Content Warning: This episode briefly addresses sexual assault from minutes 23:00-25:00.

 We continue a period on the Jewish calendar called the Omer — the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot that our tradition observes through a practice of counting, day by day, week by week. We imbue these days with meaning by assigning a different theme to each week that encourages self-reflection and self-improvement for the betterment of the whole community. In that spirit, we’re doing a series of interviews featuring people who have made their life’s work an extension of their lives’ purpose.

Two weeks ago, we began with chesed, “kindness” with guest Rena Rosen. Last week, we dove into the second theme of the Omer, gevurah, discipline or strength, with two very special guests: Mark Achler and Harry Gottlieb. And this week, for week three, we have Jo-Ann Finkelstein on the show to talk about gender, psychology, her work creating The Feminist Parent, an online resource for equity-oriented parenting, and more. We also discuss the third theme of the Omer, tiferet, or integration or balance.

Links referenced in the show:
The Feminist Parent Website
The Feminist Parent Instagram
Jo-Ann's Twitter
Jo-Ann's Psychology Today Profile
Jo-Ann's Medium Profile
The NYT article: It’s OK to Watch 'Schitt’s Creek’ With Your Kids

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About Our Guest: Jo-Ann Finkelstein
Jo-Ann is a practicing counselor with a Masters in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern. She’s also a parent who is dedicated to raising inclusive, confident, empathetic and kind people in the face of our culture’s sexist messaging and patriarchal systems. She is a mental health and social justice advocate, and like the other spiritual entrepreneurs featured on this series, has used her professional life and her personal values to launch something completely unique: The Feminist Parent, a website and resource for parents trying to raise kids who know they deserve to reach their full potential (regardless of gender).

About Mishkan Chicago
Mishkan is a spiritual community in Chicago reclaiming Judaism’s inspiration and transformative essence. Not bound by a particular location, we create radically inclusive spaces for Jewish spiritual practice and community, engaging, educating, and empowering people across the spectrum of identity, background, age, and belief.