A Message to our Readers

How often are you overcome with feelings of self-pity? Who among us hasn’t wallowed in despair over our lot in life to the extent its effect was accompanied by heartfelt groans and complaints? In all areas of life a person faces various challenges. Whether these obstacles are medical, financial, familial or communal in nature, one must develop ways to cope with and overcome these problems. Is feeling sorry for oneself a proper response to the burdens of raising a child with a developmental disability?

It is taught that “the groan of a Jew which arises from physical distress is a great teshuvah; how much more so then is a groan arising from spiritual distress a lofty and effective teshuvah.” Applying this to our situation, the self-expression of pain or pity on one’s predicament need not necessarily be a negative denunciation of our problems. That krechtz should not be viewed as a surrender to the tribulations we face. It can and must mark the beginning of a paradigm shift which lifts us up and empowers us to continue on in a stronger measure and more capably than before. Don’t let despair and self-pity get you down or become an impediment. We must be vigilant keeping in mind that the purpose of these moments of angst and anguish is to help us grow. A positive attitude in the face of adversity is cathartic and empowering.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy summer.

Rabbi Simon Lauber
Founder & CEO

Founder & CEO
Rabbi Simon Lauber
slauber@spiritmag.org

Editor-in-Chief
Gershon Sabol
gershon@spiritmag.org

Rabbinical Advisory Board
Rabbi Chaim L. Rottenberg, shlita
Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer, shlita

Editor
Dini Sternhill
dinis@spiritmag.org

Copy Editor
Arielle Miller
Gitty Stiel

Magazine Layout & Design
Mark Weisz Design
www.markweisz.com

Web Layout & Design
Baruch Lebovits

Editorial Advisory Board
Elisheva Stein
Michelle Steinhart

Contributors
Liba Rivka Cohen
Linda Ellis
Bracha N. Findgood
Tziri Frank
Elana Horwitz
Anna Jaworski
Krassy Klein
Yaakov Kornreich
Esther Krausz
Kristone
Melanie Kwestel
Elisheva Rosenfeld
Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.
T. M.
Y. P. F.