Mind, Body & Spirit: An inspiring day for local women

Women from across Rhode Island gathered on May 7, to explore the humorous, loving and trying themes of their lives during the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Mind, Body & Spirit program.

Keynote speaker Jessica Fechtor, author of “Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals that Brought Me Home,” powerfully and eloquently opened the day. Through personal anecdotes, readings from her book and questions from the audience, Fechtor shared her story: at age 28, she experienced a brain aneurysm that completely changed the trajectory of her life and ultimately inspired her to write “Stir.” 

The morning continued with breakout sessions led by Barbara Wasserman, a Needham, Massachusetts-based life coach who spoke about midlife transitions; Felice Cohen, a New Yorker who lives in a studio apartment just about the size of her compact car and offered lessons on organizing, living with fewer possessions and being flexible; and Drs. Romy Block and Arielle Levitan, physicians who educate women on sound approaches to vitamin supplements and overall health.

Lisa Davis, who co-chaired the event along with Robin Engle and Barbara Feldstein, said,  “The speakers at the event were all wonderful. …What stayed with me was the common thread running through all of the speakers’ words: They were all grateful for the people in their lives who helped them and the experiences that shaped them. It was a welcome reminder for me to be grateful for everyone and everything in my life.”

Program participants were encouraged to explore the Alliance’s newly renovated Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, where they enjoyed breakfast and mingled with the speakers.

Admission to the event was $10 plus a donation of any amount to the Jewish Alliance’s Annual Campaign. The Annual Campaign raises essential funds to support Jewish life in Rhode Island, in Israel and across the globe.  Donors make it possible for the Alliance to fund more than 300 programs and services that honor the Jewish values of compassion, generosity and responsibility.

For more information about the 2017 Annual Campaign and the Jewish Alliance, or to make a gift, contact Michele Gallagher at mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 165, or go to jewishallianceri.org.

STEPHANIE HAGUE is the philanthropy officer at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.