Ellen Braunstein

California, Chicago

Writer at Freelance

Writer and publicist

Articles

Israel Is Turning 77. Can You Celebrate in the DC Area?

3 weeks ago | washingtonjewishweek.com | Ellen Braunstein

With the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7, 2023, deeply etched in memory and global antisemitism on the rise, the celebration of Israel Independence Day takes on profound significance, serving as a reminder of resilience, history and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people in the face of adversity.
Finding Autism Resources in the DC Area

4 weeks ago | washingtonjewishweek.com | Ellen Braunstein

Washington Hebrew Congregation has created a welcoming environment for everyone at synagogue, regardless of their abilities. For Jennifer Berzok, that meant a religious school inclusive of her son, Ben, who is severely disabled by autism. The Reform temple provided college students who shadowed Ben, now 20, in the classroom and made sure he was meaningfully engaged, said Berzok, a lawyer working in health care policy. Many learning opportunities came his way and milestones were reached.
Celebrating Earth Day

1 month ago | baltimorestyle.com | Ellen Braunstein

Earth Day has come a long way since 1970 when the recycling of newspapers and bottles and the pollution of air and water were the top concerns. Celebrated on April 22 every year, Earth Day today highlights the urgent need to take action against climate change, which is a rise in global temperatures driven mostly by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Monster heat waves, the drying out of ecosystems and warming oceans are occurring around the globe and affecting Baltimore.
The Importance of Physical Activity for Older Adults

1 month ago | jewishexponent.com | Ellen Braunstein

By Ellen BraunsteinOlder adults in Philadelphia are reaping the benefits of fitness classes that provide long-term physical, mental and social health. Judy Steinberg, 84, exercises most days at KleinLife, which offers a community center for active, older adults in northeast Philadelphia. Among the classes she takes are “Healing Movement,” “EnhanceFitness,” “Total Body Strength,” Israeli dancing, “Fit Zenergy Blend” and chair Zumba. “It gives me more energy.
Earth Day 2025 - Montgomery Magazine

1 month ago | montgomerymag.com | Ellen Braunstein

Earth Day is every day in Montgomery County. The county government does its part to spread awareness and encourage action against climate change. Montgomery County will sponsor an Earth Day festival on April 26 in Wheaton. GreenFest will feature booths, giveaways and activities that connect residents with green resources, says Sarah Kogel-Smucker, the county’s climate change officer.
YOU SHOULD KNOW ... Becca Bassman

1 month ago | jewishexponent.com | Ellen Braunstein

By Ellen BraunsteinShalom bayit, peace in the home, is a cherished Jewish value that Becca Bassman incorporates into her therapy sessions for couples in the Philadelphia area. “Judaism is something I integrate into my work with couples, especially around the importance of communication and honesty — even when it’s difficult,” she said. This 31-year-old resident of Berlin, New Jersey, recently became a fellow with Tribe 12 in Philadelphia.
New Jewish Cemetery in St. Charles, Missouri, Marks Important Milestone - Rabbi wants to ensure Jewish burial for every Jew in county

1 month ago | chabad.org | Ellen Braunstein

A new Jewish cemetery will soon be consecrated in St. Charles County, Missouri, under the rabbinic leadership of Rabbi Chaim Landa, co-director of the Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish Center of St. Charles County.
Taking Steps Toward a Healthy Heart

2 months ago | baltimorestyle.com | Ellen Braunstein

The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for pumping blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Heart health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet it often remains overlooked until problems arise, said Dr. Sunal Makadia, a cardiologist affiliated with LifeBridge Health in Greater Baltimore. In the United States, 20.5 million adults have coronary heart disease and six to seven million have heart failure.
Eggflation-Proof Purim Cookbook Published by Chabad.org/Food - Cookbook helps families work around country-wide egg shortage and high prices for Purim favorites

2 months ago | chabad.org | Ellen Braunstein

As egg prices continue to soar and grocery-store shelves display increasingly sparse inventory, Jewish families preparing for the upcoming Purim holiday are facing some culinary challenges. Purim, which this year begins on Thursday evening, March 13, and continues through Friday, March 14, commemorates the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a planned massacre in ancient Persia during the fourth century BCE.
Argentinian Shluchim Evacuate Their Flooded Home by Truck

2 months ago | collive.com | Ellen Braunstein

By Ellen Braunstein – Chabad.orgUnprecedented torrential rains in the Argentinian port city of Bahía Blanca have already claimed the lives of 13 people. Chabad-Lubavitch Shluchim Rabbi Shmuel and Shterni Freedman, together with their four children, were rescued from their flooded home on March 7, just hours before Shabbos. Ten inches of rain falling within a few hours created catastrophic conditions throughout the city, destroying bridges and causing asphalt roads to collapse.