Unlearning Jewish Anxiety with Rabbi Caryn Aviv
Hillel of Colorado was proud to host Rabbi Caryn Aviv for a powerful program on "Unlearning Jewish Anxiety: Inter-generational Perspectives on How We Can Heal From What We Inherit."
Rabbi Aviv, a scholar and spiritual leader, brought deep insight into the ways Jewish anxiety manifests across generations — from historical trauma to modern-day pressures — and offered pathways toward healing and resilience.
Understanding Jewish Anxiety
Jewish anxiety is not just a personal experience — it is intergenerational. The echoes of persecution, displacement, and survival are woven into the fabric of Jewish identity. For many students, this anxiety shows up in unexpected ways: in their relationships, in their academic lives, and in how they navigate their Jewish identity on campus.
Rabbi Aviv explored how these inherited patterns affect our daily lives and how, through awareness and intentional practice, we can begin to heal from what we inherit without losing the richness of our heritage.
Key Themes
- Intergenerational Trauma: How historical events continue to shape Jewish emotional landscapes today.
- Healing Practices: Practical approaches to recognizing and transforming inherited anxiety into sources of strength.
- Community as Medicine: The role of Jewish community — particularly spaces like Hillel — in providing safety, belonging, and support.
- Reclaiming Joy: Moving beyond survival mode to embrace Jewish joy, celebration, and pride.
The program drew students from across Hillel of Colorado's campuses, sparking meaningful conversations that continued long after the event ended. Many students shared that they had never had the language to describe what they were feeling, and that Rabbi Aviv's framework gave them new tools for understanding themselves and their families.
Hillel of Colorado is committed to programs that address the whole student — mind, body, and spirit. Programs like this one are part of our ongoing commitment to mental health and wellness, led by our Director of Wellness, Dr. Shoshanna Shachtman.