#ethicalliving

Judaism doesn’t just allow pets—it calls us to care for them with compassion and responsibility.

From feeding them before ourselves (Talmud, Berachot 40a) to the mitzvah of preventing animal suffering (tza’ar ba’alei chayim), our tradition sees animals as part of the moral universe.

While pets don’t have a neshama like humans, they have a nefesh—a sacred life-force. And the way we treat them says something about the kind of Jews we are.

In caring for them, we fulfill a piece of our divine mission.

Compersion isn't some impossible to achieve nirvana, only achievable by the greatest masters of polyamory.

You can find it hard to know your partner is having fun with someone else while, at the same time, feeling happiness and joy that they are experiencing something wonderful.

It's important in polyamory to recognise that you and your partner(s) are separate people. Your feelings for them don't have to mirror your feelings for yourself.

You can be happy seeing them happy while still feeling insecure or envious about your situation. Because in a healthy relationship, you will be able to communicate this to them so they can take steps to help you through your insecurities. 

One of the biggest trends for 2023 is the focus on mindful spending and shopping. This means taking the time to think about our purchases and considering the impact they have on the environment, the workers who made them, and our own personal finances.

There are a few key ways to approach mindful fashion spending in 2023:

Shop less, but shop better. Instead of constantly adding new pieces to your wardrobe, take the time to invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that will stand the test of time. These pieces are likely to cost a little more upfront, but they will save you money in the long run as you won't have to replace them as often.

Look for sustainable and ethical brands. There are more and more fashion brands emerging that are committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Take the time to research and find brands that align with your values, and support them with your purchases.

Consider second-hand and vintage options. Thrifting and vintage shopping is a great way to find unique pieces while also supporting sustainability. You can often find high-quality, gently-used pieces at a fraction of the cost of new items.

Shop locally. Supporting small, local businesses is a great way to make a positive impact with your fashion purchases. Look for independent boutiques and designers in your area and support them with your purchases.

Repair and upcycle. Before you throw out a piece of clothing that's seen better days, consider if it can be repaired or upcycled. A simple repair or alteration can give a piece of clothing a new lease on life and save you money on buying something new. If you're not sure how to fix it yourself, many local tailors and seamstresses offer repair and alteration services.

Making mindful fashion choices isn't about giving up all your favorite clothes and shopping habits, it's about finding a balance and making more conscious decisions. By taking the time to think about the impact of our purchases, we can not only save money and reduce waste, but also support sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry.

So as you make your fashion resolutions for 2023, consider incorporating mindful spending and shopping into your goals. It's a small change that can make a big impact – both for you and for the planet.