Blog


  • Indigenous Language Revitalization Saves Lives: an Interview with Nicki Benson

    Indigenous Language Revitalization Saves Lives: an Interview with Nicki Benson

    Indigenous Language Revitalization has positive impacts on the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Matthew Ponak interviews Nicki Benson about the work she is doing to support Indigenous people in their efforts to reawaken their “sleeping languages.”

  • A Light in the Darkness: Retelling the Hanukkah Story for a New Generation

    A Light in the Darkness: Retelling the Hanukkah Story for a New Generation

    How can we pass on a story if we don’t believe it or if we don’t like its message? Ḥanukkah is quickly approaching. Each year I struggle with the same question of how to make this holiday meaningful for my kids.

  • Growing Because of, Not Despite, Difficulties

    Growing Because of, Not Despite, Difficulties

    Part of being human is having difficulties. And, our difficulties can come from any number of sources. For starters, change is constant and any change can be stressful – even a positive change!  So what are us mere mortals to do in the face of the inevitable difficulties?

  • Mindfulness, Shabbat and Chronic Pain

    Mindfulness, Shabbat and Chronic Pain

    Chronic pain is a construct from the brain which research shows that mindfulness can reduce. “Religious” meditation turns out to be more effective than its secular alternative. Shabbat can be a pain-relieving retreat.

  • Focusing and Jewish Mysticism

    Focusing and Jewish Mysticism

    Going Down to Go Up Judaism is overflowing with maps of spiritual transformation. One prominent example from Hasidic mysticism is the path of descending for…

  • Are All Rabbis Created Equal?

    Are All Rabbis Created Equal?

    Who is actually qualified to discuss Judaism today? How are different rabbis trained and who should you trust with your particular questions?

  • Every Dictionary You Need to Study Hebrew and Aramaic Texts

    Every Dictionary You Need to Study Hebrew and Aramaic Texts

    Here is a list of all of the best dictionaries, web resources and apps for studying Hebrew and Aramaic once you understand the fundamental grammar.

  • 5 Things Transpersonal Psychologists Should Know about Judaism

    5 Things Transpersonal Psychologists Should Know about Judaism

    Here are five golden nuggets from the world of Torah that transpersonal psychologists—and those they inspire—will benefit from knowing.

  • 12 Types of Kabbalah: A Guide for the Mystified

    12 Types of Kabbalah: A Guide for the Mystified

    What is Kabbalah anyways? The great number of ways the word “Kabbalah” is used can be overwhelming. Today, many different groups (often competing with one-another) teach divergent practices and philosophies of Kabbalah, often with unique origin stories for how this type of mysticism came to be. This article clarifies the differences and helps cut through the confusion.