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Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha and Psychology
Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T. 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 120 - 125 (125 total)
Silent Tears: Navigating Bereavement (Parshat Shemini)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
April 24th, 2025

Parshat Shemini begins with the sanctification of the Mikdash by Aharon HaCohen a day that could have been the spiritual pinnacle of his life. We know that the day suddenly takes a turn with the tragic deaths of his sons, Nadav & Avihu. The sudden loss of Nadav and Avihu profoundly impacts Aharon and Bnei Yisrael. Their deaths evoke deep sorrow and mourning, reflecting the human experience of bereavement.   Bereavement is a multifaceted …
Self-Actualizing Kedusha (Parshat Kedoshim)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
April 23rd, 2026

In Parshat Kedoshim, we encounter one of the Torah’s most sweeping and demanding imperatives: “Kedoshim tihyu ki kadosh ani” “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). At first glance, holiness can feel abstract or unattainable. Yet Rashi reframes the term kadosh not as mystical elevation alone, but as perishut, separation. Holiness begins with the ability to step back, to differentiate, to not be fully driven by impulse. It i …
Pesach: Four Sons - A Tapestry of Individualized Communication
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
April 21st, 2024

The Talmud Yerushalmi in Pesachim provides us with one of the most famous Midrashim on the entire Hagaddah, ‘K’neged Arba’ah Banim’, the story of the Four Sons. This story offers a rich tapestry of psychological insight when viewed through the lense of individualization of attention whether for children or generalized overall. Communication works for those who work at it. Each individualized interaction is an opportunity t …
Walls of Adversity: Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth (Parshat Metzora)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
April 18th, 2024

In Parshat Metzora we continue to learn about ‘Tzaraat,’ often mistranslated as leprosy, but rather a visible divine mark manifesting when a person engages in some sinful interpersonal behavior. Tzaraat begins on the walls of the home, progressing to the clothing, then skin for individuals who do not heed the divine caution towards reflection due to its manifestation. For an individual to experience a comeback, they first need to face …
Spiritual Somatization (Parshat Tazria)
Author: Elan Javanfard, L.M.F.T.
April 11th, 2024

In Parshat Tazria, we learn about the concept of ‘Tzaraat,’ often mistranslated as leprosy. However, Tzaraat is not merely a physical affliction, but a visible manifestation of a spiritual malady.  Although Tzaraat was an affliction of the skin and the person afflicted would be isolated, unlike leprosy, the isolation of the Metzora (one who had Tzaraat) had nothing to do with contagion. This spiritual affliction portrayed by a ph …
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