Hope after Oct. 7: Turning trauma into strength through education

As Israel confronts the challenges of the post–Oct. 7 and post–Gaza war era, Tal Ben-Shahar, an internationally recognized educator and author on positive psychology and leadership, told JNS that the science of happiness can help transform severe trauma into post-traumatic growth.

Ben-Shahar, who holds a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Harvard University, attended the Yael Foundation’s fourth annual education summit in Vienna, Austria—focused this year on resilience, innovation, leadership, Jewish identity and the challenges of modern education—where he delivered a lecture titled “Positive Leadership: The Science of Happiness” on the intersection of leadership, psychology and well-being.

“There has been great emphasis on dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and on how to avoid it,” Ben-Shahar said. “At the same time, it’s also important to talk about the potential for post-traumatic growth.”

According to a 2025 study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheva, nearly half of young adults in Israel now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The rate among young adults aged 18-24 soared from 25% before the war to 42% after it began. Among those evacuated from their homes on the Jewish state’s southern and northern borders, the rate increased to 60%.

The study also highlighted rises in depression, loneliness and harmful coping mechanisms, such as self-blame and substance abuse.

Ben-Shahar pointed to the Hebrew word mashber, meaning crisis, which can lead to shever, a breakdown. But mashber also carries a biblical meaning: the birthing chair—a place associated with new life and growth.

“The science of happiness provides real tools and techniques that we can implement in our lives to grow from crisis,” he said. “After Oct. 7, for example, we saw a flood of generosity, kindness and giving. One of the most powerful ways to deal with trauma and grow from it is through contribution, charity and helping others.”

Another key factor, Ben-Shahar said, is social support.

“Many people ask how Israel can be one of the happiest countries in the world given the obvious challenges it has faced not only since Oct. 7, but for decades before,” he said. “The answer is relationships—social relationships. Whether it’s the habit of visiting family for Shabbat dinners or spending time with friends, the focus on relationships is critical to the happiness of both individuals and society. Israel excels on that front.”

Physical activity also plays an important role in post-traumatic growth, he added.

“The Rambam (Maimonides) spoke of a healthy mind and body as inseparable,” Ben-Shahar said. “Being physically active is extremely important for mental health, not just physical health.”

While post-traumatic growth is never guaranteed—and some people who endure hardship struggle for years afterward—Ben-Shahar emphasized that increasing the likelihood of PTG, rather than deterioration, requires attention not only to relationships but also to a central element of Judaism: recognizing the good and practicing gratitude.

“We know from psychological research that appreciating what we have, rather than taking it for granted, makes us not only happier but also more successful and physically healthier,” he said. “This is especially important in difficult times. Appreciating the small things in life and not taking anything for granted is critical for mental health, resilience and overcoming adversity.”

In the realm of education, Ben-Shahar said Judaism, as a philosophy, can help children approach life differently.

“The founder of positive psychology, Professor Martin Seligman, always asks parents two questions,” Ben-Shahar told JNS. “The first is what they want most for their children, and the second is what children actually learn in school. There is almost no overlap.”

While parents hope their children will be happy, resilient, healthy and capable of maintaining strong relationships, the subjects taught in school—such as languages, mathematics, biology, physics and history—are largely unrelated. While schools must continue teaching traditional subjects, Ben-Shahar argued that learning how to lead a full and meaningful life is no less important.

“Many ideas that are only now being validated by psychological research are already embedded in Jewish thought and tradition,” he said. “For example, the first words a Jew says in the morning are Modeh Ani. Expressions of gratitude are inherent to our tradition.”

Another concept essential to personal growth and fulfillment, Ben-Shahar said, is the importance of rest.

“There is a great deal of discussion about stress and how dangerous it can be,” he said. “But stress can also lead to growth. When stress is paired with recovery, growth occurs. For instance, when you lift weights at the gym, you are stressing your muscles. That stress is not harmful if you take time to recover between workouts. But if you constantly stress the body without rest, injury is inevitable.”

The concept of Shabbat, he added, embodies this philosophy of rest. “The idea of pausing—whether for a day, a week or even 20 seconds before or after a meal—is critical for coping with the immense stress of modern life, and even more so since Oct. 7,” Ben-Shahar said.

“Our children, and adults as well, need to see the value of Jewish ideas and Jewish thought in their daily lives,” he said. “The Torah is called Torat Chaim—a guide to living. When I graduated as a Ph.D. student, my supervisor gave me Pirkei Avot (‘Ethics of the Fathers’) as a gift and told me that everything I would ever want to learn about psychology is found in that book.”

“We need to draw on that wisdom and make it practical and appealing for our children,” Ben-Shahar told JNS.

The post Hope after Oct. 7: Turning trauma into strength through education appeared first on JNS.org.