JFS Tributes- Feb. 2026
JFS Acknowledgements- Feb. 2026
The Charlotte Jewish News- April 2026- Page 24
Diversity and Mental Health
By: Howard Olshansky
April is widely recognized as Diversity Month, a time to reflect on the value of inclusion, equity, and respect for people of all backgrounds. It is also a month that invites deeper conversations about well-being, growth, and community. The intersection of Diversity Month and sound mental health is both natural and necessary. When we embrace diversity authentically, we strengthen not only our institutions but also the psychological well-being of individuals and, thus, our communities.
Diversity includes visible and invisible identities such as
race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic background, culture, and lived experience. In the United States, April also overlaps with initiatives such as National Minority Health Month and Autism Acceptance Month, both of which promote inclusion. These observances remind us that mental health does not exist in isolation from identity. A person’ s experience in the world, how they are treated or valued, directly affects emotional well-being.
Research consistently shows that discrimination, bias, and exclusion increase stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. Chronic exposure to prejudice can activate the body’ s stress response system, leading to what psychologists describe as“ minority stress.” This term refers to the unique, ongoing stress faced by individuals from marginalized communities. Over time, minority stress can contribute to burnout, hypervigilance, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others.
This can be clearly seen in the history of Jewish communities and especially today with the rise in antisemitic incidents that have occurred since the Israeli attack by Hamas. The impact is being experienced in increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, especially in our youth.
The flip side of this conversation is that inclusive environments often serve as protective factors for mental health. When individuals feel seen, respected, and valued, they are more likely to experience psychological safety, the belief that they can express themselves without fear of ridicule or punishment.
Psychological safety fosters connection, creativity, and resilience. In workplaces, schools, faith communities, and families, diversity awareness can reduce stigma and increase empathy, which supports overall well-being.
Diversity Month encourages education and dialogue. Honest conversations about race, culture, disability, gender identity, and other differences can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but avoidance often perpetuates misunderstanding. Thoughtful dialogue, grounded in curiosity and compassion, helps reduce fear and stereotypes. This process not only benefits marginalized individuals but also supports the mental health of everyone involved. When people develop cultural competence and empathy, relationships become healthier and more authentic.
In schools, diversity education can help students develop stronger self-esteem and social-emotional skills. When children see themselves reflected positively in curricula, leadership, and peer groups, they internalize a sense of belonging. Belonging is one of the most important predictors of good mental health. Students who feel excluded or bullied because of their identity are at greater risk for depression and anxiety.
Each of us carries unconscious biases shaped by upbringing and culture. A commitment to self-examination, asking where our assumptions come from and how they affect others, can reduce interpersonal harm and deepen empathy. Practicing active listening, challenging stereotypes, and standing up against discrimination are small but meaningful actions that promote collective well-being.
On a community level, the Shalom Park Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion( DEI) committee works to support a Jewish community that is welcoming to all. Programs designed to highlight the diversity both within the Jewish community and the Greater Charlotte community can only lead to greater understanding of the similarities as well as the differences among our neighbors and co-workers.
Participating in these programs and opening up our sensitivity to the differences of people surrounding us can result in
connections that build bridges, a cornerstone of mental health. After all, humans are wired for connection as well as belonging; when communities foster inclusion, they create environments where people can thrive.
Ultimately, the intersection of Diversity Month and sound mental health reminds us that inclusion is not just a social ideal; it is a public health imperative. Equity, respect, and representation are protective factors that enhance resilience and reduce harm. We are called not only to celebrate diversity but to actively create spaces where every person can feel safe, valued, seen, supported, and heard.
JFS Tributes- Feb. 2026
In Honor of Eric and Lori Sklut Marc and Mattye Silverman Michael and Judie Van Glish
In Memory of Barbara Levin Jeff and Emily Vaughan
Cantor Leon Lissek Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Volunteers: Brian Ablitz, Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Dan Coblenz, Jonathan Collman, Judy Conley, Andrea Cronson, Erica Davison, Julie Dermack, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Rachel Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Marty Goldfarb, Blair Goldsmith, Richard Goldsmith, Joann Goldstein, Leon Golynsky, Daryl Greenberg, Gail Halverson, Lane Henkin, June Hirschmann, Rebecca Hockfield, Bob Jacobson, Jennifer Koss, Stephanie Kreitman, Glenn Kunkes, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Kim Levy, Adina Loewensteiner, Terry Meyers, Frada Mozenter, Wendy Petricoff, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Cindy Siesel, Stuart Singer, Louis Sinkoe, Lisa Somerson, Lauren Stark, Lorin Stiefel, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman
Thank you For Delivering Shalach Manot: Jessica Alfandary, Alexis Berman, Charlotte Jewish Day School, Marty Goldfarb, Richard Goldsmith, Joann Goldstein, Daryl Greenberg, Marcia Lampert, Terry Myers, Lauren Stark
Baking Hamantashen for Pantry Clients: Lauren Stark
Assembling Shalach Manot: Madison Loftis
Mitzvah Baskets: The Sheffer Family in honor of Abe Sheffers Bar Mitzvah
Live Laugh Give Volunteers: Annie Brackis, Meredith Baumstein, Andrew Bernstein, Andrea Cronson, Rachel Friedman, Blair Goldsmith, Tamar Goldblatt, Kevine Levine, Rachel Peterson, Andrew Rosen,
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte – Adam Kolett
Frances Fass Stuart and Eleanor Bantit
Mary Berkelhammer Doug and Tara Benson
Sam Levy Amalia Warshenbrot & Family
JFS Acknowledgements- Feb. 2026
Karen Silver, Louis SInkoe, Alyssa Wilen
Hadassah Meal Preppies: Denise Abadi, Daisy Allen, Gabriel Allen, Gina Bonfiglio, June and Paul Hirschmann, Johnson and Wales, Judy Kaufmann, Penny Krieger, Judy Nacimento, Mary Jane Rosenthal, Temple Israel Social Action
Food Pantry Donations: To our generous community: Thank you for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building on Shalom Park. Also please look for our donation box in the new security entrance in front of the JCC.