Dear Moms,
When was the last time you took care of yourself? When was the last time you stopped to breathe or take a break? When was the last time you put yourself first?
I know. Putting yourself first is hard when there is so much to be done.
I see how hard you work. For years, I have met you, dear moms, at The Long Short Road workshops or connected with you through our warmline, and have watched as you have gone above and beyond to care for your families. I have witnessed how you, the pillars of our community, always take that extra step to be there for everyone else.
I am in awe of you. Your families and our communities are lucky to have you.
But that brings me back to my original question: What about you? Some of you might roll your eyes at this. Who has time to think about their own well-being when our families need us so much? Of course, we would love more time, resources, or community to fill our cups, but it doesn’t feel attainable most days.
That’s why I’m writing to you today, dear moms. How can you continue caring for your family if you don’t care for yourself? As the heart of your home, you set the tone for everyone else’s well-being. But it has to start with you—your well-being matters because you matter and because it also impacts your environment, home, and family.
You may be strong, but you’re not invincible. You need to be taken care of, too.
That is why, this summer, we at The Long Short Road want to offer you an opportunity to fill your cup and get the nourishment you deserve. We cordially invite you to The Healing Arts Haven, a full-day in-person wellness event designed to meet your spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. We’re bringing a retreat-style program to you in Crown Heights, with workshops, including yoga-dance fusion with Chana Weiss and therapeutic art with Dalia Blum, LMSW, two nourishing meals, and a chance to connect with a community of other moms. Plus, we’ll have an exciting raffle with prizes such as a custom hat-fall, KitchenAid mixer, diamond rings, and more! It’s an opportunity to replenish and rejuvenate your neshama without leaving Crown Heights or the hefty price tag of an overnight retreat.
The Healing Arts Haven will take place on Sunday, July 28th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The investment is $150, with a limited sliding scale and full scholarships available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so sign up soon. Reserve your spot at www.thelongshortroad.com/haven.
Moms, you are doing an amazing job. Be proud of yourself and the beautiful Jewish homes you are building. I look forward to greeting you and helping fill your cups this summer.
With love,
Leigh Ioffe
Founder and Director The Long Short Road
The Long Short Road non-profit fosters resilience through community mental health support. Since 2019, we have been leaders in suicide prevention and mental wellness resources for the frum community. Learn more about our work at www.thelongshortroad.com.
I wouldn’t miss it for anything!
Our community needs this. There are so many mothers struggling to take care of themselves, what a way to give back. Thank you long short road
We often forget about the moms and families who don’t go away for the summer. Crown Heights doesn’t empty out like it used to, and there are way more people who need support here than we realize. This is an amazing initiative.