We hosted a community Shabbat dinner for all the teens in our group and their parents, creating a warm and inclusive gathering that brought families together. One parent shared that this was the first time they truly felt connected to the larger community and understood the impact the group has on their teen. A teen mentioned how meaningful it was to see their parents involved and proud of their participation, which strengthened their sense of belonging. Families who had only met briefly before were able to build real relationships, making it easier for both parents and teens to feel comfortable and supported going forward. The event helped turn a group of individuals into a more connected and engaged community.

We had the best time at our murder mystery Shabbat! … Everyone was given a character role that they played. It was hilarious, entertaining, and unforgettable. I loved having an opportunity to do something a little different for Shabbat. Shockingly, everyone got really into their characters. It was a blast.

It was great evening of moms bonding over our much needed and long overdue relaxation. There was a chiropractor, leg compression sleeves, face masks, a personal trainer, a yoga instructor, a boutique brought some clothes and accessories, plus we had food and wine. Several moms felt guilty that they had put off their own health and well-being for so long. By hearing that others had done the same, the guilt/shame went away. And many of them made plans to work together to help each other do better for themselves going forward.

I planned a Jewish mindfulness and intention-setting workshop designed for individuals who wanted to explore Jewish spirituality in an accessible, experiential way. The gathering focused on slowing down, grounding ourselves, and connecting Jewish wisdom to personal growth. We did a grounding exercise, using Jewish breathing practices inspired by teachings on neshamah. Participants received small cards with short Jewish texts—verses from Psalms, teachings from Pirkei Avot, or lines from contemporary Jewish poets. In pairs or small groups, they reflected on how the text speaks to their lives today and that was very impactful.