by Chana Kornfeld
What is the role of a Shliach? Some would say he is an igniter of souls, and that would be true. Others would say he is a visionary and builder of Jewish landmarks across the globe, and that would also be true. But perhaps the most essential role of a Shliach is to provide whatever a fellow Jew needs. And the needs of the people change; with every generation, new challenges arise and today, while most people’s bellies are fortunately full with food, many are feeling emptiness in their hearts and souls. As community leaders, Shluchim are often turned to in times of need, and today, more than ever, the psychological and emotional needs of the population are great.
In response to the current needs of our communities, the Rabbinical College of America launched an innovative and robust new program: The Mental Health Initiative of New Jersey. The Initiative is an invaluable and supportive resource to the Shluchim of New Jersey and the wider New Jersey community, providing professional development workshops and trainings focused on mental health awareness, community-wide programming, and “kinusim” (gatherings) for Shluchim families.
Last week, at Chabad of Short Hills, was one such event. In partnership with Shalom Task Force, a Jewish organization dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence and fostering healthy and safe relationships in family units, the initiative offered Shluchim who are serious about expanding their knowledge and skills in the field of mental health a comprehensive training on domestic abuse.
“Shluchim have always been at the forefront of serving their communities’ spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. The Mental Health Initiative, with programs like yesterday’s training, provides an opportunity for them to further their understanding of mental health wellness”, says Rabbi Mendy Herson, Associate Dean of the Rabbinical College of America.
Abuse is a reality at times, and a family struggling with domestic violence certainly needs help. To navigate the sensitive plight of abuse, a Rabbi or Rebbetzin needs to be prepared with the knowledge and the ability to counsel and guide a struggling family to helpful resources. Yesterday’s clergy training on Domestic Abuse was given by a Rabbi, a therapist and an attorney to give the attendees an extensive understanding of the topic and to examine the integral role of the Shliach when dealing with a family suffering from domestic violence.
Over the course of the 5-hour training, the participants learned the tell-tale signs of abuse, the components of healthy and unhealthy relationships, the legal ramifications of a domestic violence case, and how to best be supportive to a struggling family.
“I found the Domestic Abuse Training very insightful,” says Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz of Chabad of West Orange. “As shluchim and community leaders, many of us have come across some form of domestic abuse within our circles. It’s helpful to be able to receive this training from professionals in the field.
Maybe just as significant is getting together with our fellow New Jersey shluchim. We are grateful to the organizers and host shluchim for sponsoring us and making it happen.”
Since its inception last January, the Mental Health Initiative has hosted dozens of events with a mix of professional trainings, community events, and social gatherings for the Shluchim and their families.
The goal of the Mental Health Initiative is to support mental wellness in the New Jersey community at large and in community members individually through the state’s dedicated and talented team of Shluchim. The initiative also focuses on supporting the Shluchim themselves. Nothing revitalizes the spirit like human connection and so the initiative is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between fellow Shluchim and fellow Shluchos through social gatherings.
Shluchim have embraced the initiative and are finding the progressive programming to be empowering in their holy work. Not only are Shluchim broadening their own skills and knowledge in the field of Mental Health, but they are also furthering the cause of mental and emotional wellness in their communities.
Looking back on the year’s tremendous success, the Mental Health Initiative is excited about future growth and innovation. Launching this January is a stipend program for Shluchim families to offset the cost of individual therapy.
“The mental health initiative in NJ is unprecedented”, says Mushky Levinson, the project coordinator. “We have gotten great feedback and requests for future programming and we are excited to implement them.”
With Chabad’s ultimate goal of eternal peace, the mental health initiative is targeting internal peace and aiming to support the esteemed Shluchim of New Jersey in their holy work of meeting the inner needs of each and every Jew.
From the bottom of my heart, all Rabbis & Mashpiim should also have to take such a course. But please remember, the abuser is often a very gifted actor and can fool anyone (even a very learned Rabbi) who isn’t highly trained about this.
Although they are not in any pictures, I certainly hope that the NJ Shluchas were also present for this training, since if a wife needs help, she is probably more comfortable opening up at the beginning to another woman.