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#MyJewishGrandparents

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These are my grandparents Nazima and Yechezkiel.

They led a life of luxury in Iraq until rising antisemitic persecution and violence forced them to emigrate to Israel with nothing but the clothes on their backs. 

I owe my life to them. 

They gave up everything to return to our Jewish homeland, and their story is at the heart of why I love Israel so much – and why it’s essential for us to be able to feel safe in our indigenous home. 

Right now, I’m surrounded by people saying Israel is a ‘white colonizer oppressior’ state. Maybe you are too. 

It’s so important that non-Jews understand this simply isn’t true. 

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Our Top 18 Hanukkah Gift Ideas from Jewish Businesses and Creators for 2023

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This year, I’m looking forward to Hanukkah more than ever before. The reminder that each one of us has the power to bring light to the darkness has never resonated so much. And I think just about all of us Jews need the pick-me-up this joyful holiday provides. 

As I prepare for the holiday (which starts the evening of Thursday, December 7 this year), I’m making it a priority to focus on supporting Jewish-owned businesses and Jewish and Israeli creators. One good thing to have come out of this tragic time is the phenomenal sense of unity among the Jewish people, and there are so many amazing Jewish businesses to support – many of which are struggling right now.

Whether you’re looking for ideas for gifts for loved ones or are wanting to treat yourself for the Festival of Lights, I hope you’ll find just the thing among our very favorite Hanukkah gift options for 2023. 

Petite Floating Magen Necklace by Ariel Tidhar

Magen David Necklace

If recent events have got you in the mood for a new #PDJ (public display of Judaism), you can’t do any better than to turn to jewelry designer and Smashing Life member Ariel Tidhar. Speaking of which… we’re actually giving one of these beauties in our Make a New Jewish Bestie Challenge running from Monday, November 26 through Thursday, November 30, so sign up now for your chance to win it!

Blue Pattern Menorah by Maiyan Ben Yona

Modern Menorah

Handcrafted in Israel by ceramicist Maiyan Ben Yona, this unique menorah consists of 9 separate pieces (eight of the same size and a larger shamash) that you can arrange as you like!

Talia Dreidel Terrarium by Adara Rituals

Dreidel Terrarium

If you’re after some Hanukkah decor that’s sleek, sophisticated, and not even the tiniest bit cheesy, this dreidel terrarium is second to none. Fill it with floral arrangements, succulent gardens, twinkle lights, or gelt – or let the design stand for itself. 

The Diamonds of the Holy Land Necklace by Solo✦K Jewelry

Israel Necklace

Keep our homeland close to your heart always with this gorgeous 14k gold pendant (available in yellow white, or rose gold) by Israel-based luxury jeweler Solo✦K.

Hamsa Embroidery Kit 

Jewish Embroidery

If you need a new hobby to distract you from doom scrolling, how abut some Jewish embroidery? This lovely kit features a hamsa surrounded by colorful and decorative elements – and once completed, it’ll look stunning up on your wall. 

Jewish Joy Journal

Jewish Joy Journal

Part goal planner, part gratitude journal, part non-judgmental Jewish BFF, The Jewish Joy Journal (written and created by ME!) will help us, as Jewish women, connect more deeply with our Jewish identity, achieve our goals, and increase our happiness, resilience, and productivity during challenging times.

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Register for our FREE ‘Make a New Jewish Bestie’ Challenge – we get started this Sunday November 26!

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Since the atrocities of October 7, so many of us are feeling the need to connect with fellow Jews now more than ever. During this hard time for our people, nourishing Jewish friendships energize us and make us feel comforted, connected and understood.

That’s why I’m running running the Make a New Jewish Bestie Challenge from this Sunday, November 26 through Thursday, November 30.

If you’re lucky enough to already have strong Jewish friendships you’ll want to join the Jewish Bestie Challenge to make even more! And if you don’t have many Jewish friends, or a community who gets how you’re feeling right now, this challenge is exactly what you need to feel whole again.

And although the new friends and deepened connections you’ll make are the real reward, for a little extra excitement we’ll also be giving away three STUNNING Magen David necklaces by three different Jewish jewellery designers! 

JOIN THE CHALLENGE FOR FREE

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Join Us For a Jewish Community Zoom Get-Together This Sunday November 12

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This Sunday November 12, I’m running another FREE 90-minute community Zoom get-together for everyone who could use some support, a mindset boost, and some connection right now.

I’ve had such incredible feedback from the past two sessions I’ve led, and as we continue dealing with rising Jew hate, I want to help you feel empowered, uplifted, and connected with other Jews who get how you’re feeling right now.

The event will take place this Sunday November 12, at 8:30 PM UK / 3:30 PM NYC / 12:30 PM LA, and you’ll find:

  • Connection, community, and camaraderie with fellow Jews who understand what you’re going through right now – including breakout sessions to say whatever you are feeling
  • Q&A session – for advice and guidance on anything you want to talk about or share
  • Support for a positive mindset and finding meaning in the pain.

This event is free and open to all, so please do register now  – and share with anyone you think could benefit.
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Jewish Self-Care: How to Deal with the Stress of Jew Hate

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Photo by Claudine Hartzel

How are you doing? If the answer is “not so great,” you’re not alone. The past three weeks have seen some of the darkest days the Jewish community has experienced in most of our lifetimes, and it can feel like there’s no end in sight. 

Between grieving the incomprehensible brutality and loss of life on October 7, the overwhelming silence from friends and the world at large in the days following, and now, blatant Jew hate beyond what many of us thought was possible in the 21st century, we’ve all been through a lot. 

I know it’s easy to minimize what those of us outside of Israel, who don’t have friends or family who’ve been killed or taken hostage, are experiencing, but the reality is that this conflict is taking its toll on all of us. 

And it’s essential to make sure we’re doing what it takes to sustain our strength so we have the energy to keep supporting our loved ones, speaking out for Jews and Israel, and bringing much-needed Jewish joy into the world. 

If you’re struggling, I’m sharing some Jewish self-care tips that I hope will help you take back control and give you the support you need to stay empowered and avoid burning out during this undeniably tough time. 

Limit your news intake

This is one of the hardest but most important tips. I know the urge to keep doomscrolling is so strong right now, but past a certain point the urge to be constantly up-to-date can do more harm than good. 

Consuming the steady drip of bad news – not to mention the excess of screen time that comes with it – isn’t good for our mental health, and while keeping on top of minute-by-minute updates might help us feel more in control, that’s just an illusion. 

So when you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, switch off your phone for half an hour (or whatever period of time makes sense for you). 

Keep your social media safe

I’m giving social media its own category because, sadly, the apps we used to turn to for relaxation and distraction have all too often been overtaken by Jew hate and misinformation. Now more than ever, it’s so important to curate your feed. 

Unfollow accounts that are making you feel unsafe – and if you can’t handle your feeds being flooded with content about the war, consider muting accounts who are posting a lot about it for now, even if you support their work and messaging.

If you’re posting about Israel and Jew hate on your own accounts right now, consider turning comments off your posts – or, if you leave them open, just don’t read them. There are so many comment trolls spewing antisemitism on Jewish and pro-Israel accounts.

Get outside

While you’re on that news break, try to get outside for some fresh air. A (screen-free!) walk around your neighborhood can do wonders for your state of well-being – and if you’re able to really get out and spend some time in nature, even better. 

Give back 

At a time when many of us are feeling so powerless, focusing on ways we can make a difference is so important. One way to do that is by giving to others, either by giving tzedakah or volunteering your time. 

There are plenty of Israel-related causes to donate to – and depending on where you are, there may be local opportunities to help send supplies to Israel or to fundraise. And if there are rallies in support of Israel where you live, attending one in person is also a great thing to do. 

That said, other causes unrelated to Israel still need support right now, so if there’s something you can do to make a difference in your local community – whether it’s helping out at a food pantry, visiting isolated seniors, or whatever else is a good fit – don’t feel like these activities are any less important right now!

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