Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn BCC

About Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn

Rabbanit Alissa is a member of the spiritual leadership at B'nai David-Judea Congregation, an Orthodox shul in Los Angeles. She received her semicha from Yeshivat Maharat and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brandeis University with a degree in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and Classical Studies Archaeology and Ancient History. Rabbanit Alissa is also a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) through Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains. She has specialties in Psychiatric Care, Palliative Care, and End of Life Care. She is currently a per diem chaplain for Sage Palliative Care and Hospice in Los Angeles.

Harchakot are Hard

‘The harchakot are hard’.This is true. However, complete the thought: : ‘The fact that this is hard means I deeply love my spouse, and I am grateful for that awareness,’ or ‘I am going to use this opportunity to show love in new and creative ways, maybe in conversation or through a small act of love that only my spouse will understand,’ or ‘This separation is a way for me to care for myself, a Shabbat for my body that reminds me to practice self-care and that rejuvenates me to give with a full heart’?