Marcia Kesner, at The Blogs

May 2, 2025, 6:10 PM

When Community Creates Loneliness Instead of Acceptance

When Community Creates Loneliness Instead of Acceptance.... When we take an honest but gentle look at ourselves, we can learn dignity and compassion for others while building connections… We learn that on Lag B'omer, the semi-mourning of Sphira is suspended because 12,000...

Nov 15, 2022, 1:12 PM

The Thanksgiving controversy

For at least the last several years, there has been and remains a difference of opinion among orthodox Jews in America about whether we should celebrate Thanksgiving. Some posit that as Jews, we give thanks multiple times a day...

Nov 2, 2021, 11:56 AM

What happens to the ‘people of the crowd’ after months of social distancing?

Social Anxiety Among Orthodox Jews The pandemic, and social isolation, increased social anxiety and emotional challenges for orthodox Jews who live in communities with deep social connections. Observant Jews are very much “people of the crowd”. Going to shul and community...

Oct 26, 2020, 4:14 PM

Are charismatic leaders dangerous?

Does one candidate trump the other? The United States presidential elections are to be held in the next few weeks… Much has been said about the contrast between the two presidential candidates. Some pundits have pointed out that Donald Trump is...

Sep 29, 2020, 10:28 PM

A Yiddishe Mama in the Slammer?

There are more Jewish women in jail and prison than you think

Apr 14, 2019, 2:27 PM

The crossover from Pesach cleaning to OCD

Before Pesach, we go on a mad cleaning spree. Some people start two weeks before, and some people start two months before. We get into all the nooks and crannies of our homes. We wash the floors, check all...

Mar 14, 2019, 6:14 PM

Too much of a good thing

The main focus on potential health issues associated with Purim is often the risks of over-indulging in alcohol. This is supplemented with halachic debates about what the mitzvah to drink really means and the dangers of getting drunk too...

Dec 24, 2018, 12:58 PM

How do you move on from your mistakes?

Just a few weeks ago, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, was sentenced to three years in prison. This news development really struck me--how often do we make mistakes for which we don't experience any consequences? Sometimes, as...

Nov 8, 2018, 5:07 PM

Should we be declaring #ustoo?

Today, victims of sexual assault are publically sharing their stories right and left. Everywhere we look-- the newspapers, Facebook, our offices, and the streets-- seem to be filled with declarations of #metoo. Almost everyone seems to be a victim...

Aug 7, 2018, 5:07 PM

What Can Frum Communites Learn from the Selfie?

How much do frum communities and social media platforms have in common? The answer is – more than you may think. There’s no hiding from the social media revolution that’s gained momentum in the last few decades. Our communities...

About Me

Marcia Kesner is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with offices in Brooklyn, New York, and the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Marcia is a Nationally Certified Counselor, licensed in NY and Texas, and offers online therapy and in-office meetings. Marcia received her PhD in Criminal Justice, Behavioral Sciences from Nova Southeastern University in 2019 to assist in her work with victims and offenders. She has conducted research on Incarcerated Jewish females and Religious Observance, and is currently conducting a research study on Wives and Partners of incarcerated Jewish men.