A Relationship with Me By Janet Goldblatt Time and again it has struck me: the importance of a good relationship with the self. Through my experienc

 
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A Relationship with Me

By Janet Goldblatt

Time and again it has struck me: the importance of a good relationship with the self. Through my experience over the past ten years in working with people in groups, schools and community centres and mostly on myself, I have come to realise that if you do not have a decent loving relationship with yourself you cannot expect to have one with someone else. Often the very thing we resist in others is a deep routed part of ourselves. But when we are able to forgive ourselves and others, take responsibility for who we are and ultimately find a connection to ourselves, we may quicker be able to move forward with our relationships. How we see ourselves colours how we see the world and ultimately how we take our place within the world. How can a person best form this relationship with the self and others? I believe that one way is to begin with your relationship with your mother. In my work I have met many women who struggle to hold successful relationships; it is clear every time that as they work on their personal relationships with Mom, they are better able to heal themselves and move forward with other relationships as well. Janet is a Life Skills Facilitator/Trainer. She is currently a director of Nowhere-ecl SA offering training to teachers and facilitators in systemic practice and principles. She can be contacted on 082-771-3164; janet.goldblatt@nowhere-ecl.org.

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A Bride – 30 Years After My Wedding

By Marian Shain

When I got married going to the mikvah was not something that girls did. I never knew anything about the mikvah. Then, 30 years after my wedding, my world changed. I was invited through a friend to the opening of the new mikvah at the Great Park Shul. Having never been in a mikvah I never knew what to expect. I was amazed! I began to ask questions about going to the mikvah. After wonderful, inspiring meetings to learn more, I was ready to start preparing to go to the mikvah. The day arrived. Wendy, the mikvah attendant, greeted me on arrival and showed me in. Everything I could have possibly needed was available. I prepared in my own time making sure I did everything that was required - no more nervous, just so excited. Wendy guided me through the whole experience, making me feel so comfortable. Before I left we drank a l'chaim in honour of my beautiful experience. I felt so uplifted. What an awesome special and spiritual opportunity, something I will never forget. What a privilege and blessing to be Jewish.

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What is Love?

By Slovie Jungreis-Wolff

‘Ahava’, the Hebrew word for ‘love’, comes from the word ‘hav’ which means to give. Love grows when I invest in my relationship by giving. We forget that one little gesture shows our spouse that we do not take them for granted. It is our way of saying daily ‘I love you and appreciate you. You are important to me’. A recent study found that small acts of kindness boost marital satisfaction and that people who put their spouse’s needs first felt happier themselves. Do not let a day go by without doing something nice for your spouse. It does not have to be big or expensive. A text expressing appreciation, preparing a favorite snack, warming up the car, taking over childcare when it is not expected-ask yourself how you can create a loving atmosphere in your home. You will find that your bond grows stronger with time. (Excerpt from an article on www.aish.com)

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At the Door: A Reflection

Rivka was a young mother. Like you and me she cared for her young children. Like you and me she sought a productive and meaningful life. Unlike you and me she chose to live in India, far from family and friends, far from anything modern and fashionable and Jewish. Why? So that she might help another Jew. But then she was murdered - she her husband and her family save but one small boy. It was deliberate murder targeting all that she and her husband stood for. I cannot comprehend how such a thing could happen. What I do know is that the world-wide response to this tragedy has been a resolve to do more goodness and kindness, and to reach out to others with genuine love and care. In fact, the seeds of our Mikvah were sown in response to this tragedy with a determination to add holiness and sanctity to our community through the building of a Mikvah. Every time I stand at the entrance of our Mikvah, I pause to read its inscription “In memory of Gavriel and Rivka Hotzberg - Mumbai”. I am reminded that even in the face of pain and challenges, I need to pick myself up and do something positive – no matter how small - to add to this world just a little more light…

"The Three Weeks" (beginning on the 17th of Tammuz) is a time to reflect on the destruction of the past, but also on our absolute hope for the future. May all of our pain be transformed to joy.

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Our Gala Centenary Dinner Celebration is this month. We are so proud of our 100 year history, and of our strength and commitment to the future! Join us for Shabbat with Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and participate in all our Centenary Celebrations - Click here for details. To join our Women's Rosh Chodesh Group focusing on the power and strength in each month, please email carmela@fancyaffairs.co.za. To join our Chesed Roster, please email biancalishansky@hotmail.com and stasiag@gmail.com .

Click here for more details on all of the above. Follow us on facebook.

To talk one on one about mikvah, or to refresh your knowledge about mikvah, please email greatmikvah@gmail.com, or call us:
Feige: 083-283-5256; Goldie: 072-832-2001.

To see our Mikvah video, click here.
To learn more about Mikvah visit ww.mikvah.org.
To book a mikvah appointment, call 081-066-6301 (a designated private Mikvah line).

This monthly newsletter aims to offer short doses of inspiration on issues relating to women, relationships and intimacy. Our Mikvah has sparked a lot of interest and opportunities for personal growth; It is our hope that it will continue to be a source of light for our community in many ways. If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter or if this newsletter is not relevant to you, you can unsubscribe. Please feel free to forward to anyone whom you feel would enjoy this email. To subscribe click here or email greatmikvah@gmail.com.

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