By COLlive reporter
In response to this week’s tragic passing of a young child in Miami, Chai Lifeline and the Lubavitch Educational Center presented a community-wide program offering chizuk and practical guidance for parents and educators.
The event held at Beis Menachem of North Miami Beach was an evening of hashkafic, psychological and practical support.
Rabbi Yosef Zavdi, an administrative member of Lubavitch Educational Center was the MC for the evening.
Rabbi Benzion Korf, Dean of Lubavitch Educational Center, gave introductory and touching remarks about how the tragic and untimely loss of Sholom Tauber obm has impacted all of us because we are one family in Klal Yisroel.
The evening also educated the public on the services of Chai Lifeline, which is there for the entire community, through tragedies, illnesses sudden deaths and traumas, however, the death of a child is a painful tragedy that we all feel.
Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services, addressed the trauma itself. He said that trauma impacts everyone differently.
Rabbi Dr. Fox explained that many may have obsessive thoughts, some will be affected spiritually, and some will behave differently with actions. Even feeling anger is a form of Tefillah to Hashem, he explained.
He noted that it is important to speak to someone you trust about whatever one is feeling. If sad and depressive feelings persist longer than a few weeks, one must speak with a professional, he said.
Asking why isn’t helpful to anyone, and it only leads to more questions, he pointed out, but asking questions such as “what can I do help?” Or “what can I do to be a better individual?” is helpful.
His advice: Be there for each other. Be nicer. Be a better spouse, parent, and friend. As far as explaining this to kids, there is no need to give details, just the truth itself is ok, Rabbi Dr. Fox said.
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