Rabbi Edythe Held Mencher, L.C.S.W.
What We Can Learn from Ruth and Naomi about Mental Health
Shavuot offers a glimpse at how others in our tradition faced unimaginable and unremitting losses – and were sometimes helped to prevail. There are powerful lessons for us within the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth.
Responding to Spiritual Questions and Emotional Needs after Tragedies
Following tragedies, especially those that are manmade, people of all ages have questions about how a good God could let terrible tragedies happen.
How We Can Embrace Those Struggling with Severe Depression
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to consider how we can help prevent and treat mental illness – including the agonizing scourge of clinical depression. It’s also the month leading up to Shavuot, when we read the Book of Ruth. The story of Ruth and Naomi includes powerful lessons about how relationships and community can restore and sustain those facing difficult times.
Police Brutality and People with Disabilities: What Can We Do?
The Ruderman Family Foundation recently released The Ruderman White Paper on Media Coverage of Law Enforcement Use of Force and Disability. As an authority on the topic of disabilities, the foundation issued this groundbreaking report to share its own perspective and help readers understand this complex issue.
Helping Children to Process Acts of Terrorism
When acts of terror occur, we are all filled with sadness and shock; worries about our own security and the security of those we love may become sharply increased in the aftermath of such devastation. Despite feeling confused and vulnerable ourselves, we feel called upon to offer explanation and reassurance to our children.