“Laughter is the best medicine” by Milton Berle

Neshomo and JAMH have organised an event as per the poster, on Motzei Shabbat 23rd January 2021.

The Mental Health Awareness Shabbat falls annually to coincide with Sedra “Bo” which tells of the Plague of Darkness – a suitable launchpad for the discussion on the nature of mental health.

In last week’s Jewish Tribune there was an article based upon a lecture by Rabbi Shimon Kerner who referenced Rav Shabsai Yudelevitz (zt”l) who writes “that despite the fact that more life and property was lost during the first eight plagues, the ninth plague of darkness was the most devastating. This was because there is no worse feeling than the feeling of being alone and going unnoticed. When darkness surrounds you and no one can see you nor can you see anyone else, there is nothing worse.”

The forthcoming JAMH - Neshomo event “Lockdown? You’re having a Laugh!” is giving an opportunity to explore and experience the benefits of laughter.

In the HelpGuide Website laughter is described as follows “It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.  Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use. As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humour and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life.”

Here is an excerpt from Rabbi Twerski's book, "The Sun Will Shine Again.” “Laughter reduces stress. It has been demonstrated that people with serious illnesses, even cancer, have better courses of healing and recovery if they can laugh. I had a friend who had cancer. I made up with him that every day, I would fax him a joke and he would fax me one. His wife told me that this helped pull him out of depression.”

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour,” by Charles Dickens

Looking forward to “seeing” you there!