Raising Resilient Jewish Kids in an Age of Uncertainty
- Jessica Zmood, Psy.D.
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
My latest article, Raising Resilient Jewish Kids in an Age of Uncertainty, for The Times of Israel explores a profound shift currently taking place within our community.
For over two years, many of us have been operating in survival mode—carrying the heavy, exhausting weight of collective trauma and a form of "ambiguous grief" that has kept our nervous systems working overtime.
What now?
The piece looks at what happens when the immediate crisis begins to shift, and we are left with the question: What now? Drawing from both my personal experience as a mother navigating a campus emergency and my professional background as a psychologist, I delve into the concept of post-traumatic growth.
It is an exploration of how we can intentionally move out of permanent hypervigilance, safely expand our nervous systems, and model an authentic, resilient version of Jewish vitality and uncomplicated joy for our children.
An Excerpt from the Piece:
"Survival is adaptive. It narrows focus, conserves energy, and protects what matters most. But survival is not meant to be a permanent posture. In psychology, we call the next phase post-traumatic growth. Not because trauma is good. It isn’t. But because humans have an extraordinary capacity to metabolize hardship into clarity, deeper connection, and renewed purpose... We are a people who grieve deeply and then rise. We tell the story. We tear the garment. We sit low. And then, when the time comes, we stand up and rebuild."
How Gesher Community Care Can Support You
If your nervous system has been working overtime, or if you are finding it difficult to transition from a state of "bracing" to "building," please know that you do not have to navigate this shifting landscape alone.
At Gesher Community Care, we connect you with a trusted network of Jewish-affirming, culturally competent therapists who deeply understand the unique nuances of collective trauma, hypervigilance, and family dynamics in our community right now. Whether you need a safe space to process your own ambiguous grief or guidance on how to support your children through these complex times, we are here to walk alongside you.
Contact Gesher Community Care today to connect with a therapist and take your next step toward healing and renewal.
