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Maayan Aviv: Jewish Leaders on Practicing Tzedakah as Justice, Dignity, and Repair
Maayan Aviv (she/her) is Executive Director and CEO of American Friends of NATAL, leading the organization since March 2023. Trained in international relations, she brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership across strategic planning, community partnerships, fundraising, donor stewardship, and mission-driven marketing. Aviv emphasizes collaboration that strengthens psychosocial resilience and healthier societies. Before joining AFN, she served as Executive Director of American Friends of ALYN Hospital, supporting pediatric rehabilitation initiatives. She is a public-facing spokesperson who links philanthropy, governance, and impact measurement to durable, dignified support for communities in daily practice.
By Scott Douglas Jacobsen7 months ago in Journal
Why Fatigue Faded Without Extra Rest
For a long time, I thought the solution to fatigue was always more rest. More sleep. More breaks. More weekends where I tried to “recover” from the week before. And while rest helped temporarily, the tiredness always returned by midweek. It wasn’t dramatic exhaustion. It was a steady, low-grade fatigue that made everything feel slightly heavier than it should.
By illumipure7 months ago in Journal
Four Reasons Why I Dislike Listening to Podcasts
They say that knowledge is power and that's the truth, in most cases. Podcasts are accessible everywhere: from YouTube to apps such as iHeart and Spotify, either in video or audio form. Almost 55% of Americans listen to podcasts, while 619 million individuals listen to them worldwide. They can be influential and insightful to people. However, that's not the case for me. Netflix is now airing podcasts on their platform. I'll highlight four reasons why I don't like podcasts. If they're your personal cup of tea, I won't judge you.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 7 months ago in Journal
Scott Silverman, Ed.D. on What Makes a Jewish Community—and How It Survives Conflict
Scott Silverman, EdD, is Dean of Noncredit & External Programs at Santa Monica College, where he leads adult education, workforce training, and community partnerships that broaden access beyond traditional credit pathways. He designs programs for older adults, career re-entry learners, and working professionals, pairing analytical forecasting with student development and engagement. A teacher and public speaker, he also mentors higher-education staff on program design, training, and service. Known for clear communication, he emphasizes in-person connection while using hybrid tools strategically. His career path was sparked by an early mentor in student affairs, turning curiosity into a commitment to community learning. Scott has been a Hebrew School teacher, youth group advisor and Hillel Director, and has been a co-founder and board member for several nonprofit organizations.
By Scott Douglas Jacobsen7 months ago in Journal
When Breathing Felt Normal Again Instead of Shallow
I didn’t realize my breathing had changed until it changed back. For months, maybe longer, I had been taking shorter breaths without noticing. Not gasping or struggling. Just subtly shallow. My chest would rise, but not fully. My shoulders carried a faint tightness, as if they were holding something up. I thought it was posture. Or stress. Or simply the way adults breathe when they’re busy.
By illumipure7 months ago in Journal
Why Many Businesses Fail to Rank on Google Despite Having a Website. AI-Generated.
Launching a website feels like a major achievement. For many businesses, it represents growth, credibility, and new opportunities. But after the excitement settles, a common frustration begins: the website is live — yet no one seems to find it.
By Anthony Rodgers7 months ago in Journal
Why a Strong Website Is Essential for Sustainable Business Growth. AI-Generated.
In today’s digital landscape, a company’s website often serves as its first introduction to potential customers. Before reaching out, making a purchase, or booking a service, most people search online to evaluate credibility. A clear, functional, and professionally structured website can shape that perception in seconds.
By Anthony Rodgers7 months ago in Journal
Smarter Search Strategies for a Data-Driven World. AI-Generated.
Search engine optimization has evolved far beyond keyword repetition and backlink counts. Today, search engines evaluate context, intent, user experience, and overall content quality before deciding what deserves visibility.
By Anthony Rodgers7 months ago in Journal
How the Environment Stopped Interrupting My Thoughts
For a long time, I thought interrupted thinking was just part of modern work. I assumed it was caused by notifications, deadlines, or my own inability to focus for long stretches. My thoughts felt fragile, easily broken. I’d start a sentence and lose the thread halfway through. I’d open a document with a clear idea in mind and feel it dissolve moments later.
By illumipure7 months ago in Journal
