Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T. Clinical reflections on the Parasha through a psychotherapist lens. Using Artificial intelligence writing for defining clinical ideas and weekly Parasha study to cultivate thought provoking weekly insights.
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Showing Results 80 - 91 (91 total)
Interconnectedness in the Beginning
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
October 13th, 2023
This week we begin Parshat Bereshit, the inaugural Torah portion. During a week where many of us have felt our hearts physically in one place but emotionally in another place with our fellow Bnei Yisrael in Aretz Yisrael, the Parsha invites us to delve into the profound interplay of interconnectedness, both within the natural world and within ourselves as human beings. The brutality of the terrorist events in Aretz Yisrael have affected us all du …
Family Dynamics
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
October 19th, 2023
Parshat Noach delves into the story of Noah and the great flood. The central focus of the parsha is the family of Noah, who, together with his wife, three sons, and their wives, survive the deluge aboard the ark. This tight-knit family of eight navigate the challenges of confinement and isolation during their time on the ark, offering us profound insights into familial interactions and their psychological dynamics. Family dynamics refer to …
Attitude of Gratitude
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
October 29th, 2023
Parasha Lech Lecha begins the story of the birth of Bnei Yisrael. While many of us are familiar with the quality of ‘Chesed’ – Loving kindness being directly associated with Avraham, one of his key qualities that is understated is one of his ability to show gratitude. The Parsha provides us with keen insight into the psychological concept of cultivating an attitude of gratitude. The beginning of the Parsha states: “ …
Harvesting Joy: Exploring Sukkot and the Psychology of Happiness
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
October 2nd, 2023
As Yom Kippur comes to a close, we are quickly ushered into the Chag of Sukkot. There is a mitzvah to rejoice on all of the holidays, yet there is special emphasis on being joyful during Sukkot. The Yalkut Shimoni highlights that the Torah commands us to rejoice on Sukkot three times (as opposed to Shavuot, when we are commanded once, and Pesach, when we are not explicitly commanded to rejoice). Furthermore, in our holiday prayers, each holiday i …
Family Dynamics (Parshat Noach)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
October 31st, 2024
Parshat Noach delves into the story of Noah and the great flood. The central focus of the parsha is the family of Noah, who, together with his wife, three sons, and their wives, survive the deluge aboard the ark. This tight-knit family of eight navigate the challenges of confinement and isolation during their time on the ark, offering us profound insights into familial interactions and their psychological dynamics. Family dynamics refer to …
A Path to Redemption: Tips from Addiction Treatment
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
September 13th, 2023
Azarat Yemi Teshuva During Azarat Yemi Teshuva, we engage in deep introspection, reflection, and repentance, seeking forgiveness for our sins and striving to improve ourselves in the eyes of Hashem. The concept of Teshuva, or repentance, is central to these ten days. It reminds us that we are not defined by our past mistakes; instead, we have the power to change and grow. The process of Teshuva involves acknowledging our wrongdoing, feeling …
Overcoming the Bystander Effect (Parshat Ki Teitzei)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
September 13th, 2024
In Parshat Ki Teitzei we encounter various laws and ethical guidelines that address our responsibilities towards others. In the second perek of the parsha Moshe Rabeynu expresses, “lo-tireh et-shor aḥícha o et-seyo niddaḥím vehit'allamta mehem hashev teshívem leaḥícha” – “If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep gone astray, do not ignore it; you must take it back to your peer& …
Empowerment through Self-Efficacy (Parshat Ki Tavo)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
September 20th, 2024
Parshat Ki Tavo spells out the blessings and curses first introduced earlier in Sefer Devarim prior to Bnei Yisrael’s entry into Ertz Yisrael. As the Parasha ends, Moshe Rabeiynu imparts a message of empowerment to the Bnei Yisrael, reminding them of their ability to uphold the covenant and follow the commandments. He instills in them the belief that they possess the necessary skills and strength to overcome challenges by focusing on positi …
Unity Through Mutual Responsibility
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
September 27th, 2024
In Parshat Nitzavim we encounter the concept of mutual responsibility, which holds profound psychological significance pertaining to collective wellbeing. Moshe gathers the entire nation for his final address to renew our covenant with Hashem. Mutual responsibility teaches us that we are connected. Regardless of background, status, or personal journey, every individual is united in this pivotal moment, forming a collective covenant. The fi …
Nitzavim: Unity Through Mutual Responsibility
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
September 6th, 2023
In Parshat Nitzavim we encounter the concept of mutual responsibility, which holds profound psychological significance pertaining to collective wellbeing. Moshe gathers the entire nation for his final address to renew our covenant with Hashem. Mutual responsibility teaches us that we are connected. Regardless of background, status, or personal journey, every individual is united in this pivotal moment, forming a collective covenant. The fi …
Favorable Judgement (Parshat Shoftim)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
September 6th, 2024
In Parshat Shoftim we learn about the establishment of a just society, through the appointment of judges and officers. While the Torah discusses the importance of impartial judgment in legal matters, it also subtly emphasizes the value of judging ourselves and others favorably on a psychological and interpersonal level. It is fitting that my Bar Mitzvah Parasha, which always falls around my birthday of Rosh Chodesh Elul, deals with judgement. No …