Jenna Ashkenazie

Recently, there has been a significant rise in the number of Jews owning guns. We are generally a peaceful group. However, with the rise of anti-Semitism and concern about the upcoming presidential election, more people are choosing to acquire guns in order to feel more secure, and to defend themselves and their families if needed, Gd forbid. 

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in favor of Americans’ right to carry guns in public. This decision impacted many states with stricter gun laws. In New Jersey, for example, in 2021, (the year before the ruling) 631 permits to carry guns were issued. In 2023, the number went up to 19,993, a whopping 3,000 percent increase! Prior to the Supreme Court decision, New Jersey residents seeking permission to carry a gun had to demonstrate they faced “specific threats or previous attacks” that presented a danger to their life. That requirement was struck down.

The number of New Yorkers applying for gun permits rose significantly as well. Last year, the NYPD License Division received 13,369 requests to possess a handgun or rifle at home – an 80 percent increase over the previous year. That’s nearly triple the applications received in 2019. The number of applications to carry concealed weapons in just January and February of this year already surpassed the total for the years 2019-2021 combined. 

Community Response to Gun Ownership

According to Mark Abady, co-owner of the shooting range WESHOOT,  in Lakewood, New Jersey, “It is important that every person has a plan in order to keep their families safe. To some, that means owning a gun, and learning how to shoot it.”  Abady maintains that although owning a gun might not be right for everyone, it can give people a sense of security during these times of animosity and uncertainty. “It [owning a gun] brings control, self-esteem, and confidence.”

John Deloca owns the Seneca Sporting Range in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and has seen a huge spike in customers buying guns and enrolling in classes for people wanting to obtain concealed weapons carry permits. He claims his customers want to arm themselves because they feel unsafe. “People are getting guns because everybody is out of control,” Deloca said. “We’re selling guns like pancakes.”

Has Gun Shooting Practice Gone Mainstream? 

 Not long ago it would have been a crazy idea to go to the shooting range for a date night. But WESHOOT thinks it’s a great idea. “New Jersey’s friendliest public indoor range” offers  a variety of fifty different lessons, “ranging from a simple date night at the range to going through all the training and paperwork to purchase and legally carry a gun.” Customers as young as ten years old are allowed to come shoot a few rounds. They must be accompanied by a legal guardian over 21.WESHOOT even offers a separate class for women. 

Covid, October 7^th, and the Upcoming Elections

Gun sales climbed nationally during the height of the pandemic. Mark Abady noted that both Covid and October 7^th prompted Orthodox Jews to look into gun ownership. He notes,  “Covid and October 7th brought a lot of people to train, buy, and conceal guns. About 40 percent of our clients are Orthodox Jews. With elections coming up, more and more people are looking into acquiring guns. The increase in gun ownership has in turn increased the number of WhatsApp group chats concerning guns.  People ask questions about different types of guns, the benefits of owning certain kinds of guns, and ask general questions about maintaining guns, or even obtaining a license.”   

Increased incidents of anti-Semitism throughout the U.S. have caused extra security precautions throughout the nation – at schools, shuls, Jewish community centers, and in general, buildings that have any sign of servicing the Jewish population. It is no wonder that individuals feel the effects of increased anti-Semitism, and look for ways to protect themselves, including taking self-defense classes, and looking to own a gun. Times of uncertainty naturally cause many to feel heightened anxiety. One response has been to seek protection in the form of firearms. In our community, we know that we are required to do our hishtadlut (make our own efforts) but we recognize that ultimately, our protection comes from Gd.

Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking

What Is Hosha’na Rabba?

There are three designated days in the calendar for good judgment, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Hosha’na Rabba. A judge can sign a court order; however, it will only go into effect when it is handed over to the clerk. On Hosha’na Rabba decisions from Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are sent out to be delivered. On this day we can beseech Hashem, The Judge, before He hands decrees to His “clerks” to reverse His decision.

Every day of Sukkot we walk around the Torah with our lulav and etrog in hand, asking Hashem hosha’na – to please bring salvation and goodness throughout the coming year. On the last day of hol hamo’ed Sukkot, as this is the seventh time that we encircle the Torah and is the climax of Sukkot, we ask for salvation and help from Hashem in many ways, namely regarding the crops and rain. This is the why the day is called Hosha’na Rabba – hosha = save, na = please, rabba = great.

In the times of the Bet Hamikdash, circling the mizbeach with aravot was performed every day of Sukkot once, and on the seventh day – Hosha’na Rabba – seven times. This was so important, that even if it occurred on Shabbat, circling the mizbeach with aravot was still performed in the Bet Hamikdash. 

What do we do that is special on this day? 

1) We study the tikkun throughout the night reviewing the entire Sefer Devarim before midnight and then we recite Tehillim with excerpts of selihot. We recite Hashem Hu HaElokim in Shaharit as we do during the High Holidays. 

2) After Hallel, we circle the Torah seven times reciting the hosha’not prayers which are all-encompassing, as will be detailed. 

3) After the tefillah, we take a bundle of five aravot and bang it against the dirt. It is customary after banging the aravot to go back inside the bet haknesset, open the hechal, and recite Nishmat Kol Hai until (but not including) the blessing of Yishtabah. 

What is the meaning of the extra hosha’not prayers?

We circle around the Torah seven times with our lulav and etrog asking “hosha’na” – please help – while mentioning selihot that upon each segment highlight the merit of one of the seven ushpizin, the first one corresponding to Avraham, the second to Yishak, etc. 

After the seventh circuit, we then build upon the refrain of hosha’na to more and more steps of beseeching, totaling ten steps. 

1. Hosha’na – we open with the core prayer that we have recited every day of Sukkot, asking Hashem to save us. 

2. Anna hoshia na – we ask for the rebuilding of the Bet Hamikdash.

3. Ani VaHu hoshia na – we ask for salvation from oppression with the merit of the four species that correspond to parts of our body etrog = heart, lulav = spine, hadasim = eyes, aravot = lips.

4. Anna El na Hosha’na v’hoshia na – we ask for Him to open the bounty of produce (naming wheat, barley, spelt, oats, rye, rice, millet, beans, lentils, olive trees and their oil, grapes, figs, pomegranates, walnuts, dates, apples, pistachios, almonds, chestnuts, carob, mini fruit, peaches, berries, pears, etrogim, and all types of vegetables and grains).

5. Anna El na hosha’na v’hatsliha na – we ask to be transplanted back in Eretz Yisrael with its full blessings of bounty and water.

6. Anna El na hosha’na v’harviha na Avinu attah – We invoke the merit of Noah, Avraham, Yishak, Yaakov, and Moshe Rabbenu, who found favor in the Eyes of Hashem, and in their merit, we ask Hashem to not withhold blessed rainwater. 

7. Anna El na refa na, selah na, hasha’na v’hoshia na, Avinu attah – we invoke the merit of Noah, Avraham, Yishak, Yaakov, Moshe, and Aharon to have our prayers today be of glory, praise, cherished, etc. to carry us throughout the year.

8. Hoshienu Moshi’enu ki lecha enenu u’lecha lishuatenu – as tomorrow, on Shemini Aseret, we will switch over to ask for rain reciting morid hageshem, we pray for a year of light, blessing, etc. in Aleph Bet order. Here we ask the first four of the Aleph Bet, seemingly introducing and opening the prayer of Shemini Aseret for rain.

9. Ha’El l’mosha’ot am nosha B’Adonai, hosha’na behasdicha meyahalim l’Adonai, ki lishuatecha kivinu Adonai, Adam u’behemah toshia Adonai, ki lishuatecha kivinu Adonai. The yearning for salvation from Hashem is the reason and source of us finding favor in the eyes of Hashem. 

We then culminate these prayers with beseeching Hashem to herald the final redemption through Eliyahu HaNavi with the recitation of kol mevaser, mevaser v’omer.

Sam Sutton

The 2024 M&S Summer Softball season will forever be remembered as the year rookie captain Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda led his team, IDF, to a stunning World Series championship. From the first pitch in May, Beyda’s vision was clear: assemble a team that shared his intensity, passion, and desire to win the M&S Cup. The result was one of the most incredible runs in the league’s storied 17-year history.

Building the Roster

Beyda meticulously crafted his roster to mirror his competitive spirit. From speedy outfielders to hard-hitting sluggers and defensive stalwarts, each player fit into the grand design. In left field, the lightning-fast and tenacious Isaac Sasson patrolled the grass, while rising star David Buca Cohen locked down center field with his athleticism and range. The heart of the lineup revolved around slugger Bernie Pindek, whose power gave IDF a constant threat in the middle of the order.

At third base, Eric Cytryn, known for his clutch hitting and slick defense, anchored the hot corner and brought championship experience, having won the title in the previous season. Meanwhile, Yossi Abramson, a proven winner and a consistent force in right field, rounded out the outfield with his sure glove and veteran leadership.

In the infield, the soft-spoken yet impactful Joey “JoeCo” Cohen made the switch from shortstop to second base, instantly elevating the defense. His smooth fielding and quick throws complemented the infield perfectly. Longtime league veteran and future Hall of Famer Maurice Haber was the glue at first base, his steady presence on and off the field unifying the team. Jack Rueben Bibi, a versatile utility player, contributed invaluable perspective in the locker room, helping to maintain a calm and focused environment, while filling in wherever needed.

Behind the plate, Alfonse Missry was the heartbeat of the team, a gold glove-caliber catcher whose fiery personality injected energy into the dugout. Midseason acquisition Ricky “The Railroad” Rothstein was another rambunctious addition who made an immediate impact, especially in the postseason. Finally, the slick-fielding, clutch-hitting shortstop Mordy Chrem solidified the left side of the infield, rounding out what was, on paper, a championship-caliber roster.

A Humbling Regular Season and the Wild Card Push

Despite the talent on the roster, the regular season presented challenges. After a hot start, IDF hit a bump in the final week of the regular season, suffering a devastating loss that pushed them into the Wild Card round. That defeat was a humbling experience, but it also ignited the fire that would fuel their historic playoff run.

The Wild Card round was a test of resilience. Following a series of play-in games that determined the final postseason matchups, IDF was set to face the Bleacher Creatures. The stakes were high, but Beyda’s squad was not fazed. In fact, they dominated, winning in a blowout, 14-3, as their offense exploded and their defense held firm. It was a statement victory, and it sent a clear message to the rest of the league: IDF was not going to go down easily.

A Thrilling Semi-Final Battle

The semi-finals featured one of the most thrilling series in M&S history, as IDF took on the top-seeded Sarah’s Kibbes team. This was no ordinary matchup – Sarah’s Kibbes had been dominant all season, and many expected them to cruise to the finals. But IDF, having regained its confidence, was ready for the challenge.

Game One saw both teams trading blows in a back-and-forth contest, but it was Game Two that cemented this series as one for the ages. In a gut-wrenching 13-inning marathon, IDF emerged victorious, sealing the series and punching their ticket to the World Series. It was a battle of wills, and Beyda’s leadership and his team’s resilience shone through. The young captain was now back where he had set his sights all season: the World Series.

The World Series: A Matchup for the Ages

In the final showdown, IDF faced off against the Predators, captained by the legendary Michael Sabon Salomon and featuring MVP favorite Mark Barsano. This was no ordinary matchup – the Predators also had Hall of Famer Allie Marshal and last year’s World Series-winning pitcher, Yitz Sutton, on their side. Sutton had already made history by pitching the only known perfect game in World Series history, and he was looking to repeat the feat as champion.

Game One saw the Predators jump out to an early 3-0 lead, but IDF, as they had all season, refused to back down. Ricky “The Railroad” Rothstein delivered a pivotal triple into the left-field gap, setting the stage for IDF to get on the board. A sacrifice fly brought in their first run, and the momentum shifted. Cytryn drove in another run in the fifth inning, and Joey “JoeCo” Cohen added a clutch two-RBI base hit, giving IDF the lead.

The Predators had a chance to tie the game in the seventh inning with runners on second and third and nobody out. A sacrifice fly appeared to score the tying run, but the celebration was short-lived as the umpires convened and ruled that the runner had left third base early. IDF held on to steal Game 1, and suddenly, the Predators were on the ropes.

Game 2: The Championship Moment

In Game Two, IDF came out firing, building an early 4-0 lead. The Predators, however, were not ready to fold. They chipped away, cutting the lead in half by the sixth inning, setting up another dramatic finish. With two outs in the seventh, the Predators loaded the bases, bringing up their best hitter, Mark “Bam” Barsano. In a moment that would define the series, Barsano smoked a ball to third base, but Eric Cytryn – whose defense had been stellar all season – made an incredible behind-the-head catch and quickly tagged out Alan Jemal to end the game and the series.

The improbable run was complete. Edmund Beyda, in just his first year as captain, had led his team to a World Series title. It was Beyda’s second M&S Cup as a player, but this one, as captain, meant so much more.

The Legacy of the 2024 IDF Team

The IDF’s victory in the 2024 M&S World Series was not just about winning a title. It was about perseverance, resilience, and believing in a team when others doubted them. Beyda’s leadership, the clutch performances from players like Rothstein and Cytryn, and the steady presence of veterans like Haber and Bibi, created a championship-caliber atmosphere that carried them through the toughest moments.

As the dust settled on the field and the IDF players celebrated into the night, it became clear that this team had etched its name into M&S history. The 2024 season was a testament to the power of determination, teamwork, and a captain who refused to let his dream slip away.

The 17th season of M&S concluded with one of the most unforgettable championship runs ever, and the next chapter is eagerly awaited. For now, though, the IDF can bask in the glory of being the 2024 M&S World Series champions.

Pnina Souid

The Mitzvah Man received a beautiful letter on August 21st. The letter presented below emphasizes how our contributions to this incredible organization truly impact the lives of others. The dedicated Mitzvah Man volunteers give with their hearts and souls to make a difference in the lives of those in need, including individuals living with serious challenges.

Dear Mitzvah Man Organization,

I am writing to encourage every community member, no matter where they are, to donate to the Mitzvah Man Organization.

Let me tell you the story of a boy named Moishy, who, due to unfortunate circumstances, was sent by his parents to live in a government-run home. 

Moishy is now 17 years old and is the only Jewish boy in the assisted-living home where he resides.

It is a miracle that Moishy still does his best to keep kosher and to go to shul,  a block-and-a-half away from the assisted-living home. Rabbi Shimon Hecht, founder of Chabad of Park Slope and Rabbi at Congregation B’nai Jacob, invites Moishy over every Shabbat.

Look how Hashem watches out for this neshama!

Let’s hear how  the Mitzvah Man Organization stepped up to the plate for Moishy.

Some time ago I called the Mitzvah Man hotline and asked for help to provide Hanukah presents for Moishy. The Mitzvah Man surprised Moishy in school and brought many toys that Moishy had dreamed about but never thought he would have himself.

Now Moishy is older, and needs more help. I turned to the Mitzvah Man Organization again.

Within five minutes of my phone call, I received a list of people willing to help Moishy get a particular toy and money for yom tov clothes. The hesed of the Mitzvah Man volunteers is unbelievable.

I want to personally thank the Mitzvah Man and his volunteers for showing this young man that there are still people who care for him.

I’m begging everyone, near and far, to support this great cause. The Mitzvah Man Organization is truly a lifesaver for those who are less fortunate than we are.

I wish everyone who does hesed like this to have only beracha, mazal, parnassa, and long life to continue to help others. 

Help a Jewish soul TODAY!!!

Sincerely,

B. Teitlebaum

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

Albert is a first responder. He is on call three times a week, ready to jump to the rescue and save people’s lives. He loves his volunteer work and has saved many lives over the years. Albert presented me with the following dilemma: “Rabbi, is there any obligation to rescue people who willingly enter into dangerous situations? Am I responsible to help people who act in a reckless fashion, given that they are not willing to help themselves? And what about Shabbat? I know I’m obligated to desecrate Shabbat to save someone’s life, but does this apply even when someone deliberately endangers themselves?”

Torah Sources

The source of the Torah obligation to take action to save another person’s endangered life is the pasuk, “You shall not stand idly by the blood of another (Vayikra 19:16).” So to rephrase Albert’s question in terms of the pasuk, the question becomes:  Does this mitzva still apply when a person willingly endangers their life?

There is an additional source that one must act to save a fellow man’s endangered  life. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 73a) reasons that if we are obligated to perform hashavat aveda – to return lost property to its rightful owner, all the more so we are obligated to “return” a fellow man’s most precious possession, namely his life itself.

Picking up on this second source, the Minhat Hinuch (237:1) argues that there is no obligation to save the life of a person who deliberately threatened his wellbeing by behaving in a reckless and dangerous manner.  Since the halacha clearly states that one is not required to return lost property that was deliberately lost by its owner (HM 261:4), by extension one need not return the possession of life that was deliberately endangered by its “owner.”

Hacham Ovadia’s Ruling

Hacham Ovadia, zt”l, (Yabia Omer, OC 8:37) however, disagrees. He argues that there is a fundamental distinction between saving lost property and saving an endangered life. Whereas a person is the owner of his monetary possessions, he is not the “owner” of his life. While a person has the right to do as he pleases with his own money, he does not have the right to act recklessly and deliberately risk his life. As the Radbaz (Commentary to the Rambam, Sanhedrin 18:6) writes, “A person’s neshama it not his personal property, it’s the property of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, as the pasuk states, ‘The nefashot belong to Me’ (Yehezkel 18:4).” Therefore, even when a person acts recklessly and disregards his own life – one remains fully responsible to the Divine owner and is still obligated to save him. 

(Although we do not have the right to needlessly endanger our lives, we have explained elsewhere that it is sometimes permitted to entertain a small risk in order to obtain a meaningful positive outcome. For example, to donate a kidney or to undergo elective plastic surgery.)

Hacham Ovadia goes further, insisting that one even desecrate Shabbat to save the life of a person who has acted recklessly. This follows Maran Hida (Birke Yosef, OC 301:6), who writes, “It is obvious that we desecrate Shabbat even for someone who deliberately endangered their life.”  They reject the ruling of Responsa Shevut Yaakov (1:16) that one may not desecrate Shabbat in such instances.  

Hacham Ovadia’s ruling underscores how Judaism views every human life as precious and invaluable. “Whoever saves a single life is considered as if they saved an entire world (Sanhedrin 4:5).” “Guard yourself and exceedingly safeguard your soul (Devarim 4:9)” – do your utmost  to preserve and protect human life (see Brachot 32b). 

In light of the above, the answer to Albert’s question is that the mitzvah to save human life applies, even to someone willingly endangers their life, and even on Shabbat.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas is a worldwide expert, lecturer, and author on Medical Halacha. He heads the Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute. His latest book is “Brain Death in Halacha and the Tower of Babel Syndrome.” To contact Rabbi Finchas, email rabbi@torathabayit.com.

Ellen Geller Kamaras

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream.”

Are you happy at your current job?

That may be a tough question to answer. 

First, what does happy at your job really mean?   

Here are some clues.  Does your job challenge, stimulate, and fulfill you?  Does it meet your financial needs?  When you wake up in the morning do you feel energetic or anxious?

It’s never too late to make a career change or to go back to school!

Full-time employees spend 80,000 hours on the job over the course of their working lives. If you’re going to spend that much time working, why not do something that you are passionate about and brings you happiness and fulfillment?

Studies show that making a career change and learning new skills will keep your brain active and challenged. 

Factors to Consider

Many factors go into choosing a job or career.  You may have been enthusiastic about a chosen career path during college.  But now you may be intrigued by a field that may not have even existed when you decided to pursue your career.

Additionally, things may have changed not only with the economy, the job market, and technology, but also concerning your personal situation, location, or financial needs. Your priorities and values may have altered.  Or you realize the career you chose was not the right fit.

Life is not linear. It can be  a complicated journey with ups and downs.  We may feel the need to adjust our careers as our situation changes, as our values change, and as we grow older.

The Choice I Made

Around 25 years ago, I was feeling satisfied with my accounting job and work-life balance. Then  my manager announced that he was moving my position from Manhattan to Princeton, New Jersy. I was floored!  He gave me a choice – I could commute to Princeton or learn a new job at the company in NYC. 

I decided to give the new position a try.  I knew I could not manage the NJ commute. I still had children in Brooklyn yeshivot. 

The hours at the new job were more demanding and I had to learn a lot of new IT skills.  I sat for many hours with several people who I had to support and provide data to monthly.  They taught me how to upload files to financial systems and a host of other things including conflict resolution, which have all helped me in my personal and professional life.  But I was under more stress, and my new manager was tough. But I succeeded!  Adversity can breed strength.  I am proud to be technologically savvy and I became more marketable because of the job change.

My former manager recommended I read the book, Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson.  The book is a parable about mice and it demonstrates how to handle change and how to avoid pitfalls using these principles:  anticipate and prepare for change, overcome fears, envision success, and enjoy change. I resented the gesture at first, but after reading the book I agreed that someone had moved my cheese and I had to pivot to something new.

I learned that it is important to be open, flexible, and even embrace change for our personal growth, self-improvement, and so much more. Yes, change can be positive!

Try It Out

Kate Lee, an executive coach and consultant, wrote, “What makes sense for 20-year-old you is not necessarily what makes sense for the 60-year-old you.” Or for the 35- or 40-year-old you.

If you have a passion that you regret never having pursued, you owe it to yourself to revisit it.

Are you wary of taking that first step?    

Imagine waking up in the morning and feeling inspired.  You do not feel anxious or stressed, you are not headed to a job you dread.  When your feet hit the floor, you start to smile.  Feeling that way means having a career that aligns with your values and lifestyle and gives you purpose and fulfillment. 

A New Trend

Millions left their jobs in 2022.  Bonnie Dowling, co-author of the Great Attrition Report, published by McKinsey on Finance quarterly publication, says that this was not a passing trend or related to the pandemic labor market.  “There’s been a fundamental shift in workers’ mentality, and their willingness to prioritize other things in their life beyond whatever job they hold.”

A research study conducted by the American Institute for Economic Research found that in any given year, there are between one and two million older career changers.  Another finding was that 90 percent of career changers reported that once they changed careers they felt happier, less stressed, and more successful overall. And many people switch careers more than once.

In 2017, I took the leap, reinvented myself, and downsized from Flatbush to Brooklyn Heights.  To promote my new career, I began writing for Community Magazine and discovered I love to write and to connect with new people.

Practical Tips

Explore the new career you are contemplating:  Talk to as many people as possible who are in the career or industry that you want to move to.  Do your due diligence. Network and make connections.  Research the education requirements, the current job market, the opportunities, and the challenges.  Google the top careers and the related education requirements, salaries, and growth opportunities.

Ideally, arrange an internship or shadow someone before you enroll in school. I was ready to sign up for a Teaching Fellows program thinking it would be a great career change for a working mom and I would have summers off with my kids.  Thankfully, I wrote out pros and cons and discovered that I enjoy the one-on-one connection with kids more than teaching thirty children in a classroom.

Talk to your current supervisor or find a mentor in your organization.   My dermatologist has helped send several of her medical assistants to programs to learn to be physician assistants or nurses.

Register for a non-matriculated class (meaning you are not officially enrolled as a student) or for the first course in a certificate program.  That’s what I did with life/career coaching.  On the first day of class, I was mesmerized by my professor and was inspired by the concept of partnering with people to make positive changes in their lives.

Find a volunteer position, especially if you are interested in a health, educational, or public health-related field.  I volunteered at a hospital before applying to health advocacy graduate programs.  I met career changers of all ages there. 

Recognize that every career has tedious aspects.  Physicians are required to input extensive amounts of patient documentation.  A film producer must prepare a budget for each project.  And even though lawyers can now file motions online they still have a great amount of paperwork to complete.

• Is your career making you unhappy or is it the environment, the organization, or your co-workers or your boss?   

Make sure the actual work or job responsibilities are the problem before you decide to change careers.  Are you just burnt out?  Do you need better work-life balance or shorter hours? Consider whether you cut your hours and responsibilities or can move to another division, a different office, or another organization or industry.  

• If the work itself no longer fulfills you, what would?  

Think about what you want to gain from a career change and about what you will lose or leave behind. 

Consider consulting with a life or career coach to get clear, intentional, and strategic about your next move or career change.  There are also free career support resources in the community, such as at Sephardic Bikur Holim, Propel, OU, and the Jewish Federation.

A coach can provide a safe space to help you get in touch with what you want your career/life to look like and to help you set SMART goals and an action plan to make it happen.  It is helpful to have an accountability partner when you make any significant life change.  Many of us have an exercise or walking partner to keep us motivated and accountable when we want to create new healthy habits.

Take an inventory of your strengths, skills, and the factors contributing to your job satisfaction or dissatisfaction.  

• Can you afford the change?  

Do you have savings or a spouse or family member who can support you while you go back to school?   Or can you take classes at night or on weekends?  If you have children, can you afford childcare while you are in school or can family pitch in?

Many people go to school at night or on weekends.  Fortunately, many programs are offered online.  If you are interested in a health-related field, recognize that even if most of your learning is remote, for some of the learning you will be required to show up in person and may be required to be present at a hospital as part of the program.