Going from Strength to Strength: A Look at the VIA Character Strengths

Jillian Coppley Darwish provided the 3rd part in this Thriving Jewishly Series. This is a deep dive into the VIA Institute's Character Strength system, and how it can be used in Jewish educational sites.

PRE SESSION THREE READINGS

1. Video about Mayerson Academy as an introduction to Jillian Coppley Darwish and her work. 
2. Article from ejewishphilanthropy about applying positive psychology in congregations.

POST-SESSION THREE RESOURCES

1. Take the VIA Character Strengths survey!  
2. Jewish applications of the Character Strengths:

   a) Building Mensches One Character Day at a Time (article from the Jewish News of Northern California)

   b) Making Mensches: A Periodic Table (from the Foundation of Jewish Camp)
3. Short films about character development

   a) The Science of Character

   b) The Making of a Mensch (scroll down)
4. Click View Resources below for an exploration of the Purim story through Character Strengths and more.