aliyah with my family. It’s been a monumental adventure—setting up our home, getting our children in the right schools, learning Hebrew, and exploring this amazing land. During my 25 years as an independent Jewish journalist, … Continue reading Continuing My Mission in the Holy Land
Strong and Courageous: ‘We’ won today’s battle with the Yetzar Hara
We won today’s battle with the yetzar hara, the evil inclination. Those insidious thoughts that told me I’m lacking — that others are better, smarter, more motivated and successful — were weighing me down. Then I read a quote from psalms — “Look to the Lord: be strong and courageous,” it said. But the words … Continue reading Strong and Courageous: ‘We’ won today’s battle with the Yetzar Hara
Mindy Morasha 