BI presents Mayim and Mindfulness: A women’s wellness brunch in Edmonton on Oct. 18

by Regan Lipes, Local Journlism Initiative Reporter

(Edmonton) – Who could say no to an opportunity for noshing, learning, and kibbitzing!  All the ladies of the Edmonton Jewish community should mark their calendars now for October 18, when Beth Israel Synagogue will host ‘Mayim and Mindfulness.’ This Women’s Wellness Brunch is a wonderful opportunity to learn about women’s health, tour the mikvah, and ask lots of questions.

With all the rain of the past summer, the BI mikvah required some important renovations.   “It takes a lot to keep a mikvah operational,” explained Nina Bernstein who helped to coordinate the repairs.  “A mikvah is a cornerstone of Jewish life and a healthy Jewish family. When we have strong families, we have strong communities.”

The Women’s Wellness Brunch is not just a lunch and learn; it aims to do some important fundraising to help maintain the mikvah.  “We want women to be healthy spiritually and physically,” Bernstein emphasized. “To speak to the physical part of health, we’re fortunate to have Olga Muradov, Nurse Practitioner at the TruMed Clinic, delivering a talk called “Thriving Through Perimenopause and Menopause” which will be relatable for middle-aged women and up, but also extremely informative for younger women too.”

“Perimenopause and menopause are natural life stages, yet the physical and emotional changes they bring are often misunderstood or quietly endured. This engaging presentation will offer practical, evidence-informed guidance to help women better understand their bodies and feel empowered in their health decisions,” explained Muradov. She plans to give attendees some crucial information to better support their ongoing health, focusing on “the changing roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone; the relationship between menopause symptoms, thyroid function, and iron levels; and the potential role of individualized hormone therapy. I’ll also discuss hormone options, sleep, mood, bone health, and metabolic changes.”

Of course, no Jewish gathering, let alone a brunch, would be complete without food. There will be brunch favourites to satiate appetites and plenty of warm beverages to keep conversation flowing. “We’ll also have some prizes.” the organizing committee would like the community to know that there is still room for sponsorship, and that if anyone would like to donate directly to the operational upkeep of the mikvah, this too is welcomed with gratitude.

Those planning to attend are asked to please register by October 11 by calling the BI office 780.488.2840, or through the website at FamilyShul.org.  It is a wonderful opportunity to gain useful knowledge and enjoy some tasty food. For those who may have never visited a mikvah before, it’s the ideal time to tour BI’s lovely facility and ask questions. The cost to attend is only $36, but it is a fantastic investment in spiritual and physical health. Although there are still opportunities to contribute through sponsorship or other donations, the organizers would like to thank the Edmonton branches of Na’amat and NCJWC for their tremendous support.