Month: September 2017

It’s the season of guilt for past misdeeds with the day of atonement quickly approaching. But, is this actually helpful for repentance?

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At the recent VMAs (Video Music Awards), rapper Logic took the stage armed with more than lyrics and a compelling voice. Joining the rising star on stage was a host of suicide survivors. Rather than taking the stage to sing, their task was vigorously clapping as Logic looked the audience in the eye and declared Read More …

We do things that seem strange and out-of-line to others. If we can embrace our quirks and nuances, we will make peace with ourselves and feel great.

Marriage Advisor at Refuat Hanefesh
Rabbi Dani Bauer, originally from Brooklyn, NY, earned a Bachelor’s of Talmudic Law at Yeshivat Sha'alvim in Israel and a Bachelor's in Psychology at Lander College for Men. He obtained Semicha at Yeshiva University and received an M.S. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli School of Education. He graduated from Council for Relationships with a postgraduate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Rabbi Bauer recently joined Bala Child and Family Associates, where he works in private practice and specializes in couples, families, and teens. In addition to private practice, Rabbi Bauer is also a full-time high school Rebbe at Kohelet Yeshiva High School in Philadelphia, where he has been teaching Gemara, Halacha, and Tanach since 2013. Along his journey, Rabbi Bauer also served as a rabbinic intern and youth director at the Roslyn Synagogue in Roslyn, New York.
Dani Bauer

The Puffer Fish: A Study in Self-Preservation I recently saw a puffer fish at the aquarium. Famously, when a puffer fish senses danger, it puffs out to protect itself with its sharp thorn-like bristles. The fish can now protect itself and defend itself from predators. Possibly the most natural instinct is self-preservation. This innate proclivity Read More …

Tzivia Appleman graduated from the HANC High School class of 2017. She spent the following year studying in Israel at MMY and is currently in its Shana Bet program. Afterwards, she will be attending NYU. Tzivia is from Plainview, New York and is the former Regional President of New York NCSY. She's a passionate Jew who loves to write and take down the stigma!
Tzivia Appleman
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As the natural course runs its time, songs rise and fall from the music chart rankings. However, my interest of late has not been subservient to who rules the charts. There was one controversial song populating the charts’ hits which intrigued me for its curious title alone: “1-800-273-8255”, sung by the hit rapper Logic and Read More …

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Dr. Ariel Mintz grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After spending two years learning in Israel, at Derech Eitz Chaim and Shaalivm, he earned his BA in Psychology at Yeshiva Univesity in New York. He went on to obtain his MD at Oakland University William Beaumont School of medicine and trained in adult psychiatry at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. He completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic and is a practicing psychiatrist in Cleveland, Ohio. He has received awards for his research, academic performance, and service to the Jewish community. He has a supportive and talented wife and three wonderful children. He is very passionate about destigmatizing mental illness and bringing comfort to those who are suffering.
Ariel Mintz, MD
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This week’s Torah portion (Ki Teitzei), encourages us to not turn a blind eye towards the loss or destruction of another person’s possessions, even if that person is not a friend. Rather, one should act assertively to help save or recover those valuables. The Talmud extends this principle further to include saving one’s life.   Read More …