Not sure which caught my eye first, the free chair massage or the title: “Thriving as a Woman: Three female doctors offer women of all ages a uniquely integrative approach to managing hormone health and personal happiness.” Talk about a mouthful.

But after a chat with one of the docs, Daniela Hermelin, my interest definitely was piqued.

Dr. Hermelin will be presenting this seminar along with chiropractor/licensed acupuncturist Sharon Fitelson and psychotherapist Rachel Glik. Hermelin explained that various aspects of women’s health will be discussed, including the emotional impact of hormonal changes (read: why some of us behave like lunatics in menopause), hormone wellness, disease prevention and lifestyle issues. The three take a more holistic, preventive approach to healthcare, says Hermelin, and will offer lots of tips and suggestions for maximizing overall health and achieving the right balance.

And while that all sounds great, who, really, should attend?

“Certainly, the ‘seasoned’ woman would find this lecture beneficial,” said Hermelin, who admitted that she and her colleagues purposely avoided using the M-word in the lecture’s title. She also added that adult children and spouses of these “seasoned” women might learn a thing or two, especially understanding – and coping with – the mood fluctuations that often accompany menopause.

For those interested, the lecture will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15 at the Center of Clayton, 50 Gay Avenue. Although free, seating is limited, so anyone interested is asked to RSVP at 314-644-2081 or at [email protected] . And don’t forget about those chair massages.

Online Jewish tutoring

A new website now offers one-on-one, text-based Torah study tutoring. TorahTutors.org utilizes state-of-the art videoconferencing to tutor students and professionals, allowing them to customize a learning schedule to meet their needs and goals.

TorahTutors.org offers four learning tracks, which include: The Virtual Chavruta (one-on-one learning) Program, which was designed for professionals of all ages and learning-levels wanting to incorporate Torah learning into their week; The Enrichment Program, which is aimed to supplement day or yeshiva day school classes and strengthen students in challenging areas of learning; The Jewish Homeschooling Program, a curriculum geared to enhance family homeschooling by providing access to high caliber teachers and rabbis; and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Prep Program, a tutoring service that will prepare students for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

TorahTutors.org is an affiliate of the ATID Organization, an organization that was established to help shape and develop the future of educational leadership in the Jewish community. The site charges tutoring rates of $50 an hour but Rabbi Ron-Ami Meyers, director of TorahTutors.org, says that price can be split among several people. “For example, I am working with a woman who has two small children and we are dividing it up so that each child gets a half-hour instruction and the cost is still $50,” he said in a phone interview.

JCC will open on second day

of Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish Community Center will be open the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 10, marking a departure from prior years, when the facility closed for both days. This decision has some people in the Jewish community upset while others are thrilled.

Lynn Wittels, President and CEO of the JCC, said the decision to keep the J open mainly had to do with trying to meet the needs of those who rely on the facility for childcare and adult services. When the J closes, these people often have to find alternative help.

As it turns out, the Early Childhood Program will remain closed the second day of Rosh Hashanah because there isn’t enough staff to care for the children and there wasn’t enough time to find others to take their places. Many of the teachers are Jewish and will be observing the holiday. “No one on our staff who is observant is required to work that day,” Wittels said, adding that she hopes in coming years the Early Childhood Program will be open on that day because there will be more time to plan.

She explained that four years ago, a task force was convened to look at J holiday closings. At that time, the holiday schedule was adjusted to what it was until now – full agency closing for eight days a year (down from 13) and open for fitness and early education and adult services the remaining five. 

The decision to keep the J open on second day of Rosh Hashanah as well as the seventh day of Sukkot (Shmeni Atzeret for some/Simchat Torah for others) and the seventh day of Passover is a tweaking to the previous adjustment, she added.

“I am sure there are people who might say, ‘There goes the J. It’s no longer a Jewish agency,'” said Wittels. “I would argue strenuously that is not the case. We are trying to be respectful of all of the people we serve, including hardship cases. Just because we are open, doesn’t mean (a member) has to come.”