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Discovering Israel, Adventure, and Growth at Heller High

Crystal Hill
As the leaves begin to turn in North America and young people return to school, some teens in grades 10-12 have embarked on a back-to-school trek that spans oceans and time zones. These teens have elected to spend a semester in the URJ Heller High program at Alexander Muss High School in Hod HaSharon, Israel.

Embracing Jewish Tradition to Process Trauma and Grief

Beth Lipschutz, MSW
Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, and diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Many of us in the Jewish community have experienced some sort of trauma or grief due to October 7th, the ongoing conflict, and the global rise in antisemitism.

Flowers From Pain: Growing in the Face of Trauma

Ellie Rudee
As we mark the second anniversary of October 7th, the story of Ofri Etta Reiner, a young woman who survived the Nova music festival massacre, offers a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and growth.

Poems of Sorrow and Hope

Rabbi Hanna Yerushalmi
As I wrestled with my feelings after October 7th, I found that poetry offered me an unexpected outlet. Whether reflecting on the lives lost, the joy of seeing hostages come home, or the comfort I found in our traditions, writing gave me a respite from the complex emotions I was experiencing.