Our tradition taught us how to deal with many problems before science and psychology caught up. This week’s parsha, Metzora, speaks of house mold. We are taught that the sooner it is found, the easier it is to remediate. Mold spreads quickly and needs careful and specialized attention to remove. Left untreated it poisons all in its presence.
The same is true of personal hurts. Left undiscussed, the pain spreads and leaves us uncomfortable in the presence of others. Just like untreated mold makes it difficult to be in a room, when the air is thick with stress and anger, we find it hard to breath and want to escape. Yet, just as the mold fills our lungs, the pain does not leave when we walk out. Only honest conversation can begin to clear the air; only actualizing an agreed upon new way of interacting can truly remove the tension between two people.
May we have the strength to face our discomforts and the openness to move forward in new ways.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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