Marcia Kesner's article on Pesach cleaning and OCD has been published on the Times of Israel. If cleaning for Pesach causes considerable stress and anxiety for the sufferer and for those around him and her, the ritual of cleaning may have passed its function of religious observance and is … [Read more...]
Too much of a good thing
Marcia Kesner's article on emotional overeating during the holidays has been published in Times of Israel. Purim, one of the happiest holidays of the year, poses unique challenges to emotional eaters. The abundance of junk food flowing through your home, the stress of organizing the holiday … [Read more...]
Passover cleaning, chametz, and OCD
Two weeks to two months before Passover, we go on the hunt for chametz. We clean every corner of the house, we move the fridge and stove, we clean under chairs and couches, we dig deep inside the crevices of our furniture. In some communities, we scrub meticulously every surface, crevice, and crack … [Read more...]
Are you experiencing guilt during the High Holidays?
The Jewish calendar is famous for having time periods set aside for different aspects of human living. The days spanning Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are known as a time for introspection, resolution, and change. While this lends an opportunity for self-growth and forgiveness, many people find … [Read more...]
How judgement gets in the way of happiness
Affirmation is one of the most indispensable of the human needs. Without at least some degree of validation and appreciation, it is barely possible to survive, let alone thrive. If we do not feel this sense of validation, we spend our time seeking it out from others, whether we admit it or not. A … [Read more...]
