"Angry? You've Destroyed!" – Award-Winning Project Born in the Laundry Room

"I sat in front of the pile of laundry, patiently sorting it into the mouth of the machine, and then suddenly – the idea I had been waiting for arrived. The thought was: what more could be done in memory of my father," opens Avigail Chemiyan in an interview about the national project that is taking shape these days, which started simply in the laundry room.

"We've got pacifier g'mach, I thought to myself, a bridal accessory g'mach, a kindness organization for new mothers, and a speech guard organization," continues Chemiyan. "When I was thinking of how else to contribute, what else could be invented for our community’s benefit, it seemed as if 'all roles are already taken.' Everything exists. Everything has been invented. Then, somehow, this topic arose, one that no one likes to discuss personally – to admit to themselves or their acquaintances, or even admit to themselves, that they also succumb to it. Our anger. It's annoying, it exists, and it makes us mad. We are sure that only we fall into its trap, and that the neighbor is always smiling at her kids, husband, mother-in-law, and boss. Well, she’s not. We all struggle within, and usually when we talk about anger – it’s negative. 'Ugh, why did I get angry?', 'I fell for it again.' 'When will this kid stop annoying me?' and so on. So why not face it together and commend each other for overcoming it?"

And so it was born. A project to spread awareness about the harms of anger, under the title "Angry? You've Destroyed!" The project's aim is to raise awareness, and above all, to help each other overcome more, get angry less, and thereby gain. What's gained?

"Well, beyond the immense spiritual benefit found in restraint, forfeiting and silence, my sister, attorney Chen Masian, and I thought of holding a monthly prize draw, where each Rosh Chodesh, the chosen person would receive an interesting gift. It could be a gift card, a high-quality electrical product, a bedding set, or a pampering package, and most importantly feel the feedback here and now. To get used to enjoying our restraint."

So how does one actually enter such a draw? Very simple. Send a message to attorney Chen Masian and Avigail Chemiyan, the project initiators, at tel: 077-6426117 (for women only) with details of an instance of overcoming anger. Every instance, every act of overcoming, no matter how small, counts. The email should include a full name and current address, so there is somewhere to send the gift if that project member wins the monthly draw.

Some of the cases that have come before the project include a wide variety of challenges. From overcoming anger towards a husband who didn't take out the trash for several days, through a preschool teacher who overcame anger towards the assistant, to neighbor relations saved from conflict due to a policy of restraint (the latter, by the way, won the lottery last month).

What else is in the project? Sending written material and video clips to any member interested in strengthening in this area and reading about it. Just ask, at the email mentioned above. In addition, lectures on these topics from time to time. This week, for example, there was a lecture on this topic with Rabbi Chaim Zaid shlit"a, the rabbi of the Pardes Katz neighborhood. Here is the lecture:

No participation fee, no membership fee. Joining the project is completely free.

The project is in memory of Mordechai ben Sarah, and for the benefit of us all.

The next draw will take place on Rosh Chodesh Shevat. Waiting for your letters of overcoming at tel: 077-6426117 (for women only).

To purchase the book "How to Be Saved from Anger?" at Hidabroot Shops, click here.