Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha and Psychology
Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
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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 81 - 90 (90 total)
Breathing Resilience (Parshat Vaera)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
January 24th, 2025
Parshat Vaera begins the process of instilling hope into Bnei Yisrael that the redemption is nearing. Hashem appears to Moshe Rabeynu providing him the inspiration to approach Bnei Yisrael with a message of salvation. When Moshe approaches the nation, currently in servitude, we encounter a moment of profound despair. As they are burdened by the harshness of their slavery, they are unable to heed the words of their future leader. The Passuk …
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Breaking the Chains of our Mind (Parshat Bo)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
January 31st, 2025
Parshat Bo unfolds a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Bnei Yisrael’s journey towards freedom, with its lessons being especially poignant as we continue to watch out hostages being released. It contains the last three plagues, culminating with the exodus of the new Jewish nation. Amidst these dramatic occurrences, we can identify elements of human behavior leading to Pharoah’s motivation to hardening his heart and subsequen …
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Moving Forward toward Transformation (Parshat Beshalach)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
February 13th, 2025
In Parshat Beshalach, we encounter a transformative moment as Bnei Yisrael, having just left Egypt, find themselves trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and the seemingly impassable Red Sea. The Parsha recounts the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea, the subsequent song and triumph. However, in the face of this dire situation, Moshe receives a message from Hashem that we can apply to our daily lives. Boxed in between the Sea and the Egyptians …
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Delegation, Burnout, and Leadership: Yitro’s Timeless Wisdom (Parshat Yitro)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
February 14th, 2025
Any one with in-laws can relate to this week’s Parsha. There are only two people in the Torah who provide criticism to Moshe Rabeynu. One is Hashem, who we see time after time providing Moshe with guidance and feedback. The second is Moshe’s father in law. Parshat Yitro presents a pivotal moment in the story of Bnei’s Yisrael’s acceptance of the Torah. Moshe Rabeynu’s father-in-law, Yitro, visits him and …
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Transformative Justice: Rehabilitation (Parshat Mishpatim)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
February 20th, 2025
Parshat Mishpatim delves into the rules set forth after the Ten Commandments, establishing a just world run through the divine providence of Hashem. While there were many commandments that the Torah could have begun this Parsha with, the focus on the acquisition and treatment of a Jewish slave provides us a profound lesson in the treatment of individuals whose life circumstances have led them astray. In considering the psychological concept of re …
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The Sacred Psychology of Giving (Parshat Terumah)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
February 28th, 2025
Terumah presents a profound exploration of the psychology of giving as it unfolds within the construction of the Mishkan. The Parsha details the meticulous instructions for creating a space on Earth to connect with Hashem. The Parsha starts by saying, “V'yikchu Li Terumah – and you should take for yourselves a contribution for me' (Exodus 25:2).” This passuk goes beyond the mere physical construction and provides valuable insigh …
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Precision Holiness: Being Detail-Oriented (Parshat Tetzaveh)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
March 6th, 2025
How you do anything is how you do everything. Parshat Tetzaveh focus on the elaborate designing of the clothing for the Kohanim, emphasizing intricate details and precision. In the modern fast-paced world, where attention spans are fleeting, the Parsha’s emphasis to meticulous detail in the description of the garments carries a profound message about the importance of being detail oriented and precise in all our actions. …
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From Stiff-Necked to Strong-Spirited: Cultivating Flexibility in Life (Parshat Ki Tisa)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
March 12th, 2025
Parshat Ki Tisa delves into the story of the sin of the Golden Calf and the subsequent conversation between Moshe Rabeynu and Hashem related to the consequences. During this back and forth, Hashem characterizes Bnei Yisrael as a “stiff-necked people” as the motivation behind many of our struggles. The parsha provides us an opportunity to explore the psychological concept of being Stiff-Necked and the lessons we can learn to overcome t …
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Moral Courage: Queen Esther’s Legacy (Purim Edition)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
March 12th, 2025
Purim is a holiday of hidden miracles, where Hashem orchestrates salvation behind the scenes. But the turning point of the Megillah was not a miracle; it was a moment of profound moral courage. Queen Esther, faced with an impossible choice, had to decide whether to risk her life to save her people. Mordechai’s words to her echo through the generations: "כִּ֣י אִם־הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִ֘ישִׁי֮ בָּעֵ֣ת הַז …
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Mastery with Meaning (Parshat Pekudei)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
March 28th, 2025
Parshat Pekudei, the culmination of Sefer Shemot, provides a fitting backdrop to explore the psychological concept of mastery. In this Parsha, we read about the meticulous construction of the Kaylim and Mishkan, the sanctuary that served as a dwelling place for Hashem during their journey in the midbar. At first glance, the detailed descriptions of the construction process may seem overwhelming or even tedious. However, upon deeper reflect …
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