From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: September 2021

September is so many things—back to school, High Holidays, end of summer, and for most of us, signals transition. We seem to feel the change from summer to fall more profoundly than the transition to other seasons. Perhaps that’s because in Minnesota, we treasure our warm weather so dearly, knowing that much cooler temperatures are just around the corner. Possibly it’s because the alignment of the Jewish New Year with the start of new school years just feels like a bigger change than moving from winter to spring, which as most of us veteran Minnesotans know, is never quite clear or easy to predict!

Making transitions of all sorts requires us to face change head on. For some of us, that is difficult to do; others are hardwired to embrace change and lean into it. We are all unique, and we approach new and unusual experiences differently. That’s why it’s worth mentioning that September is also National Suicide Awareness Month. For folks who are challenged with anxiety and depression, September can be very difficult. The transitions I mention can add to the burden they carry.

If you know someone who is struggling, it’s important to ask how they’re doing. Pretending you don’t see the problem is rarely helpful, though we often feel we shouldn’t ask someone about their mental health. Most people who struggle with emotional pain will tell you it mattered greatly to them when someone took the time to ask how they were doing.

Providing support and offering resources, and a space to listen, is enough. Being “Here For All. Always” means Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis can be among the places you suggest. Our counseling team is ready with boundless compassion and extraordinary professional care. Our team is growing to meet the expanding needs of our community! Minnesotan Bob Dylan coined the phrase, “the times they are a-changin’”, and we know that to be especially true as we bid farewell to summer and feel the breeze of fall and colder seasons ahead. Best wishes to all for a sweet and healthy New Year, and strength for all the challenges.