In this episode, Emiliya shares about her experiences of grief and loss and how she connects those pieces of herself to Judaism and her work in the scientific study and application of Positive Psychology.

Before talking with Emiliya, I knew little about Positive Psychology. It was fascinating to learn more and also where it intersects with Judaism. It turns out the two are a well-made match in ways that Judaism both celebrates life and honors death.

About Emiliya Zhivotovskaya:

Emiliya is the CEO and founder of The Flourishing Center, a New York City based Benefit Corporation (B-Corp) that is dedicated to increasing the flourishing of individuals, organizations, and communities world wide. She is the creator of the acclaimed Certification in Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP) program offered in 11 cities across the U.S., Canada and online worldwide which has trained over 700 practitioners to date.

Hebrew and Jewish References Explained:

Bar/Bat/B’nai Mitzvah: A coming of age ceremony and celebration when a child reaches 12 or 13 to mark their entrance into a new phase of Jewish life, one where they can participate in more mitzvah’s, commandments.

Mezuzah: Mezuzah means doorpost and it’s a scroll of parchment with the Hebrew prayer Shema written on it, rolled into a decorative case, and affixed to the doorposts of living spaces.

Shiva: Hebrew for “seven” and it is the week-long ritual period of mourning after a burial.

Shloshim: Hebrew for "thirty”, it is the first thirty days after a loved one has died, a designated period of mourning in which there are specific rituals and customs.

Torah: The Hebrew Bible, the first five books of Moses.

Positive Judaism: Learn more about where Positive Psychology and Judaism meet

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